Brussel's Teenie Genie Indoor Bonsai Tree, Small

by Brussel's Bonsai

Product Features

• Dwarf brush cherry bonsai; tropical, indoor tree
• Commonly referred to as Teenie Genie
• Popular and easy to maintain
• Small leaf similar to miniature boxwood trees
• 5 years old, 10 to 12 inches tall; 10-inch glazed oval pot

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DGFCS
• Item model number: DT-4011DE
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,257 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Very popular and easy to maintain, the dwarf brush cherry is commonly referred to as a "Teenie Genie". Its thick canopy of naturally, small leaves resemble the foliage of a miniature boxwood tree. This bonsai is five years old, 10 to 12 inches tall, and comes in a 10-inch, glazed, oval pot. Every tree order includes specific growing instructions.

Delivery and Packaging: What to expect when you receive your bonsai
To ensure only well-established, healthy trees are shipped, Brussel's Bonsai imports its trees from nurseries in China where growers spend years training and shaping tree branches. Some bonsai defoliate (drop leaves) when their environment changes. If upon the tree's arrival some leaves have dropped or turned slightly brown that does not mean the bonsai is unhealthy. Defoliation is the natural result of being in the low-light environment of a shipping box. Whenever possible, Brussel’s Bonsai avoids using Styrofoam-popcorn packaging. In some cases, Styrofoam popcorn must be used to safely pack unusually shaped bonsai. Organic popcorn packaging made from corn starch reacts with moisture from the trees and can dissolve. When you receive your tree, place the box in a shaded area to unpack. Inspect tree for damage to branches or leaves. Water soil if dry. Place each bonsai in protected shade for at least one week before moving to a sunny location.

What is a Bonsai?
Literally, the Japanese word "bonsai" means "tray tree" or "plant grown in a pot." The term refers to the artistic techniques used to capture the natural beauty of trees, rather than a specific variety of tree. A full-grown tree and a bonsai can be grown from the same seed --the bonsai has simply been dwarfed and shaped through years of training. To develop authentic bonsai, Brussels grows specimens under carefully controlled conditions, meticulously training each tree with wire and pruning over a period of years. The value of a particular bonsai typically depends on size, age, and training. Generally, more expensive trees are larger, older, and have had more detailed, elaborate training. These qualities combined create the illusion of a large tree in a natural setting.

Tropical/Indoor Bonsai Care
Climate
Suited to bright, humid, equatorial climates, tropical bonsai prefer common room temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees F, 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight, and humidity levels of about 75%. If your home tends to be dry, a cool mist humidifier or ceramic bonsai humidity tray can help mimic the moist, tropical climate ideal for growing indoor bonsai.

Placement
Indoor bonsai are tropical plants adaptable to indoor conditions. Select a spot with good air circulation, but avoid cold drafts, drying heat vents, and appliances with heat exhausts. They prefer sunny areas near windows facing southeast or west. Choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Though they grow well indoors year-round, tropical bonsai flourish outdoors on a patio or deck that receives indirect sunlight. They can withstand outdoor summer temperatures up to 100 degrees F, as well as dryer, desert climates as long as they are watered adequately. Bring bonsai indoors when night temperatures fall below 55 degrees F. Do not allow tropical bonsai to freeze.

In Japan, bonsai are traditionally displayed against a solid black, white, wood, or bamboo background, or on a stand or pot larger than the tree. Stark contrasts enhance a bonsai’s simple beauty.

Watering
In fall, winter and spring, water tropical bonsai thoroughly every two or three days. In hot summer months, water daily--especially in dry, hot climates. Use a can or hose attachment that casts a soft, rain-like spray that won’t disturb the soil in the pot. Bonsai can never be allowed to dry out.

Soil and fertilizer
Bonsai trees spend years in the same soil and eventually deplete the available nutrients. Providing supplemental nutrition is essential for a healthy tree. Most water soluble and time-released fertilizers work well when used as directed.

Run wire through drain

Trim rootball

Work soil into roots

Repotting
Bonsai need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years. After receiving your tree, wait at least one growing season before repotting. Using proper bonsai soil is critical. Brussel’s bonsai soil consists of a mixture of high-fired clay particles and finely ground pine bark. The soil-free mix does not compact, allows water to drain easily, plus helps prevent the root rot that often occurs with ordinary potting soil.

It is important to pot your bonsai correctly. Prepare your container for potting by putting screen over the drain holes Run wire through the drain screen--you will need this to secure the tree in the container. Trim the rootball so it will fit in the bonsai pot. Keep in mind, cutting larger roots is better than cutting small feeder roots. Continue trimming the root ball until it will fit into the bonsai container. Be sure to place a good layer of bonsai soil on the bottom of the bonsai container.

Place the tree in the pot. Use the wire to secure the tree in the bonsai container. Twist and pull the wire with pliers to tighten. Add bonsai soil around the root ball. Use a chopstick to work the bonsai soil into the root system. Your bonsai should now be secure in its new container.

Training
All bonsai require some degree of seasonal pruning. Regular pruning produces smaller branches and maintains the tree’s miniature size. A simple pair of pointed-nose scissors does the job. Wiring may also be used to hold branches in a desired position or location. If you’re happy with the branch placement as is, there is no real need to wire. For detailed instruction in the art of bonsai cultivation, Brussel’s Bonsai recommends purchasing a book on basic training techniques.

If you choose to wire your bonsai, make sure to use heavier gauge wire for larger branches on the bottom of the tree, and lighter gauge for smaller branches. Begin by sticking the end of the wire into the soil next to the trunk of the tree. Wrap the wire around the trunk until you come to the first branch. Continue curling the wire around the branch. Once you have come to the end of a branch, cut and remove the excess wire. The wire now allows you to bend the branch into the desired shape and location.

Lifespan
Most bonsai trees can live up to 100 years or more depending, of course, on the quality of care they receive.

The Story of Brussel's Bonsai Nursery
When Brussel Martin was five years old, he was instantly captivated by several bonsai his father brought back from a California business trip. As a teenager, he began to seriously study the art of bonsai. What started as an artistic endeavor in his parents' backyard quickly grew into a business. In the 1970s, he began selling bonsai through the mail and traveling to shows across the country. By the early '80s, he was making annual buying trips to Asia.

As the business has grown, so has his desire to introduce bonsai to more and more Americans. Brussels now offers a full range of bonsai trees, from modestly priced bonsai for the beginner to unique specimens styled by bonsai experts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Less Than Pictured, December 15, 2011

By 

Thomas P. Krafft "thomaskrafft" (Eaton, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brussel's Teenie Genie Indoor Bonsai Tree, Small (Lawn & Patio)

Teenie Genie is actually Eugenia species, one that even as a bonsai guy for 25 years I find difficult to keep alive. Care for bonsai trees is generally difficult enough with daily watering and continual pruning, but one that crisps at the first missed watering is one I call problematic. For anyone willing to follow the watering requirements, this may be a fine tree. I just wish it came with a stronger warning against neglect. While I usually find Brussel's to be a fine company to buy from, the pruning of my tree was considerably less refined than what was pictured. I would recommend Kingsville Boxwood over this Eugenia both for it's fine leaves and sturdier constitution, but it will likely be from a different source within Amazon.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars :Lovely but didn't last, August 31, 2011

By 

Ness1106 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brussel's Teenie Genie Indoor Bonsai Tree, Small (Lawn & Patio)

Very disappointed. The tree arrived in great condition, I thought it was lovely, bright leaves, lovely shape, very nice. Read the instructions, followed them but within a week the leaves turned brown and it started to die. I let my friend who happens to be an arborist look at it and he couldn't figure out what could have happened to make it dry up and start to die, especially that fast. Anyway, I have not given up and actually a few leaves have started to come back. Still hope it will, it really was a lovely tree. If I could recommend on looks alone, it would have gotten 5 stars. Someone else may have better luck.