If you’re interested in starting a bonsai farm, then read this blog to learn everything you need to know.
It’s not just any kind of tree; it’s a miniature version of the actual tree growing in its natural environment. But it’s different from regular houseplants because it grows in pots instead of soil.
Bonsai trees are popular among hobbyists because they grow slowly and require little maintenance. They also make an excellent gift for someone who loves nature. To get started, you’ll need a small plot of land, along with a potting soil mix and a pair of pruning shears.
You can find starter kits online or at local nurseries. Once you’ve got everything set up, you’re ready to plant your seedlings. Keep them watered regularly until they reach about two feet tall. Then, cut off the tops of each one to encourage branching. After about three months, you should see new shoots coming out
Bonsai trees require a lot of maintenance and care. If you don’t have enough room for them, you can start this bonsai tree-growing hobby even from your balcony.
Different Types of Bonsai Tree Farming
There are various styles of bonsai trees. These are
- Formal upright style
- Informal upright style
- Slanting style
- Semi-cascade style
- Cascade style
- Roots over rock style
- Broom style
- Umbrella style
- Forest style
- Mame bonsai
There are different kinds of bonsai trees depending on their height. Here are some examples:
- Extra Large: Height 3’5″ – 5’7″
- Large: 2′ – 3′
- Medium: 1′ – 2′
- Small: 8″ – 1′
- Tiny: 2″ – 6″
Bonsai Tree Farming Business Potential
Bonsai has become a very popular home decor product worldwide. It’s not just for homes anymore; hotels, offices, and commercial spaces also incorporate them into their decor.
Furthermore, the bonsai plants are very popular gifts for people who enjoy gardening. Therefore, their sales increase during festivals like Christmas, Valentine‘s Day, etc.
This beautiful plant is much more durable than a flower bouquet. In addition, a matured bonsai requires very little maintenance every day. Good quality bonsai plants have great demand in developed and emerging markets both. Urban growth has driven an increase in demand for these small plants.
Things To Consider In Starting Bonsai Business
- To begin with, firstly, have the skills. If you’ve got some previous experience, then it’s well. Otherwise, go to classes or read books to learn the right stuff.
- Create a business proposal including financials and marketing plans.
- Choose plants for bonsai based on the climate and location of the garden.
- Choose the right type of pot for your plants. You may want to use one that has drainage holes so you don’t get waterlogged
- Let the plant get enough light and air.
- Keep pruning regularly
- You need to add some fertilizers to the soil. Liquid fertilizers are not recommended for beginners.
- You need to arrange for the plant protection systems
- If you treat your bonsai at night, it may be too cold for it during the day.
Step-by-step Guide to Starting Bonsai Tree Farming Business
Select Right Bonsai Tree
It’s important to choose the right kind of tree for your container. For example, some of the most successful trees include Chinese Elm, Japanese Maples, Hornbeams, Birch, and Japanese Black Pines.
Procure the plants from a reputable garden center. You can also buy them online. But make sure to check out the sellers’ reputations before purchasing any plants.
And if you’re starting your own collection, consider planting seeds instead of buying plants.
Select The Container
You should select the right container that does not take up too much space. Additionally, you need to pick the pot according to the number of plants you wish to grow.
Nevertheless, you can make the bonsai in any shape, including circular, square, or asymmetrical pots. Nonetheless, the pot needs to have two or three small openings in the base to allow for drainage.
Prepare The Soil
Use high-quality composted manure from cows, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, or any other farm animals. You should also add an equal amount of water to the mixture.
Then apply it evenly around the base of the plant. After that, cover the pot with plastic wrap and keep it moist until the roots begin to sprout.
Planting
Growing bonsais from seed or cutting is an excellent option for beginning a bonsai farm. However, it takes a lot of patience. You may require about 3 to 5 years before you can sell your bonsais.
To ensure that your bonsais grow properly, follow the right process for planting them. Moreover, you should report them every once in a while. The roots of a plant will take up the limited amount of room in a pot and thus limit the growth of the plant.
Care & Maintenance
Bonsai trees require proper attention and maintenance. They should be watered regularly, but not too much. Too much water may cause roots to rot.
Fertilization is another important factor to consider. Bonsai plants require good nutrition to stay healthy. Tropical trees generally require lots of sunlight and warm temperatures, so choose your bonsai carefully depending on where you plan to put it.
Styling & Shaping
Styling and shape are important parts of designing beautiful bonsai. A good way to train a bokashi is to prune it regularly. Use the best tool and equipment for running. You can also do pruning throughout the year.
Wiring is another important tool to help your bonsai grow. After a few weeks, once the branch is shaped correctly, you should cut off the wires. You can use either anodized aluminum or annealed steel wire.
Plant Protection
It is important to prepare for pests and insects before they arrive at your house. Different types of pests and insects affect different types of crops. Therefore, you need to prepare for them accordingly.
Related: Top Livestation Farming Business Ideas
Bonsai Tree Farming Business Promotion
Depending on your marketing plan, you may need to promote your business. If you’re planning to start a home garden, then you could sell the plants from your house. But if you want to open a retail store, then you’ll probably be best off opening one.
You can also sell the bonsai trees from online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. And, you can sell the trees from your own online shop. Additionally, selling at exhibitions is an excellent way to reach a large number of potential buyers.
To be successful at bonsai tree growing, you must possess a true passion for the art, dedication to the craft, and perseverance to succeed.
You may like to read: 25 Most Profitable Wholesale Business Ideas to Start
