Styles / Pruning / Training: Most of the syles used for the rain tree are upright because of the nature of the tree to grow straight when not affected by the winds in their natural habitat. Trimming and pinching is the best way to keep your rain tree miniature. Since trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to adjust your trimming to accomodate it. When cutting branches and twigs, leave a small nub to allow for the die-back that will occur with this tree. Many bonsai enthusiast do not use concave branch cutters on this tree for that reason. Later this initial cutting back can be refined. Once the initial trunk and branch shape is established, clip and grow is the best method to develop the styling on the raintree. No wire is used on this particular tree in bonsai due to the delicate green branches. Iif you choose to utilize wire, do so loosely or use it to tie down the branches.
Light / Water requirements: This tree is mainly grown outside, if attempting to grow this tree indoors, you may be required to give it additional lighting by the use of grow lights. Do not place your tree so close to a window that the sun is magnified through the glass and can burn fragile branches and leaves. Do not place your bonsai under a vent, in a drafty area, or near anything that produces heat. Watering your tree should never be neglected. Never allow the soil to completely dry out. If your tree is in full sun, you may need to water everyday. Watering is dependent upon the type of tree, the type of soil, the size of the pot, the location of the tree. When watering, check the soil and only water when the soil is loose and dry to the touch. Constantly soggy soil promotes root rot. It is best to plant bonsai in bonsai soil, or a fast draining soil. When these trees are collected at seaside they are planted in 100 % sand, no soil. Too much organic mix can create wet conditions and besides root rot can cause fungus and branch die-back. Get to know your trees watering schedule and stick to it. It is a good idea to use a water meter until you get to know your trees requirements. Water your tree gently to avoid washing away the top soil.
Propagation: This tree can be grown from cuttings and air-layerings when the nights are warm.
Repotting Special Instructions: Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their roots outgrow the pot. Your tree should be repotted as a general rule every 2 - 3 years. You should examine your trees root system to determine if it has become pot bound. Repotting should be done in mid-summer.
Use a well draining bonsai soil, repotting should only be done when night temperatures are in the low to mid 60's. The Brazilian Raintree does not like to be root bound.
Insects and Diseases: If grown indoors, look for common greenhouse pests. The Brazilian Raintree is mostly pest and disease free, but it is however very susceptible to nematodes. Do not put Brazilian Raintrees on the ground in bonsai pots or nursery pots. If you should decide to grow your Raintree in the ground to get a larger trunk, air-layer to get your tree.
Temperature Requirements: Protect below 45 degrees F. Although they appear to be able to take temperatures a little colder you may experience some leaf and/or branch die-back.
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