Bonsai - Small Tree With Big Impact

Small Tree With Big Impact

Ever notice those small beautiful trees, planted in those unusual shaped pot. At times it would make you glance twice, thinking it was artificial and out of your curiosity you approach this cute thing and touch it, and to your amazement you discover it is a real living thing.

Have you ever wondered what it took to accomplish this nature’s beauty? What are its origins? Just exactly how do you grow and nurture these plants. Here are some of the answers to these questions.

• · ORIGIN

Bonsai is considered primarily as a Japanese art, yet its origins lie deep within ancient China. Evolving over 2,500 years, the Chinese approach to bonsai reflects a unique set of cultural, philosophical and aesthetic values largely unknown to modern bonsai enthusiasts. Bon means "tray" in Japanese and sai means "to plant.”. Thus the word bonsai means to plant in a tray. And bonsai are typically planted in shallow trays with pumice or arid unfertilized soil.

Basically Bonsai is a collection of techniques to grow, train and care for a tree in order to shape it into a miniature but naturally and old looking tree.

In bonsai cultivation, woody plants are kept small and in true proportion to their natural models by growing them in small containers, feeding and watering them only enough for healthy growth, pruning, and training branches in the desired shape by the application of wire coils; the term bonsai also refers to the plants dwarfed by this method.

Bonsai artists sometimes foster certain types of deadwood to be produced by and remain on a bonsai tree, just as such things as bare, dead branches may occur on full-sized trees. Two specific types of deadwood are jin and shari .

Bonsai, which means "tray gardening" in Japanese, is an art that involves pruning trees grown in a pot to keep them much smaller than they would be in their natural settings. Species commonly used for bonsai include larch, pine, azalea, maple, elm, Japanese wisteria, juniper, flowering apricot, and flowering cherry.

• · AN ARTFORM

Growing bonsai trees is not an expensive pastime with only a few tools needed. A bonsai tree is a true living sculpture that anyone would be very proud to own. Growing bonsai trees is an ancient art that is becoming increasingly more popular. In Japan, bonsai trees are a recognized art form and research shows that plants benefit our mood and attitude. Growing bonsai trees can be hard work, but all the work is worth it in the end.

Growing bonsai plants is an art, and if done in a correct manner, these plants can live for hundreds of years. But, they need meticulous care, lots of patience and adequate knowledge. Growing bonsai trees is an absorbing and extremely rewarding hobby. Growing bonsai from seed is the most traditional approach of growing bonsai plants. The other approaches are air layering, grafting, etc.

Growing Bonsai is a wonderful and very intriguing art form; the idea is to develop a tiny tree that has all the elements of a large tree growing in its natural setting. This look is gained by branch wiring, root pruning and shaping. A beautiful bonsai can be more of a statement in your home than many an expensive ornament. A bonsai tree is a living ornament. Growing bonsai trees requires a limited amount of space in the container so the tree will stay small. The roots cannot spread excessively in a very small container.

• · CULTIVATING GROWING

Bonsai can be started from cuttings. Make cuttings in late spring before the buds open. Bonsai cultivators acquire these trees in different ways - either by using methods such as cuttings, air layering, and grafting, from already existing trees, or by purchasing seeds for planting.

Cutting off the top growth tip prevents the stem from getting taller and forces the plant to grow multiple branches. This slows the plant's upward growth. Cutting back hard in the early years will bring more budding, and help develop branch tapering.

 The best guideline to identifying a suitable location for a bonsai is its native hardiness. Bonsai are grown with a lot less soil than other plants and so they require more watering. Regular plants have soil that holds the moisture of water so that the plant can use it as it needs it, the Bonsai don't have that luxury.

Bonsai is a really cool idea on how to "see" changes taking place during a development cycle. Bonsai trees are small and their height is typically around 2-3 feet. Grown in decorative containers, bonsai trees are kept small and in any desired shape by pruning the roots and branches.

Bonsai is not "instant". It is a process of progress over time. The art form involves raising living trees, often over a period of several years.

While they are small, bonsai are not actually different from the trees we see around us, they are not miniature species. Bonsai are trees and plants grown in containers in such a way so that they look their most beautiful--even prettier than those growing in the wild. Cultivating bonsai, therefore, is a very artistic hobby.

• · POTS

Bonsai pots, usually earthenware and of variable shape, are carefully chosen to harmonize in color and proportion with the tree. Bonsai pots are too shallow to grow seedlings. Normally, plants are not placed in bonsai pots until they're big enough to display as bonsai. Bonsai pots are designed to have lots of drainage. Hence they have one or more large holes in the bottom. This point also should take in to consideration that is to keep the soil in the pot, you need to cover the hole so that the soil stays in, but water can drain out and air can get in. Also bonsai pots tend to be rather shallow so rocks would take up far too much room.

Bonsai pots come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and makes. There are glazed pots, unglazed pots, and handmade glazed and unglazed.

• · SOIL

Bonsai soil shouldn't be costing you very much more than normal potting compost or bags of nutrient rich soil that you use in your garden. A good Bonsai soil, however, may contain a long list of ingredients including clay, soil and even bark. Bonsai soils are not very good at holding nutrients, so regular full strength feeding is a must. Bonsai soil should be the style that optimizes water drainage. On the other hand, while it requires that decorous drainage is maximized, it should also be able to hold sufficient water that will sustain the works.

Bonsai soil tends to be a loose, quick-draining mix of natural and non-chemically treated soil. The foundation is a mixture of sand or gravel, fired clay pellets, or shale, which is mixed with an organic compound such as peat or bark. Bonsai soil is porous to allow for quick water flow and enhanced gas exchange. Bonsai soil is also granular. Bonsai soil is unique because it allows the water to drain freely and at the same time, retain moisture. Additionally, the ingredients allow the roots to breathe air and prevent getting compacted.

Soil particle size also affects the evaporation rate. If your mixture has too many fines in it because you do not sift, then it will hold more moisture. Soil mixes with organic components tend to retain more moisture, as well as retain more fertilizers. This means that if you are fertilizing often then you will need to be careful that you do not overload the soil with fertilizer.

Bonsai soil is available at nurseries, but some people profess that cat litter works just as well mixed with organic soil, the grit helps with drainage for the soil too. The reason for this is that inorganic soil does not just disintegrate in less than two years.Bonsai soil is not rocket science but it does need to be the best soil for the tree you plan to grow and train. Bonsai soil mediums encourage slower growth habits.

• WATERING

Probably the most important part of bonsai care is the watering. How much watering your plant requires will differ from tree to tree.

Proper bonsai care entails watering your tree at frequent intervals that will be determined by environmental conditions. You must not allow the roots to become dry and brittle or the tree will quickly wither and returning your Bonsai to health will be very difficult. The individual elements of bonsai tree care include watering, fertilizing, repotting, trimming, and pruning.

Bonsai usually need to be watered every day or two. Incorrect application of fertilizer is quite a big problem for those new to indoor bonsai care.

The method of watering should simulate natural rainfall. Use an attachment on the watering can or hose which makes the spray soft enough so as not to disturb the soil. Water the bonsai plant until excess water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. When watering, always water from above to simulate fine shower or rain. Water the leaves as well as the soil around the base of the tree.

Bonsai Tree require daily watering during their growing season, and, because the plants are rooted in shallow pots, careful pruning. The tray or plate will also offer protection from the draining water of your freshly watered bonsai. Misting or spraying with a water bottle once a day will also help.

Bonsai trees growth depends on the type of soil, manure, water and pot. Too little water and low humidity cause dehydration and nutrition deficiency to the tree.

Bonsai trees often have not only small but also very low pots what means very little soil which cannot hold water for a long time. Another problem is that the material of the pots (ceramic or clay) can get really hot which will warm up the soil in them, causing dryness even sooner.

• · FERTILIZERS

Because of their relative lack of protection from the elements, bonsai care can be quite difficult. The shallowness of bonsai containers affords roots little protection and certainly little water and nutrient reserve. Bonsai care should include scheduled fertilization twice a month during the spring months. Additionally, fertilization should happen once a month in later fall and through winter.

It is recommended that Juniper bonsai care include adding fertilizer every two weeks during the growth season. An organic liquid fertilizer such as organic seaweed fertilizer is recommended. You might also want to look into the various fertilizers that can help speed up your bonsai care process. Exposing the bonsai to sunlight is also helpful, as without sunlight, it will be impossible to come up with a gorgeous looking plant.

On many occasions beginner bonsai growers pick insoluble fertilizers and then wonder why their tree wound up dying a few weeks down the track.

• · OUTDOORS

Outdoor Bonsai trees will grow much larger due to their environment. Outdoor bonsai plants need a dormancy period to be grown outdoors in order to grow them successfully.

Outdoor Bonsai trees can be planted right into the ground or kept in containers. Outdoor bonsai are more vulnerable to extreme cold than full-size trees and should be moved to a garage, shed, cold frame, or basement when temperatures fall below 20 degrees F.

Outdoor Bonsais should not be kept indoors for long periods of time, but they will need protection outdoors because of frost. It is crucial to keep your outdoor Bonsai well watered. Outdoor bonsai trees need to be pruned periodically. You should buy sharp shears or a special trimmer to get rid of this excess growth.

Outdoor bonsai may be displayed indoors 2-3 days per month at the most, but keep them away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, and heat sources. Outdoor Bonsais should not be kept indoors for long periods of time, but they will need protection outdoors because of frost.

Outdoor bonsai is a good place to start if you're a beginner at this art and feel rather timid, because outdoor plants are easier to grow.

Bonsai are included in most Japanese gardens and enhance their uniqueness and beauty. In a Japanese garden you are encouraged to observe, listen and reflect. Bonsai plants, the result of an age old tradition, are an attractive addition to any outdoor garden as part of its landscape.

• · INDOORS

Different kinds of plants are used for indoor bonsai as opposed to outside, so make sure you place the tree in the appropriate location. So, once you've got it home, and inside your house, then what do you do with it? Indoor bonsai trees should be repotted anywhere from once a year up to three years depending on the species of tree.The branches will also need to be carefully maintained to keep the style intact.

Indoor bonsai are sensitive to cold drafts and should never be place on top of fireplace mantels or near heat sources. All indoor bonsai will enjoy the warmest part of the summer in an outdoor placement that protects them from the hot sun. Indoor bonsai are easier to cultivate and do not demand any special care. Indoor bonsai are mostly trees and shrubs originating from warm regions. Indoor bonsai need two to four hours of natural light near a window, or artificial light.

An indoor bonsai is very attractive to mites, spiders and other pests. It’s best to gently and carefully clean the branches and leaves using either a damp, soft cloth or a soft brush. It is important to check indoor bonsai trees for pests and other anomalies.

Also, a very important aspect to indoor Bonsai care is ensuring that the plants or trees get the right amount of water. In addition, it pays to place the indoor Bonsai plants or trees close to an east-facing window to allow them to get proper sunlight. Basic bonsai care changes considerably throughout the four seasons.

Bonsai trees that are brought indoors will need sufficient light to replace the natural sunlight that they would experience outdoors. In addition, indoor bonsai trees will do best when placed in a well ventilated area.

Bonsais kept inside won’t get the full benefits of seasonal cycles due to their artificial surroundings. There are many people who choose to have bonsai plants in their homes because of their beautiful appearance.

• · STYLES

Bonsai styles vary but often consist of formal upright, informal upright, broom form, slanting, windswept, cascade, semi-cascade, and twin trunk. Bonsai styles have been developed to represent the different ways trees grow in nature. Not all trees can be grown in all styles but should follow the styles that most closely match their natural growth habits. Bonsai styles are devised for the convenience of enthusiasts. Masterpieces are often produced by breaking the rules.

Bonsai trees come in many different forms and varieties. The formal upright tree is one of the most common, distinguished by its balanced branches and a trunk that tapers.

• · HOBBY

Bonsai is an art that features miniature plants and trees in containers. Cultivating this art is not easy as the real challenge lies in making the plants look as beautiful and appealing as those growing in the wild. Although bonsai is defined as the art and science of growing miniature trees and shrubs in decorative pots, simply having a tree in a pot does not necessarily make it a bonsai. A bonsai is an artistic replica of a natural trees in miniature form and exists only in a pot or container as a work of art with expert care and manipulation of the plant.

Bonsai gardening offers hours of enjoyment producing exquisite miniature shrubs and trees as an art form. Experiment with exotic bonsai choices to enhance your collection.

Bonsai appeals to the combination of gardener and obsessive controller, channeling that control into something rather than into the normal horticultural obsession of collecting. Nevertheless, beginner bonsai enthusiasts get the collection bug, too.

Bonsai is one of few plants which are used by millions of people to decorate their house and gardens. Even some people have this as a hobby. Bonsais are really beautiful trees.   

Today, bonsai culture is an art practiced all over world. The artist never duplicates nature but rather expresses a personal aesthetic philosophy by manipulating it. The bonsai may suggest many things, but in all cases must look natural and never show the intervention of human hands.

But proper bonsai care does entail considerable planning and patience. If you want to create your own bonsai garden, then it is important you understand that bonsai care is a time consuming art and patience is required to slowly produce the wonderful little work of art that you will envision.

Bonsai is an art that is growing in popularity around the world. Come and celebrate this art with other bonsai lovers -- those who have an affinity for peace and natural beauty. So the next time that beautiful tree stops you on your tracks, you now know the love and labor it took for that little plant to have such a huge impact.