Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree

Introduction

Bonsai is a Japanese art form that creates a miniature tree. It uses age-old principles to form ordinary trees into a perfect bonsai. When it comes to creating perfect, lovely trees that bear beautiful flowers, one of the most common ornamental trees to use is the cherry blossom bonsai blossom tree.

When it comes to captivating beauty, nothing matches the beauty of a cherry blossom bonsai blossom tree. This tree is one of the most inspiring especially when the trees start to bear lovely cherry blossom bonsai blossoms. The flowers are famous for their beauty and as these gradually fall, these create a romantic setting and ultimately creating a blanket of flowers on the ground.

Cherry blossom bonsai blossom trees have many names. These may be called Japanese Cherry blossom bonsai, Hill Cherry blossom bonsai, East Asian Cherry blossom bonsai and Oriental Cherry blossom bonsai. This belongs to the Prunus species of plants which includes peaches, plums, almonds, and apricots.

There are about 420 varieties of this species and the prunus serrulata is the most popular. Cherry blossom bonsai blossoms are not just found in Japan. It is also native to China and Korea.

Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree
Scientific/Botanical NamePrunus serrulata
DescriptionThis is a spring-blooming, single-trunked, deciduous tree. Dark horizontal lines known as lenticels appear on the trunk. The pink and white blossoms are plentiful, and they make a wonderful carpet on the ground when they fall off the tree.
PositionGrow the tree in a location that receives full sun. It needs a three-month period of cold conditions over the winter. When trees are grown in containers, they should be placed in a cold garage during their winter dormancy.
WateringWater the plant on a regular basis to prevent drying-out of the soil.
FeedingFertilize the tree on a monthly basis to keep it well-nourished.
Leaf and Branch PruningPrune the plant to maintain a small size, but defer pruning until all of the flowers are spent. Fresh growth may be pruned as needed, but never remove all of the new growth.
Re-potting & Growing MediumRe-pot the tree during the winter period. This allows the introduction of newer soil. Good quality, organic soil should be used for re-potting.
Wiring
NotesJapanese people enjoy cherry blossom tea. It is not advisable to consume it in great quantities, however. Cherry blossom trees may need to be monitored for pests such as aphids and caterpillars.

In the United States, cherry blossoms can be found in Washington, DC, where they were planted on the shores of the Tidal Basin. They are also present in Sakura Park in Manhattan, as well as in Philadelphia. These trees were gifted to the Unites States at different occasions by the Japanese.

However, the largest collection of cherry blossoms can be seen at Newark, New Jersey at the Branch Brook Park, where there are about 4,300 trees present.

Almost all varieties of the plant can be used for bonsai cultivation of cherry blossoms. With proper care and management of the plant, you can achieve beautiful looking miniature trees that flower and mature like regular cherry blossom trees.

In Japan, both the leaves and cherry blossoms are pickled with salted water and eaten or drunk as a tea in place of green tea. Although cherry blossoms are edible, there is a certain level of toxicity present in them. It is advised to only consume them in low quantities.

This tutorial will help you understand what it takes to grow cherry blossom bonsai blossom bonsai trees. By following these timeless techniques you will be able to grow a strong and healthy cherry blossom bonsai trees that will bring you so much joy over the years.

Description

Cherry blossom are deciduous trees that bloom in the spring with beautiful flowers that cover the tree and fall on its base to give it a natural appeal. The pink and white flowers are beautifully arranged in clusters of two or five. The leaves grow alternately and turn yellow, crimson, or red in the autumn season. The vast green crown of the tree is held by a single trunk, which gives it a spacious look with long branches. The trunk has horizontally placed lenticels and it is colored chestnut-brown. The tree yields a black colored fruit after the blossoming of the flowers in spring.

General Care

Environment

Bonsai need to be kept under the appropriate conditions suited for their growth. In winter, the cherry blossom bonsai should be kept in a cold environment. The winter season for bonsai trees lasts for approximately three months, during which they are dormant and do not produce any flowers or fruit. In order to keep them cold and allow them to pass the dormant season naturally, several methods are commonly used:

1. Bury the tree in an area away from the sun and wind up to the level of the pot. The remaining part can be buried with mulch that comes up to the first branches of the tree. Seasonal rains or snow should not be a problem.

2. Place the tree in a cold and dark area, such as a garage or shed. The bonsai tree will need watering at this stage, but no light will be required.

During the spring and summer season, cherry blossom bonsai need exposure to the sun in the morning and afternoon. Locations that are best suited for the tree include a garden, balcony, patio, or terrace. Leaving the bonsai inside during spring and summer will damage the plant due to lack of sun, and so it is important to consider its placement throughout the seasonal changes.

Soil

The soil of the cherry blossom bonsai tree must be nourished at all times. Since it is a miniature tree and it is placed in a small pot, it needs a greater supply of nutrients. A quality fertilizer should be used every month to feed the soil.

Water

Bonsai kept directly under the sun need to be watered more often. Water the plant as soon as the soil looks dry. Rain can also provide sufficient water. A good indication of enough water is when its starts leaking from the bottom of the plant though the tiny holes located underneath the pot. A watering meter can also be purchased to properly time the watering.

Repotting

Late winter is an ideal time to repot cherry blossom bonsai, as the plant will have finished flowering. Repotting will allow your tree to grow roots that are more compact and it will have fresher soil due to the exchange.

Pruning

Pruning is an essential part of any bonsai plant because it maintains its miniature shape. Cherry blossoms should be pruned after the falling of the flowers. New growth should be pruned accordingly and never removed completely.

Pests & Diseases

Birds usually feed on the flower buds of cherry blossoms. Caterpillars and aphids are also attracted to the tree and can cause it potential damage. In terms of diseases, cherry blossoms are susceptible to blossom wilt, peach leaf curl, silver leaf, and taphrina wiesneri.

What you need to follow this tutorial

  • A cherry blossom bonsai tree
    • Most bonsai tree growers use an already potted bonsai tree. This known as the best way to style and create a cherry blossom bonsai because all there is to do is to reposition and to prune the tree according to the style you want. Most trees purchased from bonsai nurseries are already healthy and ready to be styled away.
  • Cherry blossom bonsai seeds
    • Aside from growing bonsai trees from actual trees, you may also use seeds. Cherry blossom bonsai seeds are available from seeds shops locally and online. Growing cherry blossom bonsai trees from seeds let you define your tree at an early time.
  • Bonsai Pot
    • There are a variety of pots and planters to use but always keep in mind that it’s not just about using a trendy or popular type of planter. This must have adequate drainage at the sides and under the pot. This will let excess water and fertilizer to drain away from the roots and allow better aeration.
  • Balanced fertilizer
    • A cherry blossom bonsai tree requires regular fertilizing and a fertilizer with balanced N-P-K is the best choice. These trees should be fertilized at least once a month to support its growth, especially during the developmental stage.
  • Sharp scissors
    • A pair of sharp scissors is needed to prune your cherry blossom bonsai trees. You also need a pair of scissors to cut pieces of the bark and to prune roots if necessary. Your scissors should be clean or sterile to prevent passing on diseases and molds that could be detrimental to your plants.
  • Pliers
    • You need a pair of pliers to cut wires at a length you need to use on your cherry blossom bonsai blossom bonsai trees. You also need a good pair of sharp pliers to remove wires to prevent injuring the bark or branches.
  • Wire for wiring
    • There are two kinds of wires that may be used on bonsai trees: aluminum and copper wires. Aluminum wires are for bonsais that have softer and younger trunks and branches. Copper wires are harder and are ideal for harder and more mature branches.
  • Clean water
    • Your bonsai trees need good clean water. Your trees should be watered but never over watered. The soil should not become dry because this can affect the overall growth of your trees. And even if you use rainwater or tap water make sure to have this checked to ensure that you are feeding your bonsai good and safe water.
  • Aggregates
    • Add aggregates to potting soil to improve its drainage and aerating properties. There are a variety of aggregates that you can use on your trees. You can use Akadama, decomposed granite, diatomite, pumic, sand with coarse grains and turface.
  • Growing soil for bonsai
    • There are many kinds of soil for growing bonsai and for most bonsai growers; a sandy clay soil is a must. High-quality organic soil should be used to re-pot bonsai trees.

Step by step instructions

1) Understand fast facts about Cherry blossom bonsai trees

Cherry blossom trees are also found in the United States in Washington, DC at the shores of the Tidal Basin. These lovely trees are also in Sakura Park in Manhattan and in Philadelphia. These trees were from the Japanese as gifts.

The largest collection of cherry blossoms is found in Newark, New Jersey at the Branch Brook here you will find more than 4000 trees present.

Almost all kinds of cherry blossoms can be used for bonsai cultivation. When you employ proper care and management, you will be able to get lovely looking bonsai that will flower and mature just like their regular counterparts.

Description

The Prunus serrulata is a spring-blooming, single-trunked deciduous tree. There are dark horizontal likes called lenticles along the trunk of this tree. The pink and white blossoms are abundant during the flowering season. These are beautiful while on the tree and create a wonderful blanket of flowers when these fall on the ground.

The flowers are arranged in clusters of two or five. The leaves grow alternately and then turn yellow, crimson or red during the autumn season. The tree has a vast green crown held by a single trunk giving it a spacious look with its long branches. You will find horizontal lenticels with a chestnut-brown color. After the flowers have blossomed and have fallen on the ground, a black colored fruit is left. Inside the fruit are the seeds of the cherry blossom tree.

Growing position

Cherry blossom bonsai trees should be grown in an area that receives full sun. This tree needs a lot of suns to grow and strengthen its trunk, branches, and leaves but it still needs a three-month period of cold conditions. This would be easy especially if you live in a climate where you have four equal seasons but otherwise, it would become a bit difficult to cultivate cherry blossom bonsais.

When cherry blossom bonsais are grown in containers, these should be placed in a cold area in your house like your garage, to recreate a winter dormancy state.

Watering

  • Cherry blossom bonsais need regular watering to keep the soil moist.
  • Do not dry out the soil completely or let extended periods of drought prevail.
  • Make sure that you are using safe water on your plants.
  • Do not let the soil dry out.

Feeding

  • Feed your trees balanced fertilizer on a regular basis
  • Monthly fertilization is an ideal schedule
  • A balanced N-P-K fertilizer is recommended
  • Always follow instruction on how to give fertilizer to your trees.
  • Leaf and branch pruning
  • Prune cherry blossom trees to maintain a small size
  • Stop pruning when all the flowers are spent
  • You can start pruning when you see fresh growth but do not remove all the new growths entirely.
  • Prune using a clean, sterile pair of scissors or clippers to reduce passing diseases or pests from one tree to another.

Re-potting & growing medium

  • Re-pot during the winter period.
  • Introduce new soil, if possible never reuse old soil so you can introduce new nutrients
  • Choose only good quality organic soil for re-potting cherry blossom bonsai trees.

Wiring a cherry blossom bonsai tree

  • Cherry blossom bonsai tree branches may need to be manipulated with wires and clamps to grow in the shape you want.
  • Young cherry blossom bonsais need aluminum wires for wiring because these are more pliable and easy to use.
  • Wires should be removed as scheduled to prevent injury to the bark of the tree

Important notes

Cherry blossom trees are naturally hardy and can grow and thrive well provided you use proper growing, feeding and training techniques. However, these are prone to develop some diseases and can be vulnerable to pests like aphids and caterpillars. You must be very diligent and guard your cherry blossom bonsais against pests and diseases all year round.

2) Distinguishing cherry blossom bonsai trees from other bonsais

Cherry blossom trees are easily distinguished from other bonsai trees by its lush plumes of pink and white flowers. No other trees have these plentiful flowers in one season! Another distinguishable thing about cherry blossoms is that this tree can be designed to work with a variety of bonsai tree styles. No other bonsai tree will give you so much satisfaction than the cherry blossom as it develops flowers and grows like a regular tree.

3) Purchasing cherry blossom bonsai trees

Usually purchasing cherry blossom bonsai tree is the ideal way to start growing a bonsai. Just make sure that you purchase from reliable retailers and garden shops. Shop owners should be able to guide you on how to care for your purchase.

Take note that you must handle bonsai with proper care otherwise this could affect the tree’s growth and may even cause their death. Usually, you can purchase low-cost cherry blossom bonsai trees from large garden stores where you can also buy pots and growing accessories. And if you are looking for quality cherry blossom bonsai trees then you can find these from specialized bonsai sites and nurseries.

If you are lucky enough to have cherry blossom trees growing in your neighborhood then, by all means, use these to make your bonsai. You can harvest cuttings or get seeds from cherry blossom trees and plant these to grow your own young tree.

4) Growing cherry blossom bonsai trees from seeds and cuttings

Cherry blossoms bear fruit after developing flowers and inside these fruits are seeds. You can use these seeds to grow cherry blossom trees to be crafted as bonsai. If you are lucky enough to have cherry blossom trees in your area, you can harvest seeds from these trees. On the other hand, you can purchase seeds from local seeds shops or from online sites.

Take note: if where you live or the climate where you live cannot support the growth of cherry blossom trees then it’s useless to grow your own tree. Climate plays a huge role in the survival and the development of cherry blossoms so study your climate well before you purchase seeds or trees online or offline.

Growing cherry blossom bonsai trees from seeds

Like most seeds, cherry blossom bonsai tree seeds germinate before these grow into young seedlings and transferred into individual bonsai pots. Germination is the process when the seed opens up to reveal the taproot. It is when the taproot emerges from the seed and then the first small leaves and stems appear from the open seed. It could take weeks for cherry blossom bonsai seeds to germinate and during this crucial time, these seeds need the full sun and moisture.

Before you start germinating your seeds, you must identify which seeds are viable and which ones are not. It is impossible to tell which one is viable or not just by checking the outer appearance of cherry blossom trees. To do this, you need simple materials like a glass filled with water.

  • Fill a glass or a transparent container with tap water.
  • Put the seeds in the water and wait for these to settle.
  • Some seeds will sink while some seeds will float. Throw away the floating seeds and take the sinking seeds.

Those seeds that have sunk are seeds that are viable or seeds that have viable insides. These seeds are fertile and are ready to germinate. Seeds that float are empty because these don’t have viable insides. These will not germinate no matter how long you place these in water.

After you have found which seeds will germinate and which ones are to be thrown away it is time to germinate your seeds.

  • Use a large pot to germinate seeds. It also has to be shallow to hold up to 4 seeds.
  • Fill this with peat seed sowing mix. Peat seed sowing mix may be purchased from garden shops.
  • Place the viable Cherry blossom bonsai tree seeds on the surface of the mix.
  • Allow at least a few centimeters of space between seeds.
  • Do not cover the container because germinating seeds need sunlight.
  • Keep the soil moist by watering it regularly. Water should run off the sides of the container to show that the soil is completely soaked. Seeds need a lot of moisture to be able to germinate.
  • Place the seeds outdoors in full sunlight to get the most light.
  • Keep the soil moist. Check your germinating seeds more frequently and remember to keep the soil moist at all times. These seeds will germinate in just a few weeks.

Once the seeds have opened then it would only take a few days for it to be ready for transplanting. Your cherry blossom seedlings will become young trees in no time.

  • Transplant cherry blossom tree seedlings to individual pots once these have gained strength. You need a lot of patience during this time.
  • A small and shallow bonsai pot is a good starter pot. The ideal pot should have two holes along sides and at the bottom of the pot for adequate drainage.
  • Initially place a layer of coarse substrate or aggregate. This will be the bottom layer that will remove excess water and fertilizer from the plant roots. This will also improve aeration of the soil to let oxygen reach the roots.
  • After the layer of aggregates, add bonsai potting soil. Choose organic potting soil that will hold more water because Cherry blossom bonsai tree trees need moist soils during its developmental stage.
  • Place your Cherry blossom bonsai tree seedling on the soil. Place another layer of organic bonsai soil and compact this using your fingers by pressing the soil lightly.
  • Water your young plants regularly to keep the soil moist.

Growing cherry blossom bonsai trees from cuttings

Another way to grow your own cherry blossom tree is to use cuttings. Cuttings are parts of a tree that when planted and cultivated can grow into another tree.

You can take cuttings from cherry blossom tree to grow another tree. You don’t need to wait for seeds to germinate and grow and therefore you save a lot of time and effort.

However, there are a few advantages of growing cherry blossom trees from seeds. Seeds that grow from seeds develop what is known as the taproot. This is a root that first emerges from the seed. The taproot improves the stability of the tree and helps it improve absorption of nutrients from the soil.

Cuttings do not have taproots and therefore may lack the stability of trees grown from seeds. This is overcome by allowing the cutting to develop its root system before this is planted in soil. Here is a step by step process on how to harvest cuttings from trees.

Select a healthy Cherry blossom bonsai tree as a donor.

  • This tree must be in good state of health. It must be growing new leaves and stems on a regular basis and should be free from any disease or pests. There must be no nutrient problems, leaf discoloration or any conditions which can affect the overall health of the tree.
  • Harvest cuttings from the Cherry blossom bonsai tree. This should be a healthy stem that has no issues.
  • Use a cutter or a sharp knife to harvest the cutting. Use a diagonal cut to harvest your cutting.
  • Place the cutting in water to avoid air pockets from entering the newly cut stems.
  • Leave the cuttings as these develop roots. Let these soak in water for a while.
  • When the roots have thickened, these will be ready to be planted in soil.
  • Water the cuttings daily and always keep the soil moist. Water only when the soil is dry and not when it is moist to prevent mold growth and root rot.

5) Caring for a cherry blossom bonsai tree

Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree

A cherry blossom bonsai tree must be kept well fed, watered and protected from diseases and pests that can reduce its health and affect its growth. It has to be fed with a balanced fertilizer at least every month to support its growth.

Watering cherry blossom bonsai trees should be done regularly as well. You must protect it from pests by constantly checking for leaf and root health.

Take note that cherry blossom trees undergo a period of dormancy and this is during the cold winter months. It’s best to grow a cherry blossom bonsai if you have this kind of climate.

And as you style your cherry blossom bonsai trees, you must take care not to injure your young tree. Wiring, while cherry blossom bonsai tree is young, will let you create the design you want without stressing your tree so much.

6) Soil and re-potting a cherry blossom bonsai tree

Cherry blossom bonsai trees will grow in a variety of containers but to stay true to Japanese tradition then you must plant these in jade pots. But if you wish to use other types of the container then choose containers with adequate drainage.

Re-potting is removing the bonsai from its pot and transplanting it to another.

This has to be done regularly for all bonsai trees so the plant will have fresher soil to use and to allow roots more room to grow. In cherry blossom trees, you must re-pot during the winter period.

Introduce new soil so your trees will have new soil and fresh nutrients to use.

Never reuse old soil. Use only good quality organic soil for re-potting cherry blossom bonsai trees.

A shallow container about one to three inches deep is a good size of pot for a young tree. You must also choose a pot that is wide enough to accommodate the large and complex root systems of the tree. Re-pot at least every two to three years. This grows moderately so you don’t need to re-pot yearly.

7) Watering a cherry blossom bonsai tree

Cherry blossom bonsai trees need a lot of water to grow and thrive especially when these are planted under the sun. Since there are many kinds of cherry blossom bonsai trees, you must consider the water requirements of each species to be able to provide the best care.

Water the tree as soon as the soil looks dry. You may use tap water or rain water provided that these are safe to use. A good indicator that the soil has been sufficiently watered when the water is leaking from the drainage holes of the pot.

Keep in mind that overwatered soils can lead to root rot and the development of mold in the tree roots. And to prevent this, water only when the soil is high and dry. Water your bonsai trees but don’t over dry your soil.

8) Pruning and shaping cherry blossom bonsai tree

Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree

Pruning is one of the most important methods of shaping your cherry blossom bonsai tree. Pruning is not just about making bonsai trees look great but it encourages new leaf and stems growth. This is important when you want to grow healthy and amazing-looking trees.

You must prune cherry blossom trees to maintain a small and compact size regardless of the bonsai tree style you want to use. Stop pruning when all the flowers are spent. You can resume pruning when you see fresh growth but do not remove all the new growths entirely.

Always remember to prune using a clean, sterile pair of scissors or clippers to reduce passing diseases or pests from one tree to another.

Wiring bonsai trees

A cherry blossom bonsai tree may be designed to create a variety of bonsai tree styles. However, styling and shaping have to be done as early as possible while the trunk of the tree is still soft and easy to work with. Wiring mature cherry blossom bonsai trees will be able to injure the tree because of its very delicate trunk. Wiring will be hard for mature trees because the wood will be stiff and this can lead to injuries and fractures on the tree trunk.

Wiring cherry blossom bonsai will help you achieve a number of styles. The cherry blossom bonsai tree may be wired and styled to create a cascading style, a flowing style or a broom style and more. Keep in mind that when wiring any kind of bonsai you must be very careful. This should be removed on the same season it was attached.

Important wiring techniques

Wiring will help you shape and style and cherry blossom bonsai trees. You will be able to style bonsai trees effectively, quickly and safely with wires. Wiring will reposition bonsai branches to the shape or style you want to achieve. There are a number of bonsai styles that you can use to style this tree.

Shakan Bonsai Style

One of the most popular bonsai styles that will look fantastic with a cherry blossom bonsai tree is the Shakan bonsai style. This is the slanted bonsai tree style that recreates a slanted tree in nature. The trunk of the bonsai comes from the soil in a slanted way while the rest of the tree grows in an outward manner.

The trunk is in a 60-80 degree angle to create a slanted style. This style is achieved by strong wiring to train the main trunk. Wiring will control the height of the branch too. Applying strong lighting from one direction will also bend the tree to create that slanted and windswept style.

Dramatic Fukinagashi

The Dramatic Fukinagashi is like a windswept head of hair in a storm. A cherry blossom bonsai tree will look great in this amazing style. But despite how complicated this style looks it can be easily done when you use a cherry blossom tree. In the Fukinagashi style, the branches and the trunk will grow to one side for a realistic effect of strong wind blowing from one direction. This design is achieved by using wires carefully and pruning the leaves to create that windswept design.

Shari Bonsai Style

The Shari Bonsai Style is achieved by shaving the bark of the tree to prevent new growth from appearing. This style is also the stair effect because branches may be long or short. The overall design is achieved with wiring and pruning. The leaves at the top of the tree create an aesthetic balance on this design. The Shari bonsai style depicts the natural development of trees and plants. You may find a barkless area on the trunk and this is because of the effects of harsh natural weather conditions.

Seki-joju or Rocky Terrain

The Seki-joju or Rocky Terrain style is presenting lovely aerial roots of bonsai trees. It is all about growing bonsai roots through different obstacles. This could be anything in nature like a jagged or smooth rock. The Rocky Terrain occurs in nature when roots of trees grow underneath and along the sides of nearby rocks. Roots of trees are actually very adaptable and will also crawl around the rock surface and these happen as the trunk of the bonsai is developed. The rest of the tree will grow in a straight way despite various obstacles found along its path. The Rocky Terrain bonsai style is found in trees that have healthy and well-presented roots.

Literati Bonsai

The Literati style is a bonsai style that will be a good match with cherry blossom bonsai trees. This design has a skinny trunk and curved leaves and in the case of cherry blossom trees, lovely plumes of pink and white flowers. Bonsai enthusiasts say that this style is all about the struggle in nature for even the smallest life form to exist. In the literati style, you will find a few bald spots along the trunk that will seem to look like dead branches. This bonsai style is found in nature in trees that grow in densely populated areas such as forests and woodland areas.

Han-kengai

The Han-kengai bonsai style has a cascading effect when a section of the trunk develops in a straight manner and a branch grows outward and slightly downward. A small part of the trunk could be seen before the section where the thick branches are found. These branches grow and develop in different directions and even develop low-lying leaves. A bonsai with a Han-kengai design should be grown in a deeper pot to maintain the style.

You must start wiring cherry blossom bonsai tree as soon as this is strong. You may start wiring a cherry blossom tree any time of the year. Be sure to apply wire carefully on the branches. Apply this during the tree’s growing season or as the branches become thicker.

Wiring mature branches can lead to injury. Wires can cut through the bark and this can lead to ugly marks and scars.

Remember to remove the wire when it is due to be removed. Forgetting to remove the wires can badly injure your cherry blossom tree. Constantly check on your cherry blossom bonsai tree when it is wired. Remove the wires only by cutting it piece by piece so you won’t risk injuring and even killing your bonsai trees.

The type of wire to use

Bonsai trees usually use two kinds of wires. You can use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wires. These can train bonsai plants and each one is different from the other. Aluminum is for deciduous trees that have harder and stronger trunks. Copper wires are for species with harder trunks like conifers and pines.
If this is your first time to wire bonsai then it would be better to practice with using anodized aluminum wires because these are easier to handle. This type of wire is also readily available from any hardware stores and shops. Wires are available in a variety of thicknesses and the most commonly used are the 1 mm to 4 mm wires.

Wires may cause injury to bonsai branches, especially for a young bonsai tree. Raffia is a material that is used to prevent injury in branches and trunks. Raffia is palm fiber that you can get from garden stores. This should be soaked in water and wrapped along the tips of the branch or bark. Raffia will protect these from damage due to wiring and bending.

Step by step instructions on how to wire a bonsai

  • Select the kind of wire for the type of tree that you will wire.
  • Select the thickness of the wire you will use.
  • Measure the length of wire that you need to use for the activity.
  • Take one end of the wire and wrap this around the branch. Wrap it in a 45-degree angle.
  • Wrap the wire neatly in line along the extent of the branch.
  • After you have completely wired the entire branch, cut the excess with pliers.
  • Bend the branches into the position. Do this to avoid damaging the tree.
  • Bring down branches that are too high with the use of a guy wire. Wrap moist raffia around the branch and place a hook at the end of the branch. Place a wire on the hook and anchor it on a strong root. This will lower the high branch.
  • Remove the wires during the same season when you applied it.
  • After wiring the branch, take note of the growth of your Cherry blossom bonsai tree. Place this tree in a shaded area of your garden and water it regularly. Give the balanced fertilizer that this tree needs to make it grow.

Post-wiring care for your Cherry blossom bonsai tree

After wiring your Cherry blossom bonsai tree keep in mind that these should be placed in a shaded area of your garden so it can regain its health and strength. Never leave it in direct sun because this can totally dry the soil so much. Give balanced fertilizer so your trees can get complete nutrients necessary for good growth and development.

Remove the wires on schedule to avoid damage to the delicate bark and branches. Remove the wires by cutting it in every turn. Never reuse the wire for wiring other branches. Remove wires at every turn with the use of pliers. Monitor tree health and let your bonsai tree rest before wiring and pruning it again. Keep a schedule or photos of your pruning and wiring activities to monitor your plant’s shape and appearance.

9) How to prevent pests and diseases

Cherry blossom bonsai trees are beautiful and will brighten up any room. However, these are prone to mold and root rot so don’t leave this kind of bonsai overwatered. You must only water when the soil is dry and high and never when the soil moist. You might be tempted to use a different kind of planter or pot but always take note that the pot you use should have adequate drainage to prevent root rot and mold.

Protect your lovely cherry blossom bonsai trees from pests. The most common pests that can affect this kind of bonsai are caterpillars, spider mites and more. A smart bonsai grower never takes pests for granted. Keep in mind that even if you only find a small bug or mite, there will be more nearby.

Eradicate pests with natural or organic pesticides. Use water in a spray bottle to spray pests away from leaves. Always inspect your trees and never leave any root and stem uncovered. Be smart and diligent to win over pests in your garden. Keep your cherry blossom bonsai well-watered, well-fed and re-potted according to schedule and you will have a healthy and easy to style bonsai.

Where To Find Cherry Blossom Bonsai

Bonsai should be selected from a reputable seller who can guide the owner through his or her first purchase. Bonsai need to be handled with proper care, and leaving them unattended could cause their death. Depending on the region’s climate and temperature, the bonsai tree must be kept indoors or left outside. There are many books and instructional literature available to help owners understand the art of bonsai and cherry blossom bonsai in particular.

Conclusion

Cherry blossom bonsai trees are known to be one of the most beautiful trees that can be made into a bonsai. Has a large number of species and each one has specific growth requirements and special instructions on how to grow, define and develop a cherry blossom bonsai tree.

It takes special skills and patience to take care of a bonsai tree and cultivating a healthy and strong cherry blossom bonsai tree is something that will give you a lot of happiness through the years. With these techniques, you will be able to grow your own cherry blossom bonsai tree with full confidence.