Fukien Tea Tree

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

Most Popular Types

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

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.

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.

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.

Toxicity

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

Growth

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

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.

Propagation

Propagation can be done through stem cuttings and seeds.

Dormancy

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

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

aged Fukien Tea tree as bonsai

Fukien Tea Tree or Carmona Microphylla as bonsai

fukien tea tree carmona microphylla

The Carmona is easily trained into bonsai.

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Brazilian Rain Tree

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.

Brazilian Rain Tree

Most Popular Types

Light

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

Temperatures

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

Watering

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

Toxicity

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

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.

Origin

This tree is native to Central and South America. 

Propagation

Common ways to propagate are root cuttings and air layering.

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 as bonsai

Brazilian Rain Tree

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

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Ficus

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.

ginseng ficus microcarpa tree

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.

Light

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

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.

Watering

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

Toxicity

The sap is toxic to humans and pets.

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.

Origin

India and Southeast Asia

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.

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.

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Portulacaria Elephant Bush

Portulacaria |  Elephant Bush

While Elephant Bush is often called a Mini Jade, the two are not related. Elephant Bush is sometimes eaten as a delicacy, while jade (Crassula) is toxic. Portulacaria is commonly eaten by elephants, while tortoises and goats prefer to graze on the variegated variety.

Portulacaria Elephant Bush

Most Popular Types

Portulacaria afra – green and variegated varieties are popular. The variegated type takes on a pink hue in direct sun but is less resistant to heat.

Light

Full sun

Temperatures

Minimum temperature of 33°F

Watering

Water when top inch of soil is dry

Toxicity

Non-toxic to people and pets

Growth

Can grow to 12ft in height, producing periodic pink flowers. This plant is suitable for bonsai.

Origin

South Africa

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Dormancy

Summer dormant

Portulacaria pre-bonsai elephant bush mini jade

Portulacaria, often called mini jade, works well for bonsai. This one has a thick trunk but has not yet been trained.

Decorative bush succulent Portulacaria afra for landscaping gardens

Elephant bush succulent Portulacaria afra

Elephant bush is often used as a summer groundcover.

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Beaucarnea Pony Tail Palm

Beaucarnea

Ponytail Palms are the flirtiest succulents around. They love to sun themselves while their “hair” blows in the wind. Beaucarnea recurvata aren’t true palm trees, but succulents that store fluid in the trunk.

Pony Tail palm

Most Popular Types

Beaucarnea recurvata and Beaucarnea guatemalensis are very similr, with the recurvata having thicker leaves. You may see Pony Tail palms with full bunches of fronds attached to a stump. The trunk has been cut to promote denser foliage. Pony Tail palms with uncut trunks tend to have foliage that flows like a fountain from the center.

Light

Pony Tail palms like full sun, but we recommend moving it slowly into direct sunlight after protecting it indoors during the winter. If the fronds take on a reddish hue, the change has been too abrupt.

Temperatures

Beaucarnea can handle temperatures down to 40°F.  We recommend enjoying them on porches during the summer and in the home during the winter.

Watering

If kept indoors, water 1-2 times each month. If kept outside, water weekly when weather is warm.

Toxicity

Pony Tail palms are non-toxic to humans or pets.

Growth

Young plants have a round caudex similar to an onion as a trunk. The caudex will grow taller with age. In its native habitat, these trees can grow to 30 ft in height. When potted, it typically reaches 4 ft; the larger the pot, the more the Pony Tail palm will grow. Don’t move too quickly into a large pot, though – go in 2-3 inch increments.

After 10 or so years, the Beaucarnea may develop cream or pink plumes. Male plants have cream plumes, while females, of course, have pink plumes that produce seeds.

Origin

Beaucarnea are native to Eastern Mexico.

Propagation

Pony Tail palms often produce offsets. You can decide if you’d like a tree with multiple trunks or if you’d like to take an offset for a new tree.

Dormancy

Pony Tail palms are winter dormant.

The Pony Tail Palm potted

Beaucarnea recurvata pony tail palm

The Pony Tail palm can grow to 8 feet, given a large enough pot.

Pony Tail palm

Beaucarnea recurvata or Nolina recurvata plant

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Adenium Desert Rose

Adenium | Desert Rose

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant, growing about 12 inches each year. Its flowers are stunning, and the caudex is ever so pudgy! Because of these reasons, the Adenium is often used as a bonsai.

Adenium Obesum in bloom

Most Popular Types

Adenium obesum or Desert Rose has been hybridized for color variation. You may see them in traditional reds and pinks, or in purple or even blue.  

Light

Full sun, with some protection from the hottest rays.

Temperatures

The Adenium needs consistent warm temperatures, so it is typically grown indoors. It will suffer in temperatures lower than 50°F.

Watering

In the summer, keep the soil moist but not saturated. In the winter, reduce watering to a minimal amount each month.

The Desert Rose is accustomed to a dry, hot climate.

Toxicity

Very toxic. The sap from the Adenium has long been used on spearpoints of African big game hunters, as the liquid affects cardiac function.

Growth

The Desert Rose can grow to 9 ft in height. Flowers may appear after 7-9 months of growth. This plant can live for centuries if kept in the right conditions.

Origin

Africa, Middle East, and Madagascar

Propagation

Propagating from seed doesn’t guarantee the same color flower as the parent plant. Propagating from cuttings does.

 

Dormancy

Adenium will drop leaves in the fall and enter its winter dormant state. During this time, it doesn’t need much water or light. In the spring, reintroduce the plant to direct sunlight.

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