Sakura Bonsai – Cherry Blossom Bonsai
The sakura bonsai is a type of traditional Japanese bonsai tree. Sakura are the most popular species for this type of plant and can be found in many colors, including pink, white, red, purple and black.
The sakura bonsai trees were originally cultivated to celebrate the blossom season that occurs annually in Japan during April.
In addition to their beauty as a flowering plant, these trees also have long been used for medicinal purposes throughout Asia; they have been shown to help with coughs and colds as well as reducing fevers.
They are also said to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels due to the high amounts of Vitamin C contained in them from all those flowers!
Can you bonsai a sakura tree?
The answer is it depends.
There are certain requirements that will have to be met in order for you to successfully bonsai a sakura tree.
However, if these things can be controlled then there is no reason that you cannot grow your own cherry blossom bonsai tree from seed! Just remember that they typically require a lot of care and attention.
Sakura Bonsai Tree Requirements
For your cherry blossom bonsai tree to flourish you will need to meet all the following conditions:
-You must have full, bright sunlight for at least six hours per day
-Water the seed regularly and keep it moist (but not wet).
-There is a need to protect it from cold or freezing temperatures (including drafts) and keep the root zone temperature between 50F-85F
-They do not like strong wind at all so make sure you have a sheltered location.
-And lastly, pollination is required for sakura bonsai trees to bear fruit.
What are the Best Types of Sakura Seed for Bonsai Tree Cultivation?
As mentioned, you can grow a sakura bonsai tree from the seed of any kind of cherry blossom. But some species produce better results than others if you want to create a bonsai with flowers!
Some types that are known to work well include:
-Prunus serrulata – one of the most popular and commonly used in bonsai cultivation, it has a very beautiful white flower with pink edges. They are small and grow almost anywhere.
-Prunus ‘Shirotae’ – this variety is very striking as it has pure white flowers. The petals are very small but the flowering period is long and it produces a lot of fruit.
Are sakura bonsai real?
Yes, all of the above are very real!
Sakura bonsai trees have been growing and flourishing in Japan since the 17th century!
They started out as an ornamental type of tree but today they can be found in many homes all across the country.
Also called Japanese flowering apricot or Japanese apricot, the sakura bonsai is a popular choice for good reason.
So if you have the right conditions in your home then yes, you too can grow a beautiful and unique sakura bonsai tree just like the ones found in Japan!
What is a sakura tree and how does it differ from other trees ?
Sakura, also known as cherry blossoms, are flowers that grow on trees during the springtime.
They only grow in regions of Japan and China and have been important parts of Japanese culture for many years.
The most common flowering trees include the sakura and the ume tree, but both these types are now being cultivated into bonsai form for Japanese people worldwide to appreciate.
The difference between cherry blossom and sakura bonsais is that the sakura bonsai are specially grown to their smaller size.
Sakura trees, just like other plants, grow to a certain height and then stop.
In order for Japanese farmers to cultivate these delicate flowers into bonsais, they have to keep them small through the careful cultivation of pruning and potting techniques.
How do you grow a sakura bonsai?
People often ask ‘how do you grow a sakura bonsai tree?’ The answer is that it takes lots of attention and careful cultivation techniques.
If you are looking to try your hand at growing one yourself, make sure that your location has full, bright light for up to six hours per day and that the temperature stays between 50F and 85F.
You will also need to water and fertilize regularly, keep it sheltered, and pollinate if you want to get fruit!
Sakura bonsais are a beautiful sight to behold in their mature form of about one foot tall.
However there is an art to growing them properly which takes years of trial and error to perfect.
If you are looking for a bonsai that you can easily and quickly grow, try growing an indoor ficus bonsai tree which is simple but rewarding!
Can a sakura bonsai be grown from seed?
Yes, a sakura bonsai can be grown from seed just like any other type of bonsai. The seeds will need to be removed from a ripe fruit and then soaked for 24 hours in warm water.
After they have soaked, you can plant them and cover the pot with plastic until they sprout.
However, sakura bonsai trees grown from seed are not considered true bonsais because their trunks and branches will be more prominent than those of a ‘true’ bonsai.
Also, growing a sakura bonsai from seed can take years of patience and dedication.
Next you have to place the seeds on top of moist soil or moss about one inch deep with good drainage.
Do not water the seeds after you plant them, but make sure to keep them moist. You will want to transplant the seedlings when they are two months old and have developed their first set of leaves.
It is possible to grow a sakura bonsai from seed, but it can take a long time and does not produce the desired effects that would be seen in a true sakura bonsai.
It is always best to start with already-established plants if possible.
Are there varieties of sakura bonsais?
Yes, there are many different types of sakura bonsais including weeping trees, variegated leaves, and more.
However, the most popular choice worldwide is the Japanese flowering apricot tree because they can grow to just under one foot tall and do not require much direct sunlight.
Sakura bonsais are a truly wonderful sight to behold in both their full-sized state as well as when they have been cultivated into miniature forms.
How big do sakura bonsais get?
Sakura trees that are cultivated into bonsais will reach about one foot tall in maturity
How to care for your sakura bonsai trees
As with any bonsai, watering is very important.
The soil should be kept damp, but not wet at all times. Water the sakura bonsai only when needed and make sure to water about three-quarters of an inch below the surface. During the summer months, these plants require more watering than in the wintertime.
Sakura bonsais should be re-potted every two years, but this will depend on the size of the pot and how much soil is in it.
Your local garden center can help you choose a new pot or give recommendations if you require them.
Re-potting should happen at the beginning of autumn, just as the temperature is starting to drop. This will give your bonsai plenty of time to recover from the process before the cold winter weather hits.
Follow these steps and you can have your very own sakura bonsai tree growing in no time!
How long does it take to grow a sakura bonsai?
Growing a sakura bonsai is very easy as long as you follow the right steps. All it will take to grow yours is time and patience!
It can take anywhere from five to ten years for these trees to grow into their small bonsai size, it all depends on which species you chose and how well you care for them.
Where can you buy a Sakura Bonsai in the US or Canada?
All Green Thumb Bonsai is a full service bonsai nursery located in Sacramento, California.
They specialize in growing and selling high-quality sakura trees to customers all over the United States.
They can ship anywhere from California up to Canada for only $40 plus they offer free shipping on all orders regardless of size. Visit their website for more information: All Green Thumb Bonsai
Conclusion
Sakura bonsai is a time honored tradition in Japan, dating back to the 8th century. Japanese people believe that by replanting and nurturing these trees they are able to recreate nature’s beauty. If you have any interest in this art form, be sure to visit one of our local nurseries or online retailers who carry sakura bonsais for sale!
Check out more about caring for a bonsai here
