Bonsai Species

The various bonsai species are considered the most spectacular tree species on Earth. Due to the fact that bonsai originated from Asia, particularly Japan and China, it is understandable that the most well-known bonsai species are from this very same region.

Growing bonsai somewhere else can be a huge challenge. If you intend to grow the bonsai species that are popular in Japan, you may not likely succeed if your climate does not match that of Japan’s. For example, tropical species may be hard to grow in climates like that of the northern parts unless there is an appropriate temperature indoors for them.

But this does not mean that bonsai fans from the other side of the world will not have the chance to cultivate this miniature tree. In fact, there are numerous substitutes for all those famous bonsai species.

A lot of bonsai enthusiasts favor the Japanese pines. But since temperatures can become an issue for this particular specie, most people settle for the mugho pine which is capable of tolerating intensely cold temperatures. Like the Japanese pine needles, that of the mugho’s can also be reduced.

The Chinese elm is among the popular bonsai species too. But cold temperatures do not benefit this particular specie at all. Thus, the Siberian elm may be grown instead of the Chinese elm. Both bonsai species grow quick, possess twiggy branching, and has leaves that lessen with the right techniques.

The tamarack (American) larch may be used in place of the evergreen. The sergeant crabapple is a good alternative for a fruit or flower bearing tree. And the European birch may be chosen in favor of the broadleaf tree. All of these bonsai species used as “alternatives” to the more common ones all possess wonderful characteristics. The tamarack larch has the ability to change the color of its needles from green to yellow before they fall off. The sergeant crabapple bear fruit in autumn, and produce flowers in spring. The European birch features a while bark which peels by itself. Each of these bonsai species which serve as great stand-ins will turn into good-looking bonsai trees sometime.

Bonsai cultivation is a lot of fun and is a potentially rewarding hobby. But with success comes great challenges. And before any other growth and bonsai care issues are dealt with, you are first faced with the huge task of deciding what particular bonsai you wish to grow.