Bonsai Tree professional in Clapham
mikbonsai – your local choice for bonsai trees in Clapham
We are a specialist local seller providing a diverse range of bonsai trees and accessories. We do not send trees, as we believe in personal service. We have premises in Twickenham and Brentford (near to Clapham) and would welcome you to see what we have on offer.
What are Bonsai Trees?
Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is an ancient oriental horticultural art form.
The word Bonsai literally means, in both Chinese and in the Japanese language, tree in a pot or plant-in-a-tray
How to care for your bonsai trees
Bonsai in different parts of the world require different care, all websites focus on where the author is based. We focus on the needs of bonsai in and around Clapham.
Bonsai trees are seen by many as works of art. Superior examples can take many years of patient care to perfect. The great thing is that even the least experienced observer can enjoy the beauty of these miniature trees by focusing on a few basic maintenance rules
Location of your bonsai trees in Clapham
Bonsai trees do best outside in a well ventilated area that receives plenty of sunlight. Ventilation and sunlight, as well as encouraging growth, will discourage disease and the growth of fungus.
In winter, once nightly temperatures drop, it is time to bring your outdoor bonsai trees inside, or protect them in suitable structures. The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing south. An east or west exposure is second best.
Indoor bonsai require copious amounts of sunlight, and in the winter, need to be somewhere cool so they can “rest”.
Watering your bonsai trees in Clapham
Believe it or not, but more bonsai trees are lost due to improper watering than from all other causes combined.
Due to the very small amount of soil a bonsai tree lives within, there is no capacity for water reserves, equally if the wood of the roots is left in water, they will rot. Therefore the watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry. Avoid allowing the soil to become totally dry. As a general rule, water bonsai trees daily, particularly in spring and summer. Little and often, especially early in the morning. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this risks damaging the leaves when in direct sunlight.
In summer on hot days they may require watering twice a day.
Fertilizing in Clapham
As your bonsai grows it will take food from the soil. Given the very limited amount of soil in bonsai containers, a liquid fertilizer should be applied every 2 – 4 weeks to ensure adequate nutrients are available to the bonsai tree. Fertilizer should be applied at least once every 4 weeks except during winter. Bonsai trees need to rest in the winter.
Pruning and Cutting Bonsai Trees in Clapham
One of the main skills in caring for bonsai trees is the skill and art of pruning. Approached logically and with an eye to balance and beauty, it can be done by anyone.
The secret to good pruning is to cut any growth which is growing up or down wards in direction.
Follow the basic principle of measure twice, cut once. You can always cut it again later, but can never stick it back once cut!
There are two kinds of bonsai pruning: branch and root pruning
Insects and Diseases in and around Clapham
Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, visit your local garden centre and who stock bug killers and fungus eradicators.
Indoor Bonsai
There are many varieties of plants that do well as an indoor bonsai such as Ficus, Aralia, Azalea, Norfolk pine, Serissa, Gardenia, Jade, Mango or Boxwood.
Outdoor Bonsai
There is a wide choice of trees for outside bonsai such as Oaks, Elms, Pines, Junipers, Acers, Zelkova, cotoneaster, apple, or honeysuckle.
Bonsai Tools for Beginners in Clapham
Scissors, tweezers, branch cutters, concave cutters, wire cutters & pliers are the first tools often recommended.
Scissors and branch cutters are for pruning small branches; tweezers are for keeping the bonsai pots tidy by picking up small debris such as leaves and picking out small weeds.
Bonsai Starter Tools
Starter kits should include the following bonsai tools:
- Bonsai Wire Cutters & Pliers
- Bonsai Trimming Shears
- Concave Branch Cutter
- Spherical Knob Cutter
- Bud Trimming Shears
- Root Hook
- Leaf cutters
- Tweezers
- Bonsai Sickle
- Coconut fibre brush Steel Rake
References:
Connie Todd
The Iowa Bonsai Association
The national bonsai society
Ausbonsai
Bonsai clubs international
US Bonsai
Clapham bonsai – Clapham bonsai – Clapham bonsai – Clapham bonsai – Clapham bonsai
Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham – Clapham
mikbonsai – Your #1 choice for Bonsai Trees
