Bonsai lovers never cease to be interested in this art of growing trees as they also see a challenge in developing this broad range of bonsai kinds. Nevertheless, the varieties including Juniper and Ficus are well familiar in the bona compound, however, there is a broad list of less conventional species that elicit either aesthetic or cultivating benefits. This article explores on 10 of such interesting Bonsai tree species where each differ in their specs that add up to the exotic nature of Bonsai trees.
Japanese Black Pine
Japanese Black Pine also known as the Thunberg Giant Pine or Japanese Red Pine is of the species Pinus thunbergii.
Japanese Black Pine is one of the more tradition based bonsai types which can actually be rooted back in Japanese tradition for their bonsai. Having thick, furrowed and dark greenish-blue needles, this variety is pruned to emulate the ‘drift or cusp shapes’ that are common among the coastal zones of Japan.
Another discipline that has backed up this kind of trees is the fact that the Japanese Black Pine bonsai should be grown in well-drained soil and exposed to adequate direct sunlight to mimic their natural environment. Espalier technique is very important in keeping its shape and appearance clipped so that every branch is useful and adds value to the structure.
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
Sometimes called the ‘drake’ the Chinese Elm has a small glossy leaved and an elegant structure, making this Bonsai good both for beginners and advanced practitioners. This species comes from East Asia, and it is perfectly viable as an indoor or outdoor crop. Watering and feeding timings are well controlled to avoid over growth and at the same time ensure that the hair does not become wiry.
Chinese Elm could be styled in different types ranging from the informal upright and the broom style which adds to the flexibility concerning the design of bonsai and at the same time being naturally hardy.
Bougainville Bonsai (Bougainvillea spp. )
The Bougainvillea Bonsai immediately grabs the eye with it’s strong colored bracts and extraordinary flowering habits, further enhancing a bonsai home collection. Originally from the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, this tree grows in areas with fairly high temperatures and consists of full-sun-tolerant plants that could be safely grown by bonsai enthusiasts living in the temperate climate or indoors provided that the area receives sufficient amount of light.
Issues of growing Bougainvillea as bonsai include; the plant’s reaction to cold climate and pruning to encourage flowering and subsequent growth as a bonsai plant. This tree has a vine-like growth habit but a lot of care is put in to wire it and remove its leaves so as to give it a desired bonsai form which is a very botanically interesting subject as well as artistically.
Jabuticaba Bonsai (Plinia cauliflora)
The Jabuticaba bonsai tree is peculiar for its capacity of yielding fruits right on its stem and branches; this is unique in the case of bonsai trees. Coming from a tropical region specifically Brazil, this tree has edible fruits but takes much technical work and attention to make the tree bear fruits with its miniature size. Some pruning techniques are directed toward fruiting nodes and the minimization of the development of vegetative parts, and this may, for example, require removal of some leaves to conserve the energy of the tree to fruiting.
The cosmetic layout of the Jabuticaba bonsai captures the species’ tendency to produce fruits enhancing a fusion of horticultural art and fruitage that equally benefits the growers of this plant product and lovers of bonsai.
Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa)
With smooth leaves and sweet scent flowers, the Natal plum bonsai is an additional eye and taste sensation to any collection of bonsai. This species is the indigenous species to South Africa and performs perfectly in various climatic conditions and types of soils; thus, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires the application of certain amount of water always and exposure to light to promote blossoming and bearing of fruits.
Creating a bonsai using Natal Plum involves shaping the thick foliage into nice curves that will enhance the symmetry as well as the flowering characteristics that are characteristic of the plant; hence it brings elegance in case of a bonsai display.
Podocarpus Bonsai (Podocarpus spp.)
Natively from Asia, it is also termed as Buddhist Pine or Fern Pine, Podocarpus bonsai has an appealing characteristic of needle-like foliage and dwarf growth pattern. This species comes from the subtropical and tropical areas and it very suitable for bonsai training and it may be in the formal upright or in cascade styles.
Indoor plants thrive in conditions where there is a lot of light, but not direct sunlight; the soil used should be of the drainage type which allows the plant to dry out between watering; outdoors, the plant can grow in partial shade but during extreme weather, the plant should be protected. Pruning procedures are supposed to keep it bushy and sculpt its branches so that bonsai tree looks perfect, which it is in spite one-hundred fold size reduction.
Ficus Retusa (Ficus retusa)
Discussed to be a native of Southeast Asia, the Ficus Retusa bonsai is characterized by oval like foliage and aerial roots that appear with time once grown indoors. The plant flourishes with optimum light and moderate humidity making it perfect for indoor growing of bonsai because it does not demand direct sunlight and extremely dry surroundings.
The strategies include root pruning and wiring that are used in order to fully enhance its growth and patterns of the aerial root that is distinctive of the plant allowing for artistic creativity to be put into play for special growth orientations. Making an Ficus Retusa bonsai, one can use not only the most widely-used styles like the upright and the root-over-rock, but virtually any other kind of style that can be thought of when practicing the art of bonsai.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Since the Japanese Maple bonsai has palmate leaves with beautiful shades of reds, yellows and oranges in the fall, it is commonly seen in Japanese gardens and used in displays of bonsai art. This species has its roots in Japan, Korea and China and its appearance portrays elegance and simplicity perfectly created in bonsai style. It also entails great care in pruning to better improve the naturally accrued figure and produces what is like a miniaturized version of the big trees and such types.
There are certain types of bonsai that has to do with the specific locations of the Japanese Maple which can be pruned in traditional forms like the cascade and the style in the broom; with each pruning sold enhancing the overall aspect of the bonsai art.
Buddha's Ear (Alocasia cucullata)
Elephant Ear, scientifically called Buddha’s Ear is an impressive looking Bonsai tree, with big, heart-shaped, almost tropically looking leaves originate from the South East Asia. Favored by warm and humid climates, this type needs a soil with good drainage to avoid both water sulfocation and root decay. Techniques used to cultivate the plant aim at keeping humidity high and using filtered light to reduce scorching of the leaves.
The appearance of Buddha’s Ear structure represents many people’s beliefs to gain fortune as well as religious enlightenment; its peculiar and eye-appealing foliage provides calmness and rich greenery to both indoor or outdoor bonsai settings.
Pomegranate Bonsai (Punica granatum)
Pomegranate bonsai inspires with its orange-red flowers which turn into small edible fruits, meaningful fertility and plenty in different cultures. Originating from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East this species prefers well-draining soils, full sun and requires pruning to promote flowering and fruiting. A few cultural practices like timely transplanting and changes in the frequency of watering and feeding are very vital in enhancing its growth all year.
The pomegranate bonsai can be shaped to various styles with one of the most common styles being the informal upright to the semi cascade styles, and owing to the toughness of this type of bonsai the shapes constructed are miniature.