When looking around for the best
tree to grow bonsai, you will discover that you actually have a number of great
choices. However, one of the top choices is the Chinese Bonsai tree. With a
magnificent appearance and the ability to train in many styles, this tree is one
of the most popular choices and for good reason. For starters, you might
consider the Chinese Flowering White Serissa, which is also known as the “Tree
of a Thousand Stars”. The leaves of this tree are relatively elongated and
spoon-shaped with wonderful, shiny leaves. The chinese bonsai tree is
also a twiggy tree, one that will grow tighter as you shear it. Best of all are
the white, trumpet shaped blossoms. While you can choose a number of styles, the
full upright canopy is by far the most beautiful.
Another type of Chinese bonsai tree is the Chinese Elm. This tree has amazing
small evergreen leaves that stay on the tree throughout the year. The leaves and
tree are extremely hardy with wonderful branching characteristics. In addition,
you will fall in love with the twisted trunk and exposed roots, something you do
not get with many other Chinese bonsai trees. Because of this, the Chinese Elm
has an ancient look that is truly mesmerizing. Best of all, this type of tree
can be cared for easily indoors. Remember, regardless of the type of tree you
choose, your goal is to grow a miniature tree in a shallow pot or tray. It just
so happens to be that the Chinese bonsai tree is one of the best options for
achieving this.
Next, there is the extra large Chinese Elm, formally called the Ulmus Parvifolia.
Although this tree is a bit more expensive than the smaller version, you still
enjoy the beautiful leaves all year round. These too are exceptionally hardy and
the trunk and exposed roots are the same, just larger. This Chinese bonsai tree
will grow to about 15 inches tall and can easily live up to 14 years or more if
carefully cared for. You can choose the large option of this same tree that is
much the same, hardy with great branching characteristics. The tree will grow to
around 10 inches tall and can live up to 10 years old.
When growing chinese bonsai trees, you need to remember that one of the
main problems is that they are prone to Black Leaf Spot. This fungal disease
will seriously harm the tree. Therefore, it must be treated immediately. The
disease will begin in the spring when new leaves are just beginning to open up,
as well as during the spring months when it rains. Keep in mind that Black Leaf
Spot only affects the new, tender growth that has not yet hardened. Once the
leaves are infected, the disease will quickly spread to the branches, making
them appear as if they have been burned. The result is that the branches will
soon shrivel up and die. If the fungal problem is not taken care of right away,
you will lose the entire tree.
For your Chinese bonsai tree, you can choose from a number of products on the
market. One of the best is called Daconil, which is used first on the crown,
drenching it and then working down to get all of the leaves wet. However, you
need to make sure the infected leaves are drenched and not the ones that are
healthy. The key with any Chinese bonsai tree is to avoid the problem in the
first place. To do this, never water the new leaves until they have become
hardened. Then, as soon as you notice any change of color on the leaves, you
want to pay attention. If you take your Chinese bonsai tree outdoors for fresh
air and sunlight, make sure the new, tender leaves never get wet by the rain.
With a little bit of precaution, you can save your Chinese bonsai tree from this
and other diseases.
