Caring For The Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree

The Fukien tea bonsai tree as the name implies, originated in China around the province of Fuji. It is a species of small evergreen trees. It has small furry dark green leaves, which grow into a thick bush and gives it an overall compact appearance. A young tree has a light brown bark. When it gets older, the bark starts cracking and turns brittle.

This bonsai flowers in early spring. These small beautiful flowers slowly turn into black berries later.

The Fukien tea bonsai tree, being a tropical tree, is affected by cold. It is therefore recommended that this tree be grown indoors. This particular specimen of Fukien Tea Bonsai is a bit difficult to grow but you may want to take up the challenge of cultivating this beauty.

Caring for a Fukien bonsai tree requires paying particular attention to sunlight and temperature. The recommended amount of sunlight is one hour, either early morning or late afternoon, as the sun rays are not so hot. The temperature should range between 59° to 77° F. When moving the tree indoors, take it to a shaded area like the patio to rest, and then take it into the house. If this is not done, the plant might suffer shock.

The Fukien tea bonsai tree requires just a weekly feed in the summer months. In winter the frequency of feeds is reduced to once a month.

Repotting of the tree as is with other bonsai, should be done within the first 1 to 3 years of its life. If your bonsai comes from China, it will most often have clay as the potting material. You will have to gradually replace it with a bonsai soil mixture. If this process is not gradual the tree is likely to be over stressed. This tree is also easily shocked in the feeding process but can easily withstand heavy pruning.

The berries of the Fukien tea bonsai tree are brewed by steeping them in hot water and there are varied opinions on the taste of this type of tea.

Paul Smith is a bonsai enthusiast and shares his knowledge on his website at http://www.BonsaiPlantsCenter.com where you'll find many articles about the Bonsai world and his FREE online mini course made for the beginner who needs guidance to get started in this amazing world. http://www.BonsaiPlantsCenter.com