Bonsai 101

August 27, 2023

2:00pm

$85

Learn the basics of the art of Bonsai in this two-hour workshop. You’ll take home your living artwork to continue the transformation.

About the Workshop:

We’ll talk through the basics of bonsai creation and maintenance. Each participant will receive his/her choice of a juniper or serissa pre-bonsai to trim, wire, repot, and take home.

What's Included:

Tree, basic training pot, soil, and use of tools are included.

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Cost:

$85

Register at least 2 days in advance for $5 discount.

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Available Workshops

Bonsai Club 10/6/24

Mannequin Head Planter 9/22/24

Bonsai 101 9/29/24

Succulent Pumpkins 10/1/24

Air Plant Tree 10/20/24

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Most Popular Types

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Light

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Temperatures

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Watering

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Toxicity

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Growth

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Origin

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Propagation

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Dormancy

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Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We no have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop

Fukien Tea Tree

The Carmona Microphylla, also known as the Fukien Tea tree, is well suited for bonsai training as the tree grows to only three ft in height. It produces clusters of white, star-shaped flowers throughout the year.

While this popular bonsai tee is native to the Fukien or Fujian region of China, it is not actually a tea tree. The leaves contain no caffeine. The dried leaves are boiled, however, as a remedy for digestion issues and for cough.

Fukien Tea Tree or Carmona Microphylla as bonsai

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Most Popular Types

There is only one specie in the genus Carmona: Carmona microphylla, or small-leafed carmona.

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Light

The Fukien Tea tree, or carmona microphylla, prefers bright, indirect light. If indoors, it is best to place it in a south- or east-facing window.

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Temperatures

The Carmona is rather hardy, but it cannot withstand prolonged freezing temperatures. Native to rainforests,they are happiest when kept between 60 and 80° F.

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Watering

Water daily during the summer, keeping the soil of the Carmona moist but not soggy. If the roots become dry, the tree will drop its leaves. During the winter, keep the rootball from drying out.

The Fukien Tea tree does well in high humidity, and we recommend placing the pot on a humidity tray.

The tree is sensitive to fluoride. Use filtered or distilled water rather than tap water.

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Toxicity

The Carmona is non-toxic. The leaves are made into tea to treat ailments, particularly with digestion and respiratory issues.

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Growth

This tree grows to three ft in height, making excellent bonsai specimens.

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Origin

While the Carmona is called the Fukien Tea tree because it is native to the Fukien or Fujian region of China, it may also be found in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

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Propagation

Propagation can be done through stem cuttings and seeds.

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Dormancy

The Carmona may drop leaves in the winter if not kept at temperaturs between 60 and 80° F.

Fukien Tea Tree Bonsai

Training the Fukien Tea tree is rather easy. The branches typically take shape after a month of wiring.

aged Fukien Tea tree as bonsai

fukien tea tree carmona microphylla

The Carmona is easily trained into bonsai.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop

Brazilian Rain Tree

The Pithecellobium Tortum is a hardwood tree from the Brazilian rain forest. It is one of the most popular trees for bonsai training.

The leaves of this tree fold up at night and open again with the morning light.

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Most Popular Types

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Light

This tree needs a lot of light. If kept indoors, grow lights may be needed for proper growth.

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Temperatures

The Brazilian Rain Tree cannot survive temperatures below 45°F.

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Watering

Keep the root ball of this tree moist, never letting it dry completely.

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Toxicity

This Rain Tree is highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

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Growth

The Brazilian Rain Tree is prone to die back when pruned, so leaving a small stub is recommended. Guy wires are better for this tree rather than wire training.

The rain tree can be repotted every few years with moderate root trimming.

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Origin

This tree is native to Central and South America.

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Propagation

Common ways to propagate are root cuttings and air layering.

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Dormancy

Winter dormant. It is normal for this tree to drop leaves when being moved from outside to inside when the weather becomes cooler.

Brazilian Rain Tree

The Brazilian Rain Tree, or Pithecellobium tortum, is a hardwood tree native to rainforests.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop

Ficus

There are several species of ficus that lend themselves to bonsai training. The small-leaf Microcarpa is often grafted onto the bulbous root of other ficus species, resulting in small leaves above large aerial roots.

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Most Popular Types

Ficus ginseng (typically grafted of two ficus cultivars), Ficus benjamina, and Ficus retusa are the most common for bonsai. You may be familiar with the Fiddle Leaf Fig, which is also a ficus.

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Light

Filtered bright sun. Move the plant gradually into direct sunlight if being moved from indoors.

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Temperatures

Maintain a temperature above 60°F at all times. They will do much better above 70°F. Regularly mist the tree or provide a pebble tray to raise humidity levels.

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Watering

Water deeply 1-2 times each week when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

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Toxicity

The sap is toxic to humans and pets.

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Growth

While a ficus tree can grow to 70 ft in height in its natural habitat, it typically grows to 6 ft high and 3 ft wide in containers. Outdoor plants may bloom during the spring.

The trunks and branches are extremely flexible and are often braided. Ficus can live for three or more decades.

Leaves may drop if the tree is stressed from drafts, under or overwatering, too little light, low humidity, or pests.

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Origin

India and Southeast Asia

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Propagation

Stem cutting is the easiest method: cut a stem section at least 6 inches long with a woody end and new green growth. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a pot of well-draining soil. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag, cutting a tiny slit at the top for it to breathe. Remove the covering after 3-4 months.

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Dormancy

Ficus has short dormancy periods. Dropping of leaves is typically from stress rather than dormancy.

ginseng ficus microcarpa bonsai tree

The exposed roots of the ginseng ficus lend the plant well to bonsai training. The Ficus microcarpa is also known as the Chinese banyan or curtain fig.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop