Already, you’ve taught yourself the art of growing plants making use of Asian-inspired gardening techniques, but were you aware there are a few Japanese bonsai trees that quite a few horticulturists don’t grow in other regions of the globe? Even though this type of gardening is now practiced by many specialists and enthusiasts in virtually every nation, authentic Japanese trees aren’t raised to the same extent. Yet the technique for raising these authentic plants could provide you insight on how to take care of your plants.

This gardening practice in fact originated in China, and was quickly adopted by the Japanese. Chinese people throughout the Han Dynasty used bonsai trees to create miniature gardens for decorative and therapeutic objectives, and the Japanese shortly used this art form to decorate their houses and gardens. Over time, raising trees such as maples and azalea became an indication of wealth, because it was a pastime that only the rich could afford to take up. Subsequently, other Eastern countries such as Vietnam and Korea embraced the tradition too.

It’s essential to take note that Japanese bonsai trees, along with other species of bonsai trees, aren’t naturally diminutive. The basis for why this kind of gardening is such a highly regarded art form has to do with the fact that the gardener ‘trains’ the bonsai tree to grow in a small pot, when it would normally grow outside in a more open environment. This is a further reason why this type of tree can be designed from almost any tree that would develop at a more standard rate. Smaller elements of the plant, for instance shrubs and smaller leaves, are utilized when designing trees that are inspired by Japanese bonsai trees.

The appropriate care schedule for the trees is critical. Bonsai plants entail special trimmings every couple of weeks so as to keep the plants groomed and train them to develop in a specific way. Wiring is also utilized to accomplish this goal, however you will need the right implements to sever the wires from the plant as soon as it has grown too big for the shape.

If you want to buy Japanese bonsai trees that have previously been potted so that you can learn how to care for them at the novice level, you can visit your local nursery to take a look at the different species of trees, learn more about the life of the tree, and get tips on maintaining a record for watering and sunlight exposure. You can also purchase bonsai plants from lots of online merchants; the trees will come with instructions for proper care. These make great gifts to give to friends or family members for special occasions.

Growing bonsai isn’t as easy as you might think. You need to put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that your trees are healthy and attractive. Cultivating indoor bonsai is really more of an art than a hobby.

The majority of bonsai gardeners stick with the more common coniferous, deciduous, or fruit trees when creating their bonsai art collection. However, more exotic bonsai varieties can be found that permit the bonsai artist to further develop his or her skills.

An example of an exotic choice is Wisteria, a plant native to Japan, Korea, and China which can reach more than 30 feet in size in the wild. Not conforming to any of the traditional bonsai styles, Wisteria can make for an interesting challenge.

The Wisteria flowers are both beautiful and aromatic and come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and pink. Blooming in the Spring, they need lots of water with adequate drainage and they do well in partial shade to full sun. Just before they flower in the Spring, you should provide them with ample fertilizer, and once again in late summer before they drop their leaves.

Orange Jasmine is another alternative that will give both beauty to the eye and delight to the nose. Their wonderfully fragrant white flowers are accompanied by bright red fruit.

Feed Orange Jasmine every three to four weeks starting in early spring and continuing through mid-autumn. Only light watering is adequate for most of the year, with slightly more required in the hotter summer season.

Because they generally do better in moderate shade or filtered sun, Orange Jasmine is one of the few bonsai that can, and should be raised indoors.

The Mimosa tree, also sometimes known as silk trees due to their long silky filaments, offer another good choice. They are as fragrant as both of the two choices mentioned above and their puffy flowers and lacy foliage are also just as lovely.

The Mimosa blooms in late April to early July, during which time they should be given moderate water. However, you should avoid getting water on the flowers because this will cause the blossoms to wilt rapidly and deteriorate.

Mimosa grow rapidly, have large leaves and are somewhat difficult to sustain at a very small size so the Mimosa will probably be one of the larger bonsai in your collection. So be sure to give them plenty of room in your display area.

The Desert Rose is another exotic bonsai that can turn a rather run-of-the-mill collection into one full of interest and color. A native of East Africa, it can grow up to 10 feet in the wild, producing large, pink, trumpet-bowl blossoms.

The Desert Rose should be kept outside most of the year as they need ample sunshine and lots of fresh air. With their very bushy growing habit, they will make an excellent design complement to the many traditional bonsai in your collection.

However, the Desert Rose is sensitive to cold, so they should be brought indoors in cold climates or during periods of cold weather as they will not thrive in temperatures below 10C (50F). With temperatures in the 10C-15C (50F-60F) range, they will lie dormant and healthy and during this period they will need very little water.

These beautiful and fragrant flowering plants will challenge your bonsai gardening skills, expanding your horizons. They will provide an ever-changing display as they go through the seasons, blooming in the spring and losing their leaves in the fall, adding interest to your collection and when spaced amongst the more traditional evergreens, such as junipers, pines, and firs, they add a nice contrast.