When you go out to buy an indoor bonsai tree, there are several things to consider. You want to get a tree that is as healthy as possible, especially if this is your first bonsai. If you start with a healthy tree, you job will be to care for and train your tree. If you start out with a tree that is at less than optimum health, you will need to get the tree healthy before you move forward. By learning these 3 things you will be ready to buy bonsai with confidence.
Do NOT Buy Bonsai From a Discount or Grocery Store
If you do, odds are high that your tree will be less than healthy. The objective of these stores is to sell you a tree, not to give you a healthy tree that will thrive into the future. The best place to buy bonsai is from a local bonsai nursery. If this is not possible, the next best place is a plant nursery or a reputable online bonsai nursery.
Consider the Species Carefully
You want to choose a species that thrives in the environment in which you intend to place your tree. Bonsai, after all, are simply miniature versions of their natural counterparts. If you intend to keep your bonsai as an indoor bonsai tree, you want to choose a Tropical or Subtropical species, as these tend to thrive in conditions similar to what is found in most homes and offices.
Look for Warning Signs of Poor Health
There are several things that you can look for which indicate a tree is not as healthy as it may first appear. Broken or injured branches or trunk are a red flag that the bonsai has not been taken care of properly. Yellow or spotted leaves indicate that disease or shock are present and also indicate a tree in poor health. Weeds present in the soil are also a bad sign because they are taking needed nutrients from the tree. If you gently bump the pot and the tree teeters, you want to avoid this tree as the roots are not strong and healthy.
If you follow these 3 simple guidelines when you go to buy bonsai you will start your bonsai experience out on the right foot. Make sure you buy bonsai from a reputable bonsai nursery either locally or online, choose the correct species for where you place it, and look for the warning signs of a tree in poor health. Doing this will allow you to embark on a hobby that will bring relaxation and beauty into your life.
Learn more about the critical things you need to know before you buy bonsai from Kathleen Rolloff and her Indoor Bonsai Tree blog.
Indoor plants bring a warmth and natural atmosphere to the home or office and can be a great decorating tool to compliment your furnishings and architecture. Choose your color, size, leaf design and maintenance requirements from a bevy of indoor beauties to call your own, many of which only ask for an occasional drink and pruning.
Plants Toxic to Animals.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are over 700 harmful and sometimes deadly plants that can poison our pets and should never be grown inside or outside on your property. Cats in particular will nibble the leaves and seeds unaware of the adverse reaction to follow which, in many cases, is fatal. Check with HumaneSociety.Org for a comprehensive list of deadly houseplants that can harm your beloved pet. Cardiac arrest, kidney failure, neurological disorders and gastrointestinal disruptions are the most common symptoms from plant toxins and must be treated immediately.
Bonsai Trees.
The bonsai tree makes an excellent house guest with minimal maintenance and a lot of style. These miniature trees come with traditional green foliage or colorful buds, strutting their stuff in full animation designs. The bonsai plant does well in almost any kind of potting, from glass terrarium containers to simple shallow pans. Use richly textured color gravel to fit your creative space or design your own world with miniature ceramics and garden accessories. Larger bonsai, such as the Golf Ball Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai tree will require a heavy cast planting pot, but most of the unique bonsai species will thrive with minimal planting space. Use the bonsai for your kitchen countertop, wall niche or that perfect centerpiece for the dining room table. Most bonsai enthusiasts are ardent indoor plant collectors, where the first little tree is merely the flash point for a lifetime of bonsai appreciation. Buy a bonsai and join the club.
Helpful Hints.
Your bonsai plant may be moved outdoors in the spring and summertime, however, they do not thrive well when the temperatures drop below 40 F. In addition, all types of indoor plants may be temporarily moved to a protected patio when you are on vacation. Just be sure that you keep a cardboard or canvas barrier over the plants to shield them from intense direct sunlight or wind conditions. Plant sitters are available in the phone book, but if you are not comfortable giving them the key to your home, send your indoor foliage to the back porch for two weeks and all will be well when you return.
Pots and Containers.
Part of the decorating fun is finding the perfect plant container to mix and match with your interior color schemes. The best pots and containers for your indoor plant to thrive should have drainage holes and plenty of room for your plant to grow its roots. Small terra cotta pots are often used as a transport vehicle from the store or greenhouse to the home, but are insufficient to sustain a healthy plant life. Ceramic and clay pots remain the number one choice of indoor plant enthusiasts, however, lightweight plastic and fiberglass containers will work just as well. Larger plants may be complimented with bold brass and copper pots, available in sweet petite to astronomical sizes.
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate . Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas homes for sale and Austin Texas real estate Blog can be found on the net.