Cherry Blossom

Japanese flowering cherries are so well known as to call for only brief men­tion. They are grown abundantly every­where in Japan, but it is very rare to come across them as bonsai. According to gen­eral opinion, they are among the most difficult trees to grow as bonsai, and this is strictly true except for a few experts who are always particularly fond of them.

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As Japanese flowering cherries bloom gorgeously and abundantly each year, they make the most colorful bonsai, if grown well. Varieties with smaller flow­ers make more attractive bonsai than those with larger flowers. Consistency of scale is important!

Training. I hasten to say that the burned copper wire so much used in the training of bonsai is taboo in the culture of Japanese flowering cherries; it should never be used in their train­ing or put on them for any purpose. Anyone who ventures to use it on them finds that the branches soon die and consequently the tree becomes a sad sight.
The branches, roots, and rootlets must be cut very smoothly, with no ragged edges. Shears may be used; but some growers are careful to avoid using or­dinary pruning shears and use Japanese razors and knives instead. If a root is damaged, it will die and rot just as quickly as a branch.

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Repotting is best done in March, be­fore the new growth starts. In repotting, very carefully wash off as much as pos­sible of the old soil or as much as seems best for the tree. Cut off smoothly any rotten roots and some of the older ones. If, for one reason or another, you cut off a lot of the roots, be careful to re­duce the branches in proportion, to keep the roots and top in balance.
The soil used is very porous; we bring it from the mountains. Stagnant water kills the roots of cherry tree bonsai and causes the plants to die.
Fertilizers are applied as to other bonsai—rape cake and the like.
Pests. Just as we favor flowering cherries, the insects are very fond of them, both in the air and in the soil. Beware of these.

alexisnoelle wrote:An issue I keep coming to with the cherry blossom research is the heat where I am, does anyone have any experience with artificial sunlight and indoor growing?