Here are presented some of the most commonly used species in bonsai and with which I am most familiar with. Generally, any plant with woody stems that can resist the constant pruning of branches and roots and has morphological properties to allow a good proportion (mainly leaf size) can be used as bonsai. Avoid using plants with variegated leaves as it does not seem very natural as bonsai.
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Acer
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This is the deciduous tree most often used in bonsai. There are several species and varieties suitable for bonsai, but the most used are Acer palmatum and Acer buergerianum. The seasonal changes are spectacular, going from light green in spring, to yellow and scarlet in autumn. There are varieties with dark red foliage.
Should be sheltered from direct sun in mid-summer, providing you with shade during the hours of greatest heat. Need protection against ice and strong winds in winter. |
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Should be wired when they have no leaves to prevent them from breaking the branches or the new leaves. For the best color in autumn, should be fed with low nitrogen fertilizer from the middle of summer.
Should be repot every year or every other year, as growth last year. Propagate easily from seed, cuttings and layering.
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Juniperus
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Along with the pines, junipers are the most commonly used perennials in bonsai. They are widely used as ornamental plants in gardens. Tolerates very dry soil and full sun exposure. They have the particularity to present the green foliage for a few months after they died.
Plants that have up to 10 years should be repoted every two years, for older trees you should increase the period between repoting. Use a compound with more sand than normal to facilitate drainage. |
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In Spring use a fertilizer with high nitrogen content to obtain a green foliage.
The junipers must constantly be pruned to remain compact. Do not use scissors in this task because you'll leave brown marks on the tips of the leaves. Hold the branch with one hand, and with the other, grasp the foliage to take off and pull. You will see that the results are much better. You should use gloves to do this.
Normally propagated by cuttings or by layering (takes root easily even in very thick branches).
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Ligustrum
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In my opinion, this is the best species for beginners, and is practically indestructible. It is extremely vigorous, takes root and sprouts with an impressive ease and is very easy to model. It is very much used in hedges and borders and the bonsai found in supermarkets are mostly privet. |
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Should be placed in a well lit place to allow the leaves grow reduced in size. However, there are plants that tolerate shade and can eventually be grown inside. In winter, should be protected from frost and it is normal to lose some leaves. In the spring will grow rapidly, so a severe pruning in late winter is essential. During the growing season, you will need time to prune the constantly growing sprouts.
Must use a regular bonsai soil.
Easily propagated by cuttings and air layering.
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Larix
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Larches are deciduous conifers ie if they are with the foliage, look like pines and when autumn comes the leaves become yellow / bronze and fall. In terms of evolution, is the latest species of evolved trees, combining the advantages of perennials and deciduous.
They prefer direct sunlight, but they need some protection of shade during the hottest summer hours. In winter do not need protection because it is a mountain specie. The soil must have good drainage but should retain moisture for warmer days.
The newest growths should be trimmed to allow for a launch of new buttons on the older wood.
Propagation is usually by seed.
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Liquidambar
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The Sweetgum is originally from Mexico and the United States. Today it is usually in parks and on city streets. Is a deciduous tree whose leaves are similar to those of maples, have amazing colors in the autumn.
They prefer being in a sunny location and do not need protection in winter unless the temperature falls below -10ºC (14ºF). |
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Repot every two years with the standard mix of bonsai.
Prune after the leaves fall. Trim the growing buds during the growing season. The wounds may take a while to heal.
Reproduction by seed although, cuttings and air layering are also possible.
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Pinus
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Pines are one of the most important species for bonsai. Are trees that like full sun and do not like the soil too wet, so you should use a soil mostly composed of medium sand / coarse. They are plants that should not be often repotted. Two on two or three in three years when young and shall be increased for older trees. It is good to include a bit of the old soil to encourage the reproduction of mycorrhizae, a fungus that, in association with the roots benefits the absorption of nutrients.
The new growths shall be trimmed to promote new buds on older wood. This will provide more options at the time of pruning and shaping of the structure.
Propagation is by seed. Germination is usually rapid. Certain varieties are grafted.
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Prunus
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There are several trees of this species grown for fruit production (eg peaches, plums and cherries). Trees are cultivated for their magnificent flowers. This kind of trees likes rich soils.
Should not be pruned before flowering. At the end of each growing season should benefit from the application of a potassium-rich fertilizer to promote flowering. |
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In the spring should begin to be fed a few weeks after flowering, otherwise do not develop fruit.
The repot for young trees should be annual, every other year for older trees, always considering the previous growth.
Pay attention to the aphids that normally attack the new shoots in spring.
Propagation can be by seed, cuttings and grafts.
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This species includes a typical tree in Bonsai, the Chinese elm. Sometimes mistakenly called zelkova is, often, on sale in supermarkets. Has several advantages for bonsai but the most important point is the small size of their leaves, resulting on a branched shape of their crown. It is a deciduous tree, although in more temperate locations can retain their leaves in winter. Usually it is stated as indoor plant, but in my experience, in a few days will lose leaves if kept indoors. |
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Likes wet soil so, the standard bonsai soil is suitable.
The constant prune of the shoots during the growing season will form a branched crown in winter.
During the summer, must be protected in the hottest hours. In winter should be placed under a shed.
Shaping can be done anytime of the year (winter is preferable), but you must be very careful as the branches thicken quickly.
It is a species susceptible to aphids, so pay attention.
Propagate elms by cuttings and air layering.
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Wisteria
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The Wisteria is much valued for its clusters of flowers in spring filling the air with perfume. This plant is normally associated with Easter.
Likes moist soil, full sun during the growing season and the addition of manure for a larger bloom.
Modelling is a bit difficult because the branches are very brittle.
Propagation is done easily by layering, roots will grow in a few weeks even in thick branches. Seed and cuttings are other possible methods.
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Zelkova
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The Zelkova is often confused with the Chinese elm. However, the leaves of Zelkova tend to be larger and less rounded. Are extremely vigorous and very early will show a tendence to acquire the broom style.
They prefer direct sunlight, but must be placed in an area of partial shade in the hottest days of summer.
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Like the elm, the zelkova prefers moist soil and the bonsai standard soil is ideal. Should be repotted every year when young, every other year for mature trees.
Prune the shoots constantly during the growing season to keep in shape. Can be severely pruned in late winter.
Propagate Zelkova by seed, cuttings or layering.
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