| Bonsai trees are dwarf trees that can be a | | | | against pests and disease. As with any |
| fun and creative hobby. These miniature trees | | | | bonsai, the soil quality for the Hawaiian |
| are grown in containers and training and | | | | umbrella tree is key to key to it's |
| nurturing them is an artistic endeavor that | | | | successful growth. Plant in a mix of acidic |
| can be enjoyed by most anyone. | | | | and mildly alkaline soil for best results. |
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| One favorite type of bonsai is the Hawaiian | | | | Water is also important and your umbrella |
| umbrella tree. This tree has thick leaves | | | | tree should be misted and watered about every |
| that form a lush canopy. In spring it blooms | | | | other day. Don't let the soil dry out as |
| with red flowers in a wonderful show of | | | | this can have adverse affects on the health |
| color. This bonsai is very hardy and | | | | of your plant. On the other hand, you don't |
| adaptable, and therefore quite easy to | | | | want to water it too much either! You should |
| maintain. | | | | soak the soil and allow the water to drain - |
| | | | no standing water and do not let the soil |
| You can propogate the Hawaiian umbrella tree | | | | become overly dry. If you see the leaves |
| through both cuttings and seeds. When | | | | turning black, this is in indication that you |
| starting out a plant, you should provide it | | | | are watering too much, if they tips turn up |
| with full sun so that it can grow a thick | | | | then you are not watering enough. |
| dense foliage. Once this is accomplished, | | | | |
| you can bring it inside and put it in a sunny | | | | Bonsai trees can last a very long time if |
| window or brightly lit spot. You may find | | | | properly cared for. Many people don't stop |
| that the tree tends to drop leaves after you | | | | at one tree and you can collect and grow |
| move it indoors - don't be alarmed as this is | | | | several different varieties for your own |
| just it's way of getting used to the new | | | | miniature garden. There are many groups |
| environment. Once it is acclimated, it will | | | | devoted to this hobby where you can share |
| grow it's lush canopy of leaves again. | | | | your experience and learn from others. |
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| While the umbrella tree does not need | | | | Although it is fun to share your hobby with |
| pinching or training like some other bonsai, | | | | others, always keep your umbrella tree away |
| it does need regular pruning as the shoots do | | | | from children and pets because it can be |
| sprout rapidly. While rather easy to | | | | poisonous! |
| maintain, you must keep a constant vigil | | | | |