Japanese Maple Bonsai - A
perfect Bonsai for Beginners
A Japanese Maple Bonsai is
a perfect choice if you are considering getting into this
hobby. Bonsai is a fantastic way to release your
creativeness and give you hours of pleasure.
Bonsai dates back to around 200 AD when it was used for
decorative purposes, and still remains popular in the new
millennium.
The Japanese Maple Bonsai is a very popular choice amongst
Bonsai enthusiasts, because it’s simple to grow and it is a
very hardy tree, making it a perfect first choice. It’s
beautiful colors are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and
is certain to brighten up any area of your home. You will be
sure to receive many favorable comments from your visitors.
When choosing your Japanese Maple Bonsai, there are a few
things to consider. Choose a tree that is approximately 4
inches in diameter, that way it allows you to fashion the
tree into a variety of shapes. The most popular shape is
that of the tree in its natural state.
If you are planning on purchasing a seedling, make sure you
select one that is large, looks strong and healthy. The
Japanese Maple Bonsai can be also be grown from a seed,
however if you are a beginner a seedling is probably a wiser
choice.
The color display from the Japanese Maple Bonsai is
spectacular. There are a few different varieties, of this
species, being the Red leaved, the dwarf and the rough
barked. The red leaved is perhaps the most popular with its
display of brilliant red leaves in the spring and summer.
The trunk and branches even take on a chameleon effect,
changing colors. As the leaves mature they become a lovely
pink color. They will eventually become green with tinges of
pink and during the fall they change color again to become a
deeper pinky/red color that will eventually take over the
whole leaf. An amazing kaleidoscope of beautiful color, to
say the least. In the winter months the tree will lose its
leaves.
This particular species of tree needs a small amount of
shade during summer months, however at other times it will
require full sun. The Japanese Maple Bonsai is tolerant of a
chilly climate but is susceptible to leaf burn if the
weather is too cold. Protection from the wind is also a
must.
Caring for your Japanese Maple Bonsai is relatively simple
and if done consistently, you will be rewarded with a
beautiful display. Bonsai’s need to be fertilized and
watered regularly, although do take care as these plants
don’t grow in a lot of soil, so they can dry out very
quickly. Be sure not to over water either as this can cause
the roots to rot.
It is important to shape your Bonsai’s branches into the
desired shape and this is easily done with the help of wire.
Wire also allows the branches to strengthen. Using the
correct wire is important so that corrosion does not occur.
Anodized aluminum or brown copper wire is the most commonly
used.
Looking after your Japanese Maple Bonsai is not difficult
and with some simple love and care, you will have a
beautiful tree that gives you many hours of viewing
pleasure.
I wish you all the best on your
japanese maple bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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