Tropical Bonsai
Desert Rose (Adenium), Bougainvillea, Serissa, Fukien Tea (Carmona), Money Tree (Pachira), Ginseng Ficus, Jade and Brazilian Rain Tree.
Adding Tropical Bonsai trees to your life and home add a beautiful natural element to your living space and allow you to embrace your creative side as well as enhance your proximity to nature. Tropical bonsai trees enjoy temperatures greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit which allows for outdoor display in the spring and summer.
Most Popular Types
Desert Rose, Bougainvillea, Fukien Tea (Carmona), Money Tree (Pachira), Ginseng Ficus, Mini jade (Portulacaria), and Brazilian Rain Tree.
Light
Tropical bonsai trees typically need plenty of direct sunlight (either at a window or outside). If the tree has been started indoors, when you place it outside start it in the shade in order to acclimate. This will prevent the leaves from burning.
Serissa prefers partial shade.
Temperatures
Most tropical bonsai trees benefit greatly from spending time outdoors once the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall, when the temperature drops below 60, bring it back inside.
Watering
Bonsai require individual attention to determine watering needs. Tropical trees are generally watered daily because they often dry out more quickly because of the soil used and the typically shallow pot. However, the individual tree’s watering needs will be determined by the type of tree, pot size, soil and the local weather conditions (if the tree is outside).
Toxicity
Ficus, Desert Rose, Fukien Tea and Jade plants are toxic to animals. Money Tree is safe for animals.
Growth
As the tropical bonsai tree grows it will drop leaves. Strip the dead leaves from the tree and keep the soil clean of decaying leaves. If your tree is fast growing you will need to trim it often, however over-trimming can weaken the tree.
As with all bonsai, fertilize more during the growing season (in the spring and summer). Use organic fertilizer for outside plants. With indoor plants use less fertilizer and don’t over feed. If the tree is weak or stressed, wait until it has recovered before feeding.
Bonsai trees (like all plants) are subject to diseases and bugs. If you notice extensive leaf loss or insects spray the tree with tepid water to remove the bugs and then spritz the tree with a gentle soap insecticide. This may need to be repeated. Putting the tree outside in the spring and summer (when the temperature is above 60 degrees) will keep your tree strong.
Origin
Tropical regions of South America, Asia, and Africa
Propagation
Propagating by cuttings is the easiest method.
Dormancy
Like most bonsai, tropical trees become dormant in the winter (and should be brought inside when the temperature drops below 60 degrees). Tropical bonsai trees will benefit from air circulation (a fan) and a humidity tray and/or frequent watering and spritzing.
serissa bonsai root
Exposed root serissa
Pachira aquatica money tree
The Pachira aquatica money tree is a very low maintenance houseplant.
Fukien Tea Tree Bonsai
Training the Fukien Tea tree is rather easy. The branches typically take shape after a month of wiring.
fukien tea tree carmona microphylla
The Carmona is easily trained into bonsai.
aged Fukien Tea tree as bonsai
Potted Ficus Bonsai
Potted Ficus Bonsai does well with indirect light on a windowsill.
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.