Growing Japanese Bonsai Trees

How to Grow and Care for Bonsai Trees

The ancient art of growing a bonsai plant requires tremendous patience and utmost care. Read on to discover the basics of bonsai tree care.

What is a Bonsai Tree?

are those plants which are planted in trays or bowls and require years of special care to achieve their characteristic look. Bonsai trees can include normal trees as well like the beech tree, pine tree etc. One can see the rare use of trees that have big leaves. To begin with your own bonsai, it would always be better to stick to a tree that has small leaves. One would require to put in extra efforts to achieve the shape of a typical bonsai tree which may even take years. It would require careful pruning of the leaves and roots, as these plants are grown in containers. One needs to control the growth of the tree so that it maintains its small stature. The bonsai plant cultivators either cut and layer the existing species of plants or purchase the seeds for planting. Bonsai seeds also require a lot of special attention and care for it to germinate.

How to care for your Bonsai Tree:

Watering: This is the most important part of bonsai tree care. It also depends on the nature of the soil, as different soils tend to dry at different rates. Once the water flows through the soil, it carries all the nutrients with it. It pushes out the excess salts. The soil of the bonsai plant, which is generally porous, allows for better exchange of gas. This results in the granular formation of the soil.

Apart from the basic watering of the bonsai plants, also remember to ‘bathe’ your plant. You can sprinkle some water or use a gentle cloth to wipe away the dust and grime off the leaves. Unavoidable pollutants often tend to clog the pores of the leaves.

Remember, the time of the day holds priority when it comes to watering the bonsai plants. Always ensure you water the plants early in the day. Plants that are watered in the later half of the day may end up being ‘burnt’. This results when the sunrays converge on the water that rests on the leaves. Also avoid the usage of hosepipes to water the plants as this can result in pushing too much soil out of the pots.

The old Japanese rule holds true – water the plants three times – once for the soil, once for the pot, and once for the tree.

Soil: The first few inches of the soil of the bonsai plant have to be perfect in its constituents. The actual drinking or feeding of the tree happens through the first few layers of the soil. This is also the reason why bonsai trees can be grown in small containers. The soil therefore should be designed specifically for the bonsai plant. This would in turn help a better flow of water and exchange of gas.

Pots: The proportions of the pot are of utmost importance to the growth of the bonsai tree. The height should match the diameter of the trunk. Go in for earth tones when you choose your pot. Glazed pots are preferably avoidable and but it is also a matter of personal opinion.

Pruning: Pruning of the trees is required essentially for-removal of the branches that are causing too much clutter, redirecting the growth of the plant and this also acts as an encouragement to budding and branching. Ensure that the main branches do not fall over each other. While pruning, you also need to shorten the branches towards the top.

Bonsai wiring is a common technique used to change the shape of the tree. This is best done in the winter season. Always remember you should never leave a wired bonsai plant in the scorching heat. Sometimes, trees that have a soft bark need to be wrapped around in special materials before the wiring.

Feng Shui and Bonsai:

Both are ancient and oriental practices. Studies have shown that Feng Shui, which uses the bonsai in some of its practices, is used to create a harmonious environment. The combination of the two is used to create peace and encourage the levels of productivity amongst people. These therefore form a perfect match.

Bonsai trees require a lot of patience, care and commitment from your side. Years of hard work result in the beautiful looking bonsai trees that we see in the market today.

References

• This Is What Worries Me About A LePage Victory | Pine Tree Politics
• Seeds For Sale | Bonsai For Sale » Chinese Bonsai Seeds For Sale | MoreSeeds.co.uk
• The Nature Of Bonsai Trees | Gardening