Hyams Garden Center and Accent Store

Serving Greater Charleston Area with Quality, Variety & Professionalism since 1981

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The Art of Bonsai: A Thousand Years Old and Still going Strong

The ancient art of Bonsai began over a thousand years ago in China and was actually known then as Pun-Sai. Later, Japan adopted many cultural trademarks of the Chinese with this art form being one of them. The name then became bonsai meaning, “tray planting.” As time progressed, the ideals of bonsai changed and for the Japanese, bonsai became a representation of the combination between their ancient beliefs and the Eastern way of thinking – the harmony found between man, the soul and nature. In today’s world, bonsai is a great symbol of Japanese culture that can be experienced all over the world.

Caring for a bonsai is not very difficult. Be sure to keep the bonsai evenly moist at all times and when watering, water thoroughly when the surface soil becomes dry to the touch. Let the bonsai dry out before you water it and use a gentle spray for watering through the foliage to keep it clean. When the temperatures are high and humidity is low, bonsai should be watered once a day.

If you have a needled evergreen, keep it outside in part to full sun. Maples, elms, and other deciduous trees should be in filtered sun along with subtropical bonsais. Be sure to let you bonsai be outside every so often to keep it healthy.

When fertilizing, use a fish emulsion fertilizer diluted to 1/3 of the manufacturer’s directions. Liquid fertilizer should be applied every two weeks from spring to mid-summer. Use this diluted fertilizer as though you were watering your bonsai, but DO NOT spray the fertilizer directly on the foliage, spray into the soil only!

If you are looking for a bonsai, check out the nice selection at Hyams in the Greenhouse!

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Guidelines for the Care of Tillandsia

Tillandsia come in many different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. All tillandsia are easy to grow. Tillandsia are in the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) and originate from South and Central America. Tillandsia’s foliage consists of absorbent, furry scales which take up water from humid air. The most well-known species of tillandsia (T.usneoides) is Spanish Moss and is found throughout America in warmer, humid regions, hanging from trees such as live oak.

HUMIDITY – Tillandsia prefer high humidity in order to absorb both water and nutrients. Normal room temperature is suggested with a minimum of 50˚ Fahrenheit/10˚ Centigrade. Brown leaf tips are indications that the humidity must be increased.

WATERING – Water is absorbed through the furry scales on the foliage, therefore the best method for watering is to mist the plant with a spray bottle, thoroughly wetting the leaves. During the summer, mist the plant twice a week; during the winter, mist the plant once a week or once every two weeks.

FERTILIZE – Fertilizing is not required, however a half-strength solution of high-potash liquid fertilizer can be added to the misting water once every week in spring and summer.

LIGHT – Tillandsia require bright indirect light or full shade outside, BUT NO DIRECT SUN.

POTTING – Tillandsia are air plants, so they get their nutrients from their foliage. Potting of Tillandsia will cause rotting at the base of the plant. Tillandsia can be left with no mounting, or they can be mounted on wood or bark. Tillandsia can be found on the limbs of trees. Roots are used for anchorage.