This amazing tree comes from the Mediterranean and also grows natively in Florida and the Caribbean. It's great for people living by the sea because this tree doesn't mind the salt.
Black Olive (Bucida Spinosa) - This delicate tree almost grows into a Bonsai on its own if trained wiring should be done when the tree is dormant in the winter months. The Black Olive is non-deciduous and will not lose its' leaves in the winter. For Canadian winters, it's best to place the tree in a very sunny room and mist it often as the Black Olive likes humidity. This is an indoor tree.
Olive Tree (Olea Europaea) - The Olive tree has been cultivated in the Mediterranean area since the fourth millennia BC. It is a deciduous tree that can withstand temperatures of 0° celsius, but as a Bonsai needs to be protected from winds and frost. Unlike the Black Olive, this is an outdoor tree and will go dormant in the winter. The Olive tree develops gnarly bark and is perfect for Bonsai as it is slow growing with lots of natural movement.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
Shipment arrived quickly, and packaging was superb. no broken branches, everything was in excellent shape
Black Olive
This young black olive tree is the prettiest bonsai in my collection. Extremely well formed and full. Lightning fast delivery. Arrived in perfect condition! Thanks
I'm very happy with my purchase,,
I was honestly waiting patiently for the black olives to restock and now that I finally have one I'm very excited to do some work on it.
I recently purchased two young Black Olive trees from the BonsaiStore and they both arrived in perfect condition and are very good looking little plants. I hav always been completely satisfied with my dealings with this dealer, both with the plants and the Customer Service.
