Bonsai trees

[jennywrenwrites]

So I have a question about Bonsai trees? Do you winter them outside like all other trees?

 

[Becky]

I've split out your query into a new topic

 

[Tmann]

Yes I believe you do. If it gets really cold you can move them into a unheated garage.

 

[Gina145]

It depends on the species of tree as well as the climate in which you live. If you are growing tropical trees and live in a cold climate then you will need to move them indoors for the winter. I grow a lot of ficuses and, although it rarely snows here, I have to protect them from frost or they will die. My maples and olives on the other hand stay outside permanently.

If your bonsai is of a species which you commonly see growing in your area, you may be able to keep it unprotected during winter. It's best to try to get more information from someone who is familiar with both your climate and the species of tree.

 

[DeaneRenata]

I'm interested in Bonsai but I've never done it.

 

[claudine]

It depends. If your bonsai is a tree that go dormant in your climate zone, then yes, you should winter it outside, or, at least, move it to the coldest room in your house.
A few years ago I tried to grow an oak indoors (a silly idea, I know, but I was a teenager back then and I wanted to experiment a little). I had no idea that it should go dormant, so I kept it in my room. It didn't survive winter

 

[Leah]

I have an even better question: where do you get them?

 

[claudine]

I have an even better question: where do you get them?

You can either buy a bonsai tree at a store, or find a small, young tree, plant it in a special, flat pot and start shaping it. It takes a lot of time to make it look like a bonsai though.

 

[Leah]

What kind of store? (I hope that's not a dumb question.)

 

[claudine]

Of course it's not a dumb question, feel free to ask about anything I always have billions of questions too, fortunately people here are very patient and friendly

Try gardening stores, florists, maybe even gardening sections at supermarkets. I'm pretty sure that you can buy them online too.

 

[Leah]

I've never seen them around where I live. I may just not be looking hard enough.