Dwarf Jade Bonsai - New And Making Itself Known
The dwarf jade bonsai is relatively new to the word of bonsai. Just about any plant can be used for bonsai since it is simply the art of cultivating a plant into a particular size and shape and maintaining it in that size and shape for the duration of its life. However, there are some plants, which are more traditional used than others. The dwarf jade bonsai is a new comer to the plants, which are commonly being used and cultivated as bonsai.
The Particulars About The Dwarf Jade Bonsai
The dwarf jade bonsai is a fleshy soft wood shrub which can sometimes be classified or grow to be a small tree though no more than 3-4 meters in height. The dwarf jade bonsai is also known as the portulacaria afra or elephant plant or it is also sometimes known as the small leaf jade plant. It usually shows up in nature on hillsides, which are dry and rocky, and in succulent scrub areas. One of the great things about this particular plant is the fact that it can withstand long periods without water.
This makes it an excellent choice for beginners in the world of cultivating bonsai. In addition, the plant works well because it adapts to styles quickly and develops relatively quickly so you can see the results of your work without having to wait. Something else that makes this particular plant an interesting choice for those who are beginning in bonsai.
The plant has green bark when it is young that then develops to a red brown and then slate gray. There are conspicuous leaf scars on the bark and it has a smooth texture. The leaves are simple, yet elegant. They are opposite with a circular shape about 1.5 cm diameter. The color is fleshy, pay grey or play grey blue green, you can also see this plant with dark green. The leaves sit at right angles to each other along reddish stems.
This is a flowering plant so there are small star shaped flowers that run from pale pink to purplish color. The plants may be to actually dry out considerably to flower. This plant needs full sun so if you are going to grow it indoors make sure to pick a place that has a significant amount of light or consider a growth lamp, it is a tropical plant so if you are in northern climes you need to protect it from cold temperatures below 50 degrees. Watering should be done by allowing the soil to approach dryness. It is not as sensitive as other succulents when it comes to over watering.
