Plant used for bonsai - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Fokienia hodginsii is an evergreen tree, 25-30 m tall. It has greyish-brownish bark that peels off when the tree is young. On older trees, the bark presents longitudinal fissures and becomes aromatic. The leaves are arranged in flattened branchlet systems, with the branchlets in one plane.

The tree does not tolerate shade, and requires mild climate and abundant rainfall to grow best.

Ming aralia is one of the most popular of the polyscias with its upright-spreading growth habit and fine-textured, pinnately-divided leaves. Polyscias fruticosa Elegans (Parsley Aralia) is an excellent dwarf cultivar with leaves that resemble some of the finely-divided strains of parsley. It produces an abundance of side shoots and compactly-arranged, small leaves that make it a good choice for small pots in the 4" to 8" diameter range. Cream flowers are small and inconspicuous, but are borne on 6" to 7" panicles at the stem tips. The Ming Aralia can be propagated using stem cuttings, root cuttings, suckers, and air layering. The top of the root should be level with the surface. Some cultivars produce an abundance of suckers that can be removed when their root system is developed.

This is a "living fossil" plant, surviving on earth since the time of the dinosaurs. Cardboard Palm belongs to the Cycad family (cycad is greek for "palm" which many cycads resemble). Other cycads include Coontie Palm and Sago Palm (neither of these are really palms!) Cardboard Palm has 3 to 4 foot leaves that emerge from a central point forming a rosette. When grown in bright sunlight the rosette becomes a 3 foot high clump of tightly overlapping leaves that will slowly grow to 6 feet in diameter. The thick leathery leaves are pinnate and have 5 inch long by 1 inch wide oval leaflets. They are slightly fuzzy and feel a little like cardboard when rubbed (hence the name Cardboard Palm!) The foliage emerges from a thick fleshy trunk that serves as a water reservoir in times of drought. Male and female reproductive structures (cones) form on separate plants. Even very young plants produce these interestingly shaped cones. When ripe, the female cone breaks to reveal an array of tightly packed, bright red 1 inch seeds. Location Cardboard Palm is native to the warm sandy coastal plains of Mexico and is a common landscape item in tropical and sub-tropical areas all over the world. It is also a popular and easy to grow houseplant. Plant in neutral, well-drained sandy soil. Mulch with organic materials (bark or leaf mold). Sustains leaf damage at 28 degrees F. Cardboard palm makes a great accent or specimen plant. Use near the patio, in mixed foundation plantings or in perennial beds. This cycad is salt resistant and can be used in beachside plantings. Also makes a great container plant for the patio or deck. It is a great houseplant tough enough to survive occasional neglect and harsh indoor environments. Large outdoor clumps are striking as the light olive green new growth emerges to hover above a base of darker mature leaves. Specimens can be grown indoors in shallow containers. Used this way, the partially exposed tuberous stem and the airy crown of leaves create a striking bonsai specimen. With it beautiful shape, exotic looking cones and instinct for survival, Cardboard Palm is one of the favorite indoor plants.

Greyia sp. or Natal bottlebrush is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree native to South Africa. Grown in USDA Zones 9 to 11, Greyia sp. can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet, though with adequate support it can attain heights of 10 to 20 feet. Full direct sunlight is necessary for the plant to thrive, as well as regular waterings. Greyia sp. has showy, dense clusters of deep scarlet flowers that bloom in upright racemes. It is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

For those who live in colder climates, Greyia sp. can be grown in pots, as long as it is adequately sheltered from the cold and brought indoors to a warm environment during winter. In either case, direct sunlight is necessary and regular watering is essential. If temperatures fall below 40 degrees, it is recommended to bring the pot indoors to avoid damage to the plant.

Greyiasp. is not only an attractive addition to any outdoor space, but has a long history of medicinal properties and is a valuable healing plant. Growing and caring for Greyia sp. is a straightforward task, thus making it the perfect choice for those wishing to add some color and traditional medicinal benefits to their garden. Selected species include Greyia radlkoferi, Greyia flanaganii, and Greyia sutherlandii.

Celtis tala is a small tree that is most commonly found in Central and South America and can reach between 10-20 ft in height. The tree can be used for bonsai, if desired, and simply requires full sun or semi-shade and regular watering. Those living in colder climates can successfully grow Celtis tala in a pot if they provide it with regular water, but ensure they use a pot with good drainage.

The fruits of the Celtis tala are an edible, egg or globe shaped and of a bright yellow or orange color. Though they can be slightly astringent, these fruits have many health benefits and can be used the same way as other fruits. One mature tree can produce up to 20 pounds of these edible fruits in one season and they can be used from making jams to jellies, desserts, liquors and even used for medicinal purposes.

Due to its health benefits, the Celtis tala is highly sought after and has been used for centuries for treating everything from fever to kidney problems. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the Celtis tala fruit contains vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus, just to name a few. All of which combined make the Celtis tala fruit a delicious, nutritious and healthful snack.

Tall shrub or small tree with beautiful pink flowers and large, velvet, round leaves 2-4" wide. Rare plant; leaves are very ornamental tropical looking. Cold hardy at least to light frost. Fast growing.

The tree is small in stature, evergreen, with rigid branches and has a gnarled trunk. The flowers are numerous, bright red to pink in color and are borne in small clusters. They are distributed throughout the tree.

Schotia afra can be pruned to shape and can be grown as a bonsai specimen.

The seeds are edible either green, or mature. They can be used as a meal if roasted and ground.

Queen Wrightia (Wrightia tomentosa) is native to Thailand and is a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, with a trunk that swells as it matures. It has white or off-white flowers that are fragrant and have a soft, fresh, apple-like scent.

When planting Wrightia, it should be done in an area that receives full sun and with regular watering in order to thrive. It is a drought-tolerant plant, but regular watering will help promote more vigorous growth. It is best suited to USDA zones 9-11.

For those living in areas that experience colder climates, Queen Wrightia can be grown in a pot. During growth, the plant should be kept in a bright, cool location that receives at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight. Water should be given sparingly during the winter months, but increased during the summer months. Applying fertilizer during the growth season can also help to ensure proper growth.

For those living in warmer climates, wrightia can be planted outdoors in the ground. It should be planted in an area that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. The plant should be watered regularly to ensure proper growth and to prevent it from becoming stressed. Pruning the plant will also help to promote a more bushy, healthy growth.

The caudex of this plant is the part of the stem system at ground level that stores water and can withstand drought-like conditions. As the plant matures, the caudex develops, enabling it to survive in even the driest of climates.

With the right care and attention, Queen Wrightia can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. Its large, fragrant flowers are sure to attract pollinators while its mature caudex will be a stunning feature in the landscape.

The Dwarf Pandanus pygmaeus is a small shrub with an ornamental foliage that is suited to and can survive in both hot and cold conditions. This plant is ideal for USDA Zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors background planting and as low-growing groundcover or a small 2-5 ft. shrub. It thrives in full sun, shade, or semi-shade but requires moderate water throughout the growing season. The plant can be used for bonsai and for decorative purposes due to its unique foliage and foliage colors.

Although moderately drought tolerant, During the winter time this plant can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for a short while when matured. Additionally, this plant is also salt tolerant and can withstand summer heat with relative ease.

For potting, use a fertile, well-draining soil. An important tip is not to overpot this plant, as too much soil can lead it to suffocate instead of thrive. Once grown to a desirable size, repot your plant only when it is too big for its original pot. It is important to utilize the right potting mix for your potted Dwarf Pandanus to make sure the plant does not dry out too quickly.

When overwintering this plant outside in cold regions, protect it from excessive heat or cold. Choose an area with bright light but not direct sunlight. Move the pot inside to a sheltered area until the last winter frost has passed. You will also want to ensure that your Dwarf Pandanus is appropriately watered. Keep the soil barely moist, never saturated. During winter, when the weather is cooler, water less often as the plant is dormant. When the temperature drops below 40F, it is advised to move the pot indoors, away from freezing temperatures.

Overall, the Dwarf Pandanus is an easy to care for, versatile, and attractive ornamental plant that can provide visual interest in any environment and can can be enjoyed for many years.