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Dwarf tree in pot


Dwarf Trees To Grow In Containers and Pots

Containers are great additions to any garden as a way of bringing color and interest right into the areas where you make the most use of your garden. A lot of activities take place on decks, patios, terraces and balconies, where of course there is no soil to plant directly into. Maybe you have a small garden or no garden at all, but you may have a deck or terrace that you can decorate with plants.

Whether you have built-in planter boxes or just use tubs and pots, most of us buy annual flowers each year and only think of low plants to provide color. That is of course a great thing to do, but it’s also a good idea to think up. Trees, especially those with flowers or colored leaves, will not only create vertical structure and interest, they will throw some welcomed shade if your terrace is sunny, perhaps perfume the air and certainly give some permanent structure and a mature appearance to any space.

What Kinds of Trees Can You Plant?

The most obvious choice is a flowering tree that will be festooned with seasonal blossoms and color. Another choice could be a tree with attractive foliage that will color in the fall. If you choose fruiting trees you can even have home-grown produce right from your deck even if you have no garden at all. A sheltered terrace may also allow you to grow a more tender plant than will grow out in the garden, and if you have an indoor space for the winter, container planting allows us to grow tender trees that certainly wouldn’t survive outdoors all year round. There are lots of choices available for both sunny and shady areas, so the range of trees available for container-growing is large.

A practical purpose can be satisfied too. If you have moved into a new property you may not be ready yet to plan and plant your garden, but you know what trees you want to have. So consider buying them now to take advantage of sale prices or the lower price of smaller plants. Plant them in containers and use them to decorate your terrace or deck while you prepare your garden and plan the final location for your trees. By the time you come to plant them, they will have grown taller and larger, ready to make more impact straight away, while saving you money.

For long-term container planting, choose trees that are slower-growing or smaller in final size. These trees will live happily for many years in a container or planter box and give you lots of value with shade and flowers for season after season. Below we have included some ideas for trees to grow in containers.

Crape Myrtles

Top of the list for flowers all summer long, plus a spectacular fall display, are the Crape Myrtles. These flowering trees are full of blooms during the summer months, just when you are most likely to be on your deck relaxing or entertaining. With their wide range of colors they give a real lift to any space and in fall the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and orange. Not only will these trees be continuously in flower all summer long, but since they are very drought hardy they will survive a little neglect and happily grow in a container for many years. The cherry-red Dynamite Crape Myrtle is one of the best choices for a container, growing to perhaps 10 feet tall. Others, like the bright white Natchez Crape Myrtle, will grow a little taller but with spring pruning can be kept more compact if necessary, for a smaller space.

Japanese Maples

If you have a slightly shady terrace or deck and especially if you want an oriental theme, then one of the many ornamental Japanese Maples is an ideal choice. Although flowers are insignificant, these refined and graceful trees make up for it in the delicacy of their deeply-divided foliage and summer and fall interesting colors. You can have a taller, more upright tree by using the Crimson Queen Japanese Maple (or the Bloodgood Japanese Maple in a colder area) for brilliant red leaves all summer long. Or you may prefer a bonsai look, easily achieved without any special pruning by growing one of the weeping forms like the Waterfall Japanese Maple or for red summer leaves the Garnet Japanese Maple. Whatever choice you make from the many varieties available, these elegant trees only increase in beauty (and value!) as they mature.

Bamboo Trees

Not really trees at all, but giant grasses, Bamboo Trees are a very different choice for a container planting. With these rustling leaves on graceful stems their unique narrow, upright form is ideal to give height on a terrace or balcony without taking up a lot of room. For great contrast in a modern setting, choose Blue Fountain Bamboo, with its grass-like stalks. For a smaller container, choose Umbrella Bamboo, which forms a dense clump less than 10 feet tall when grown in a planter.

Citrus Trees

In warmer climates, the iconic citrus trees make ideal container plants. Since these plants need warm conditions, in colder areas the containers can be brought inside during winter, allowing you to enjoy the powerful fragrance of the blooms and the beauty of the developing and ripe fruit all spring and summer outdoors, even in cold regions. These trees will give a touch of the exotic to a northern garden, or be right at home in the warm of southern states. The Nagami Kumquat is an ideal choice for a container, covered all winter with tiny fruits and hardy to 150F, it will overwinter in a porch in many milder regions with no problem at all. It rarely grows above six feet and so can be fitted into any small, sunny spot. For a lemon tree it is hard to beat the Meyer Lemon tree, with its gourmet mildly-flavored lemons produced in profusion and available over several months.

Peach Trees

Imagine picking ripe peaches from your patio. What a luxury that would be! With an Elberta Peach Tree in a large pot, you can do just that. This heirloom variety is hardy from zone 5 to zone 8, bears fruit in just three years and doesn’t need another peach tree to pollinate its flowers. It is rarely found in stores because it needs to be tree-ripened to give it the luscious sweetness we expect from a peach. As if a crop of fresh fruit was not enough, the rich pinky-purple flowers that smother the bare branches in spring are so beautiful they are enough even without the fruit. But probably the perfect peach tree for a container is the Bonfire Patio Peach Tree – its name says it all!

Caring for Potted Trees

A few simple steps will make sure your potted tree does well. Watering is of course essential. Plants in containers should be thoroughly watered, until water flows from the drain-holes, every time they are watered, but allowed to become a little dry on the surface between watering. Simple drip-irrigation systems can be set up for pots that will take a lot of the work out of growing a larger number in pots. In winter less water is needed for deciduous trees, but don’t let them dry completely.

Fertilizing is essential for good results and liquid fertilizers are the easiest way to go. For organic growing use fish emulsion or other liquid products, or just use any suitable liquid fertilizer for flowering trees. Avoid fertilizers designed for evergreens or hedges, which will encourage too much green growth and fewer flowers. If you need to prune, do it during the late winter when your tree is dormant.

Finally….

Once you start growing trees in pots on your patio or deck, you will wonder why you never thought of it before. It is easy to do and the results can be spectacular, really giving structure and interest to these areas and moving on from the ordinary pots of petunias so often seen. Even if you have no garden at all, your balcony or terrace can be a refuge of trees from a busy life.

10 Best Dwarf Trees For Pots to Grow in Your Yard

If you’re an avid gardener with only a small patio or backyard to grow in, you may be wondering what your options are. With less room to play with, you’ve got to make the most of the space that you have. Many plants are suitable for container gardens, including herbs like cilantro and flowers like rio dipladenias. But if you’d rather grow a tree, you’ll be happy to hear that there are a variety of dwarf trees for pots to choose from.

Flowering dwarf trees, like ‘Cinderella’ Crabapples, ‘Bloomerang’ Lilacs, and ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea trees, draw countless pollinators to your outdoor space. ‘Meyer’ Lemon and ‘Pixie” Mandarin fruit trees can transform even the smallest patio into a home orchard. And Japanese Maple and Sweet Bay Laurel dwarf varieties add interest with their eye-catching foliage.

10 Best Dwarf Trees for Growing in Pots

Trees are more versatile than you might think! Whether you want to grow a handful of small trees in pots on your sunny patio or create your own Japanese-style garden, there’s a tree to suit your needs. If you’re working with limited garden space, here are 10 fantastic dwarf trees that grow great in pots. 

‘Cinderella’ Crabapple (zones 4 through 8)

Crabapple trees are medium-sized in general, but if you want to grow a Crabapple tree in a pot, look for the ‘Cinderella’ variety, which only reaches heights of about 8 feet. Like all Crabapple trees, this dwarf variety requires full sun, so you’ll need to place it where it can get at least 6 hours of light every day. And be sure to grow your dwarf Crabapple in nutrient-rich slightly acidic soil that drains well.

Dwarf Crabapples produce large clusters of white, red, and pink flowers in the spring. These fragrant blooms attract all sorts of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Growing two Dwarf Crabapple trees will allow the plants to reproduce, resulting in golden yellow fruits that birds like to snack on. All in all, the Ornamental Crabapple ‘Cinderella’ offers gardeners with limited space a lot of bang for their buck.

Crabapple tree in pot

Dwarf Meyer Lemon (zones 4 through 11)

If your patio has a mixture of sun and shade, consider growing a Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree. The Dwarf Meyer Lemon grows at a moderate rate and, when pruned, it can reach heights of 8 feet tall. This tree prefers rich, sandy loam soil that drains well. Because these miniature fruit trees are self-fertile, they will still produce lemons for you to enjoy even if you only have room for one. 

Dwarf Meyer Lemon trees produce fruit year-round. Like most dwarf fruit trees, it produces far more fruit than non-dwarf varieties. And because this hybrid plant has been crossed with orange plants, their fruit is sour, yet sweet — unlike regular lemons, which can be so tart that they make your eyes water. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects will love visiting your Dwarf Lemon trees when they’re in bloom, and you’ll love turning their delicious fruits into drinks, pies, and other sweet treats.

Dwarf meyer lemon tree in pot

Japanese Maple (zones 5 through 8)

Grown indoors, Japanese Maple trees can be kept in almost any region in the nation. This exotic tree produces vibrant red foliage draped gracefully from slender branches. Over time, the trunks can get quite large and they’re covered in a deep brown bark that accents the tree’s scarlet foliage nicely. 

When planted in the ground, the Japanese Maple can grow to be 35 feet tall. But when kept in pots, they can be trimmed back to a more manageable height of 8 feet. The good thing about Japanese Maple trees is that they can tolerate all light conditions, from full sun to full shade. Just ensure you grow your Japanese Maple in nutrient-rich acidic soil that drains well, and it will do just fine.

Japanese red maple in pot

‘Bloomerang’ Lilac (zones 3 through 7)

Fragrant and colorful, the ‘Bloomerang’ Lilac tree maxes out at about 7 feet. These are decorative trees. When trimmed regularly, they develop a lollipop shape, with beautiful globes of flowers and foliage situated at the tips of slender trunks. These fast-growing trees prefer full sun, and even though they’re fairly drought-tolerant once established, they appreciate weekly waterings. 

Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, go crazy for this plant’s deliciously-scented perfume and sweet-tasting nectar. Be sure to grow your ‘Bloomerang’ Lilac tree in well-draining soil, preferably in pots with drainage holes in the bottom, to ensure optimum performance.

Lilac tree in pot

‘Little Ollie’ Dwarf Olive Tree (zones 7 through 9)

At first glance, the ‘Little Ollie’ Dwarf Olive tree looks a lot like rosemary. Especially before it has reached its maximum height of 6 feet. This tree’s short, needle-like leaves and grayed green color trick you into thinking it’s an herb. But as this plant grows, it takes on a conical shape, especially when trimmed regularly, giving it an air of dignity and refinement. 

‘Little Ollie’ is so easy to care for. This dwarf tree is incredibly drought-resistant, requiring only weekly waterings. Plant this tree in sandy soil that drains well and keep it where it can get full sun. Even though it’s a bit slow-growing, this small olive tree is a fantastic way to class up your outdoor space.

Olive trees in pots

‘Pixie’ Mandarin (zones 4 through 11)

The ‘Pixie’ Mandarin tree is, quite frankly, adorable. It grows up to 8 feet tall, takes on a nice rounded shape when manicured, and has an attractive trunk to foliage ratio. The fruits themselves are fairly small, you could fit several in your hand at once. And they have a pleasant mild taste that isn’t sickeningly sweet.  

‘Pixie’ Mandarin trees grow well in full to partial sunlight when planted in well-drained soil. Regular waterings are key to fruit production, as these self-pollinating, self-fertile citrus plants cannot produce properly without adequate moisture. This mini tree blooms in summer, when it attracts the attention of dozens of hungry local pollinators.

Mandarin trees in pots

Sweet Bay Laurel (zones 4 through 11)

The small Sweet Bay Laurel tree can reach 15 feet tall and provides your small outdoor space with year-round color. Its smooth, oval, dark green leaves make this attractive shrub a showstopping focal point for any patio. You can harvest the bay leaves to be used in soups, pasta dishes, and other savory recipes. 

The Sweet Bay Laurel grows best in full to partial sunlight and should be planted in acidic to alkaline soil that’s rich in organic matter. The soil absolutely must drain well, as Sweet Bay Laurel does not like sitting in soggy, muddy ground. In the summer months, enjoy the rush of songbirds who will visit your Sweet Bay Laurel tree to forage on the tiny black fruits it produces.

Sweet bay laurel trees in containers

Dwarf Mugo Pine (zones 2 through 8)

Even if your outdoor space is small, you can still give it that “deep in the woods” vibe with a Dwarf Mugo Pine. This gorgeous evergreen tree produces medium-size needles on relatively short branches, giving the foliage a distinctive bottlebrush shape. Dwarf Mugo Pines are slow-growing, and only reach about 5 feet tall. This plant can be trimmed back to give it a defined shape, but when left to its own devices, it can spread out around 10 feet. 

Like most Pine trees, Dwarf Mugo Pines are tolerant of dry, arid climates as well as humid environments. This tree requires at least 6 hours of sunlight every day, and it thrives in almost every soil type, except for compacted, heavy clays.

Dwarf mugo pine tree in pot

‘Limelight’ Hydrangea Tree (zones 3 through 8)

From spring to midsummer, the ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea tree produces large pale lime green to white blooms that attract numerous pollinators, particularly butterflies, bees, and wasps. This plant is very cold tolerant, so it can be planted in full sun in cooler climates. In warmer regions, it’s best to keep this plant in partial shade. 

‘Limelight’ Hydrangea Trees look gorgeous grown on opposite sides of an exterior doorway, but solitary plants make a beautiful focal point, too. Grow these compact trees in rich, well-drained soil, and be sure to give them a slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer every spring to enhance performance.

Limelight hydrangea tree in container

‘Mariken’ Ginkgo Biloba Tree (zones 3 through 8)

This tiny tree only reaches 3 feet tall, but it can grow up to 8 feet wide when left untrimmed. The ‘Mariken’ Ginkgo Biloba tree produces dense foliage. This tree’s iconic fan-shaped leaves are so packed together that you can barely see any airspace between the branches. Enjoy the ‘Mariken’s deep green foliage during the spring and summer months before the leaves turn a fantastic shade of yellow in the fall. 

A slow-grower, the ‘Mariken’ requires full sun to stay healthy. However, it isn’t too picky about its soil. You can grow this hardy dwarf tree in soils that contain a lot of clay, and they’ll still keep plugging along. Pest and disease resistant, this plant requires very little attention once established, although it needs to be watered regularly.

Gingko biloba tree

A few tips for growing dwarf trees in pots

Growing dwarf trees in pots is a great way to save on space. Just be sure to care for them per their label’s specifications. And don’t forget to prune them. Certain trees, like the Dwarf Mugo Pine, may be fine without annual trimming. But ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea Trees and ‘Bloomerang’ Lilac Trees rely on regular pruning to stay healthy, so don’t skip this crucial step.

By choosing the right dwarf trees for your region, and taking the time to fulfill their specific care requirements, you can finally grow trees in your tiny outdoor space. 

Choosing dwarf trees for the house

Dwarf trees have become popular in recent years and are now increasingly seen growing in the home. Today, such very interesting plants can be either bought ready-made or grown independently. However, growing a spectacular tree is not so easy. You will need diligence and accuracy. And also you will need to periodically perform special manipulations necessary to form a beautiful tree. But even having grown a tree on your own and having achieved the desired shape, you will have to constantly maintain it and provide the plant with regular proper care. nine0007

A little about the art of bonsai

Growing bonsai in the home is nothing but the art of bonsai. Today, anyone can master it. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that growing such a tree is quite a lot of work. The plant will have to be looked after every day and closely monitor its condition.

In order to master this art, you will need such character traits as: responsibility, patience and diligence. You must like what you are doing, and then you will certainly be able to grow a dwarf tree of incredible beauty right at home. nine0007

Appearance

Any home-grown bonsai, regardless of species, must bear an exact resemblance to a tree growing in the wild. They should be similar in everything, down to the smallest detail.

A strong trunk and branches should be clearly visible through small leaves. And the roots of the plant should be clearly visible.

Select a suitable container for planting the tree. So, experts recommend opting for a low, but fairly wide pot. The color of the container should be neutral, not irritating to the eye and not distracting attention from the plant itself. nine0007

Classification of dwarf trees by height

The largest dwarf tree grown by this method reaches a height of 120 centimeters. The smallest tree is only 5 centimeters high. Depending on the height of the plants, they can be:

The most popular are plants whose height ranges from 5 to 30 centimeters. These tiny trees amaze with their unusual and incredibly spectacular appearance. They are amazingly elegant and seem very fragile. It may seem that these plants have magically moved from an unusual land of miniature things.

Choosing a bonsai

For a person who decides to start growing a bonsai for the first time, the main thing is to make the right choice of tree species. Such a plant can be purchased at the store already grown or grown independently from the seed. The seed of an ordinary tree is not suitable for planting. You will need to buy special seeds. nine0007

Experts advise beginners to opt for trees that do not have very large foliage or needles. So, you can grow dwarf bamboo, buckthorn, pine or cypress. And many beginners choose Benjamin's ficus, as this plant is characterized by fairly rapid growth and its unpretentiousness.

Before you buy seeds, you need to consider that you will have an adult beautiful tree at least 4 years after planting. But in order for it to form a beautiful crown and grow a strong trunk, you will need to provide regular and, most importantly, proper care. nine0007

Also, when growing this type of tree at home, it must be taken into account that, like other plants, it needs light and fresh air.

Choosing a place and method of planting

Before you start growing a bonsai, you need to understand what exactly is the best place in the room for this plant. To do this, you need to take into account 2 important points:

By the way, experts do not recommend placing bonsai on the windowsill. It needs to be placed somewhere in the room. And also it is impossible for direct rays of the sun to fall on it in the summer.

Next, you need to decide which soil is suitable for this particular plant.

Once the ideal location and suitable soil have been found, it is time to choose how to grow the tree. So, it can be grown from a seed or from a cutting. However, with the help of cuttings, not every plant can be grown. So, oak, cherry, pine and some other trees can be grown only from seeds. nine0007

Features of growing from seeds

Before proceeding with direct sowing, the seeds must be prepared. So, the seeds of those trees that are found in temperate latitudes must be subjected to cold processing. This is not difficult, just pour sand into a small pot, slightly moisten it, and then place the seeds in it. The pot must be placed on the shelf of the refrigerator.

The seeds of those trees that grow in the tropics and subtropics need to be prepared differently. So, the day before sowing in the soil, they must be placed in water, which should be tepid. nine0007

Sowing seeds requires special soil. It should be breathable and loose. So, a substrate suitable for these purposes is obtained by mixing sand and peat. After sowing, the earth should be constantly slightly moistened, and the seed container should be placed in heat (at least 25 degrees).

After sprouts appear, the container must be moved to a cool (no more than 18 degrees), as well as a well-lit place. Humidification should be moderate. If these conditions are not observed, the plant becomes weak and easily ill. A month later, young plants are planted in separate pots. In this case, you need to know that the pot should be small enough and shallow. nine0007

Features of growing from cuttings

Growing a tree from cuttings is much faster. However, in this case, it must be borne in mind that there are a large number of plants whose cuttings take root rather poorly. In order to maximize the chances, it is necessary to place the cutting in the most favorable conditions for rooting. So, the soil should be slightly moistened, and the humidity of the air should be high.

The cutting should be cut from a tree that is 5-10 years old. However, if it is difficult to root, then the age of the plant should be 2-3 years. From deciduous plants naturally growing in temperate latitudes, cuttings are taken in May and July. From a coniferous tree, you can take a cutting in early spring (during the swelling of the kidneys) or in the last summer weeks (after the end of the period of intensive growth). nine0007

For the cutting, cut off the upper or middle part of the shoot, on which there are at least 2 nodes. Its length should be no more than 20 centimeters. The cut must be made 2 cm from the lower node. Then the prepared cutting is inserted into the soil, while the lower node must be immersed in a loose, breathable substrate.

Place the cutting in a warm place (at least 24 degrees), mist regularly or choose a place with high humidity. Also, the place should be bright and ventilated. It is recommended to cover the top with polyethylene or a jar. nine0007

Shaping the tree

In order for a home grown bonsai tree to look spectacular, it needs constant work. The crown is formed by trimming, pinching, bandaging, and also wire comes to the rescue.

It is impossible to create a beautiful crown in one day. This will take a lot of time and is quite painstaking work. Also, when creating a crown, it should be taken into account that only 2 or 3 branches should be left at the tree, no more. Twigs and shoots should be cut gradually and evenly. nine0007

So, depending on the shape, plants can be classified as follows:

General care of bonsai

A plant like the bonsai is one of the most capricious and demanding plants to care for. Taking care of him is not easy. If the care is incorrect, then either the plant will die or completely lose its decorative effect.

There are several important things to keep in mind when caring for it:

Tropical tree care

When growing bonsai in tropical latitudes, it must be remembered that it needs longer daylight hours (compared to temperate latitudes). Therefore, many trees need additional lighting. Where it is better to place a specific type of tree and whether it needs to be illuminated, you need to check with specialists. You can also try to find out on special forums.

Such trees have an extremely negative attitude to the cold, and it is not recommended to transfer them to fresh air even in the warm season. In the room where such a bonsai is located, it should be about 18-25 degrees. It is impossible to place them on a stone windowsill in the summer. Remember that the hotter it is outside, the more moisture, light and nutrients the plant needs. nine0007

In dwarf trees of tropical latitudes, the soil in the pot should always be moistened. Cold water cannot be used for irrigation, and it is better if it is thawed or settled.

Peculiarities of caring for trees of subtropical latitudes

Plants of subtropical latitudes, which include pomegranate, rosemary, olive and others, are much easier to care for than those that grow in tropical latitudes. So, in the warm season, they are recommended to be moved to fresh air. A balcony or garden is perfect for this. With the onset of autumn, the plant is again transferred to the house. In the autumn-winter period, such a dwarf tree should be placed in a room where the temperature should be between 5 and 15 degrees. nine0007

Plants in subtropical latitudes should not be watered as often as those in tropical latitudes. Before watering, the top layer of soil should dry thoroughly.

Humidity

Almost all indoor dwarf trees need high humidity. But sometimes it is very difficult to maintain it at the proper level, especially in winter, when the air is literally dried up by heating appliances.

Those who have been growing such trees for a long time have come up with a few tricks in order to provide the plant with the necessary level of air humidity and at the same time not expend a lot of effort. nine0007

To create a simple structure, you will need a deep pallet, a grate or not very large pebbles. So, pebbles should be placed in the pan, distributing it in an even layer, or put a grate on it. Then water is poured into the pan, and a pot with a tree is placed on top of this structure. It should be noted that the bottom of the pot should not come into contact with water. Monitor the water level in the pan and top up if necessary.

Pests and diseases

A dwarf tree can harbor harmful insects. If they are found, immediate action must be taken to combat them. First of all, isolate the tree from other plants. Then the pests should be removed manually if possible, or rather, most of them. After that, processing by highly specialized means should be carried out. It is necessary to process the plant, observing all the rules indicated on the package. In no case do not increase the dosage, as this can destroy the plant. nine0007

Due to improper watering, gray rot can appear on the tree, as well as powdery or downy mildew. In this case, the plant must be treated with a fungicide. After the bonsai becomes healthy again, you need to change the watering schedule.

It is quite possible to grow a beautiful bonsai tree indoors. The main thing is to be patient and love what you do.

Dwarf trees for the house. Dwarf trees for the home: care features.

Content

The variety of assortment

Folk wisdom: if you want to make a pleasant one, gives the flower in the pot. And if a simple flower brings pleasant emotions, then a real tree will make them unforgettable. An extremely large assortment offered for sale will make them especially unforgettable. Dwarf trees for the home can be bought just for yourself, for example, and not as a gift. So, for sure, there will be no problems with taste preferences. nine0007




Dwarf trees grown at home are conditionally divided into several categories:

Beautiful bonsai in the interior of the bathroom

Scandinavian-style kitchen-dining room

Regarding the latter, their number is quite small on sale. But this is not at all due to a shortage of high-quality planting material, but to the difficulties of their cultivation. Some specimens of bonsai in their age reach several hundred years, but despite this, they do not lose their miniature size and, as a result of long-term cultivation, only increase their value. So, for one collectible copy, you will have to pay about several thousand USD. Similar copies are shown at exhibitions and are inherited. nine0007

The material for dwarf trees can be completely unremarkable varieties of trees, but to achieve the mastery of cultivating such plants, it will take more than one year before a unique specimen is obtained from an elm shoot. Why are fast-growing forms of dwarfs created.






Specific care and specific features

Top dressing gives a positive growth dynamics to the plant, but in the first years of cultivation of a young plant, on the contrary, it is deprived of any additional food. Feeding a dwarf plant with drugs and fertilizers can lead to the fact that the tree will grow into an ordinary street tree, and it will already be pointless to grow it in a house or apartment. nine0007



Bonsai, in addition to being deprived of top dressing, are also cut off quite often. Pruning lends itself not only to foliage and young shoots, but also to the branches from which they grow. This is necessary in order for an ordinary seedling to mutate into a dwarf. As a result, its foliage will decrease many times in size, and the shoots will grow rather sluggishly, which will significantly slow down growth.
In order for the plant to grow in the right direction, the space available for growth is additionally compressed. For this, wire frames are used, which perform the same function as frequent pruning, but in addition they also form the structure of the trunk, in particular the direction of growth of the branches. This adds personality to the dwarfs and creates a creative field for the bonsai master. nine0007

It takes a lot of patience to grow a bonsai

Shaping the bonsai trunk with wire

A variety of plants are used for bonsai, but most often they are evergreen species. It can be tropical citrus fruits, and conifers inherent in temperate climates. In accordance with this, they are adjusted the conditions of their detention.

Tip! If your bonsai uses a type of tree that goes into hibernation for the winter, which is typical of many citrus fruits, it will need to ensure that the temperature drops to a comfortable minimum (10 to 12 degrees) and watering is reduced during this period. nine0007


Choosing a bonsai

For a person who decides to start growing a bonsai for the first time, the main thing is to make the right choice of the type of tree. Such a plant can be purchased at the store already grown or grown independently from the seed. The seed of an ordinary tree is not suitable for planting. You will need to buy special seeds.

Experts advise beginners to opt for trees that do not have very large foliage or needles. So, you can grow dwarf bamboo, buckthorn, pine or cypress. And many beginners choose Benjamin's ficus, as this plant is characterized by fairly rapid growth and its unpretentiousness. nine0007

Before you buy seeds, you need to consider that you will have an adult beautiful tree at least 4 years after planting. But in order for it to form a beautiful crown and grow a strong trunk, you will need to provide regular and, most importantly, proper care.

Also, when growing this type of tree at home, it must be taken into account that, like other plants, it needs light and fresh air.

Height classification of dwarf trees

The largest dwarf tree grown by this method reaches a height of 120 centimeters. The smallest tree is only 5 centimeters high. Depending on the height of the plants, they can be:

The most popular are plants whose height ranges from 5 to 30 centimeters. These tiny trees amaze with their unusual and incredibly spectacular appearance. They are amazingly elegant and seem very fragile. It may seem that these plants have magically moved from an unusual land of miniature things. nine0007

General features of bonsai care

Such a plant as bonsai is one of the most capricious and demanding in care. Taking care of him is not easy. If the care is incorrect, then either the plant will die or completely lose its decorative effect.

Growing conditions

Oddly enough, the conditions for growing dwarf crops are practically no different from those familiar to other houseplants. Watering is weekly, and the temperature regime is usual for apartments and houses both in summer and winter. At the same time, no one forbids taking out dwarfs in the summer in shaded areas outside the rooms. They feel great both on closed balconies and loggias, and on open terraces. nine0007



Canonically, dwarfs are placed one at a time, highlighting them as much as possible against the background of the general space. They are installed on an elevation, window sill or in a niche where the plant will feel comfortable. But no one forbids turning on fantasy and recreating a whole garden of midgets in miniature.

Proper watering for bonsai is very important

Some bonsai require not only watering, but also leaf spraying, which not only provides enhanced nutrition and respiration for the plant, but also significantly improves its appearance. But you should not overmoisten the soil, as this will lead to adverse consequences. By the way, very little soil is used for cultivation. If you literally translate the term "bonsai", it will mean "grown on a platter." That is, the land should be enough only to keep the dwarf and provide minimal nutrition. nine0007





This is also related to the peculiarities of transplantation. Transshipment habitual to all does not suit them. For such indoor plants, it is modified and is carried out quite rarely (no more than once every 5 years for fast-growing species and 10 years for classic bonsai).

Watering bonsai

Giving a certain appearance to bonsai

There are several important points to consider when caring for bonsai:

Features of the care of trees of tropical latitudes

When growing bonsai in tropical latitudes, it must be remembered that it needs longer daylight hours (compared to temperate latitudes). Therefore, many trees need additional lighting. Where it is better to place a specific type of tree and whether it needs to be illuminated, you need to check with specialists. You can also try to find out on special forums.

Such trees have an extremely negative attitude to the cold, and it is not recommended to transfer them to fresh air even in the warm season. In the room where such a bonsai is located, it should be about 18-25 degrees. It is impossible to place them on a stone windowsill in the summer. Remember that the hotter it is outside, the more moisture, light and nutrients the plant needs. nine0007

In dwarf trees of tropical latitudes, the soil in the pot should always be moistened. Cold water cannot be used for irrigation, and it is better if it is thawed or settled.

Peculiarities of caring for trees of subtropical latitudes

Plants of subtropical latitudes, which include pomegranate, rosemary, olive and others, are much easier to care for than those that grow in tropical latitudes. So, in the warm season, they are recommended to be moved to fresh air. A balcony or garden is perfect for this. With the onset of autumn, the plant is again transferred to the house. In the autumn-winter period, such a dwarf tree should be placed in a room where the temperature should be between 5 and 15 degrees. nine0007

Plants in subtropical latitudes should not be watered as often as those in tropical latitudes. Before watering, the top layer of soil should dry thoroughly.

Humidity

Almost all indoor dwarf trees need high humidity. But sometimes it is very difficult to maintain it at the proper level, especially in winter, when the air is literally dried up by heating appliances.

Those who have been growing such trees for a long time have come up with a few tricks in order to provide the plant with the necessary level of air humidity and at the same time not expend a lot of effort. nine0007

To create a simple structure, you will need a deep pallet, a grate or not very large pebbles. So, pebbles should be placed in the pan, distributing it in an even layer, or put a grate on it. Then water is poured into the pan, and a pot with a tree is placed on top of this structure. It should be noted that the bottom of the pot should not come into contact with water. Monitor the water level in the pan and top up if necessary.

Pests and diseases

Harmful insects can settle on a dwarf tree. If they are found, immediate action must be taken to combat them. First of all, isolate the tree from other plants. Then the pests should be removed manually if possible, or rather, most of them. After that, processing by highly specialized means should be carried out. It is necessary to process the plant, observing all the rules indicated on the package. In no case do not increase the dosage, as this can destroy the plant. nine0007

Due to improper watering, gray rot can appear on the tree, as well as powdery or downy mildew. In this case, the plant must be treated with a fungicide. After the bonsai becomes healthy again, you need to change the watering schedule.

It is quite possible to grow a beautiful bonsai tree indoors. The main thing is to be patient and love what you do.

Ornamental trees for the home

Nolina bottle tree

The plant got its name because of the similarity of the shape of the stem and the bottle. In addition, it is also called elephant foot.

Nolina, or Bocarnea

The plant is native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. Rainfall is rare in these areas. Therefore, this shape of the trunk allows you to accumulate moisture and survive the tree during periods of drought. During rains, the thickening, or caudex, increases. In the process of consumption of water reserves by nolina, the caudex decreases in size, the bark below gathers in folds. nine0007

The dense crown consists of stiff and narrow leaves. Due to this, the evaporation of water practically does not occur. In addition, the crown covers the caudex and thus prevents overheating of the trunk.

Bocarnea roots are superficial, adapted to poor rocky soil with a thin fertile layer. Therefore, a wide and shallow pot is suitable for growing it.

The barrel is strong enough not to be damaged by animals and children. Nolina is appreciated by both experienced flower growers and novice lovers of growing exotic novelties. nine0007

Types of indoor nolin

In nature, there are about 30 types of bokarnei. However, in indoor floriculture, only bent bokarnia is grown. Under natural conditions, it reaches a height of 10 m, indoors grows up to 1.5 m in height.

Bevelled beaker tree

Bottle tree easy care at home. The main thing is to follow the basic recommendations.

Laurel

Another evergreen tree for the house is the noble laurel. Under natural conditions, it grows in the Mediterranean countries, where it reaches a height of 12 meters. The laurel lives for about 300 years or more. nine0007

The leaves are used in cooking. Essential laurel oil is used in medicine and perfumery. The tree is considered a symbol of immortality and power. An interesting fact is that champions, poets and winners in battles were crowned with a laurel wreath.

As a houseplant

As a houseplant, laurel can be grown both as a tree and as a shrub. It's easy to take care of him.

Domestic laurel

In order for the laurel to develop normally, it is transplanted every two or three years. A larger (2-3 cm in diameter) pot is selected for the tree. Light soil is suitable for the plant. At a young age, the laurel is transplanted every year, in an adult - 1 time in 3 or 4 years. nine0007

Diseases rarely affect the tree. This is mainly due to the violation of agricultural cultivation. At home, it grows for 15 years and reaches a height of about half a meter. Propagation is carried out by cuttings, seeds and layering.

Indoor juniper

Junipers (Juniperus) belong to plants of the Cypress family. This evergreen tree or shrub is distributed from the Arctic to mountainous regions with a subtropical climate. From it, craftsmen create beautiful wooden crafts; landscape designers often use plants to decorate flower beds and hedges. nine0007

Juniper in landscaping

Chinese juniper and hard juniper are most often grown at home.

In the apartment indoor juniper perfectly cleans the air from harmful microorganisms, is a natural phytoncide, helps to strengthen the nervous and immune systems.

Propagated by layering, cuttings, grafts and seeds or seeds that are in berry cones (cones). The most convenient way is breeding with cuttings and layering. nine0007

Under natural conditions, the height of the juniper can reach 30 m. It practically does not get sick and is not damaged by pests.

Some species have hard spines, so you need to protect your hands when handling them. Life span - up to 600 years.

Juniper lends itself well to molding. Bonsai are grown from it.

Juniper bonsai

It is important to create favorable conditions for indoor juniper. These plants are photophilous, so a well-lit place is selected for a flower pot. It is desirable that in this place it would be possible to arrange good air circulation. nine0007

When planting in a container, a drainage layer of broken bricks or medium-sized gravel must be arranged.

Uniperus can grow on poor soils, but develops better on light substrates. For the soil, peat, sand and soddy soil are mixed.

Ficus

Ficus Benjamin in room conditions can grow up to 300 centimeters. This is a rather whimsical indoor representative of the flora. He needs to allocate a certain place where he will live without moving. nine0574 Ficuses do not tolerate darkness in the room, low temperatures, and drafts.

Hibiscus

The second name of hibiscus is "Chinese rose". This representative of the flora is characterized by the extraordinary beauty of flowering, as well as the ability to grow to a height of about 5 meters. With proper care, this representative of the flora can live for several decades.

Camellia

Camellia is one of the most capricious trees in terms of maintenance, so it is not considered the best option for beginner gardeners. However, it is worth knowing that with proper cultivation, this representative of the flora will delight its owner with beautiful flowers with a diameter of 6 to 12 centimeters. nine0007

Dracaena Sandera

Dragon tree has a chaotic appearance, its height does not exceed 300 centimeters. Dracaena loves light, but suffers from direct sunlight. The dragon tree is good with water, so it needs regular watering and spraying.

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Coffee tree

The coffee tree can be identified by the pleasant sweet aroma that it exudes when flowering. In height, decorative culture can reach 200 centimeters. nine0575 If a tree is well cared for, it will bloom and bear fruit regularly. About half a kilogram of grains can be harvested from such a representative of the flora per year.

Fat woman

The money tree has long been considered a symbol of prosperity, abundance and good luck. Crassula is able to fit into any interior, and because of its unpretentiousness, it can be grown even by novice flower growers. Culture does not tolerate drafts, being near a heater.

Citrus fruits (tangerine, orange, lemon)

Probably, each of us in childhood tried to grow an orange or a lemon by putting an orange seed in some pot with a home flower! It is clear that few people expected sprouts, and even more so, fruits. Although the idea itself is, of course, a good one - such a tree exudes a citrus aroma and looks amazing! Therefore, it is not surprising that even people far from floriculture try to grow a citrus tree at home.

The easiest and most affordable way is to grow citrus fruits from the stone.

For cultivation, it is best to use the largest seeds. They are cleaned, gently washed under the tap and then wrapped in damp gauze for 2-3 days. Before lowering the seeds into the soil, they are treated with a natural growth stimulator. Containers for planting citrus fruits should have drainage holes. Oranges, tangerines and lemons grow well in a substrate made from 1 part sand, 2 parts woodland and 2 parts humus. You can buy ready-made soil for citrus fruits in the store. nine0007

Seeds are planted in a container to a depth of 3 cm. For citrus fruits, it is important to maintain the greenhouse effect - for this, the flowerpot is covered with polyethylene, which is periodically lifted so that oxygen enters the soil. The first shoots of citrus fruits usually appear a month after planting.

After sprouts appear, the citrus tree can be fed. To do this, use formulations that have been developed specifically for citrus plants. They are applied in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. To protect citrus fruits from pests - in particular, whiteflies and spider mites - the leaves are washed with a solution of Actellik (according to the instructions). As a rule, the procedure is repeated two more times, taking a week break between each. nine0007

When the plant begins to bloom, it is important to observe the temperature regime. So, oranges and tangerines need an air temperature of 22-25 ° C for good flowering. Lemon in this part is not particularly whimsical and can actively bloom even at 16-18 ° C. In general, the temperature regime should depend on the season - in summer the temperature increases, and in winter it decreases. This will increase your chances of getting a crop.

Citrus trees need abundant watering. In summer, you need to water oranges, tangerines and lemons every day, in winter - a couple of times a week. nine0007

It is recommended to replant citrus fruits every three years - they grow and there is not enough space for them in an old flowerpot. For transplantation, a fresh substrate is prepared, which consists of sod, leaf and humus soil in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, mixed with one part of sand.

Pineapple

Pineapple can hardly be called a tree, but it can also decorate the interior, so we included it in our list. Pineapple is beautiful during flowering, and if you take good care of it, then after five years you can taste it. nine0007

In order to grow a pineapple at home, you need to cut off its top. It is placed in a pre-prepared soil mixture - peat and sand in equal proportions. Cover the top of the pineapple with a jar or plastic bag to retain moisture. After the top takes root and the bush grows, it is transplanted into a large, but shallow container. The soil for transplantation is prepared as follows: sand, turf and leaf humus are mixed in equal parts. It is important for pineapple that there is a lot of space - only if this condition is met, fruits can be expected from it in the future. nine0007

Pineapple is afraid of the cold, so the maximum coldest temperature in the room where it is grown should be 18°C. Ideally, it is better to keep the temperature for it at 25 ° C. As a rule, a pineapple will not always have enough sunlight, so in winter, provide it with additional lighting with a fluorescent lamp.

Pineapple needs additional nutrition, so gardeners recommend feeding it with organic fertilizer once a month. It is best to use mullein for this purpose (we described in detail the recipe for its preparation in the section on growing pomegranate). During active periods of growth and development of pineapple, 2 times a month, you can apply mineral fertilizers like a Flower or a Rainbow, clearly following the rules indicated in the instructions. nine0007

It is enough to water an adult pineapple once a week. Water for irrigation is taken warm, settled. Ideally, if it is rain or melt water. In most cases, boiled water with a pinch of citric acid is used to water pineapple. If suddenly it so happened that you watered your pineapple too hard, you will have to change the substrate.

The plant also needs to be sprayed. In the summer, you need to water the pineapple often and plentifully so that the water saturates the entire soil. In winter, you should not get involved in this. nine0007

To plant a tree, a little soil and a pot with drainage holes are often enough. Well, you need to make a little effort - where without it? But the tree that will turn out in the end will please you for a long time and create a mood in the house.

Avocado

Those who love avocados can kill two birds with one stone by planting this ornamental tree at home - and aesthetic needs will be satisfied, and juicy fruits will be obtained. True, not immediately, but we know that luck comes only to the patient! nine0007

In addition, avocado is an evergreen tree, which means that even in winter it will not shed its leaves and go into hibernation. In nature, it is able to reach a height of 20 meters. Of course, in a city apartment this is hardly possible, and it is not necessary.

You can grow a small avocado tree at home from a seed. To do this, you need a bone of a ripe fruit, a pot for planting and fertile soil. The bone cannot be placed in ordinary soil taken from the garden. Usually, for avocados, a soil mixture is prepared from peat (humus), earth from the garden and river sand - all in equal proportions. nine0007

An avocado seed is planted at a depth of 3 cm. And then you need to provide the plant with high-quality timely watering and a lot of light. The window sill on the west side is the best place. If you did everything right, then in about a month a sprout will appear.

For those who like an unconventional approach, there is another way to germinate an avocado seed. To do this, three holes are made in the central part of the bone. A toothpick is inserted into each of them to a depth of 3-5 mm. Next, the bone with a blunt end is immersed in water by a third, toothpicks will hold it on the surface of the glass. The water level should be the same all the time that is allotted for germination. nine0007

After the root system of the future tree reaches 3-4 cm, it is transplanted into a pot with drainage holes. The plant is planted in a fertilized soil mixture, the surface is not rammed. A tree needs light, but not direct sunlight. Avocado loves moisture, so it should be watered 3-4 times a week. Experts recommend replanting avocados every year - you won’t even have time to look back, as the tree will become dough in an old pot! It needs to be transplanted when it reaches a height of 15 cm. The substrate (peat, soil and sand in equal proportions) should be fresh and loose. nine0007

From time to time, avocados need to be fed with fertilizers that are designed for flowering ornamental plants, such as Biochelate. In spring and summer, a fertilizer solution (10 ml of the mixture per 2 liters of water) should be applied 2-3 times a month. In autumn and winter, top dressing is applied once a month.

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