Bonsai

Introduction to Bonsai

Translated literally, bonsai means ‘potted plant' or 'plant in a tray'. Growing a bonsai is combination of art and horticulture. In the artistic sense, you are not simply growing a tree but creating it, hence, it is often described as a living sculpture. The horticulture part is all about keeping the tree in healthy condition.

A bonsai is not a particular species of a plant or tree. It can be a juniper tree, a cypress tree, a maple tree, an oak tree, an azalea or any of the many species of plants or trees that is suitable to cultivate as a bonsai. Generally speaking, the only difference of a juniper bonsai, for example, from a regular juniper tree is size, the bonsai being the miniature version.

Some think a bonsai hobby is cruel because they think the trees are not being fed properly so that they will not grow their normal size. This is certainly not true because a bonsai must be cared for properly in order to live and remain healthy. In essence, caring for a bonsai is not very different from caring for any regular tree or plant. A bonsai must be regularly watered and fed. It must be given sunlight and also repotted just like most garden plants.

In Japan, bonsai trees are known to live through generations of families and they considered as family heirlooms. Bonsai trees will not survive if they are not taken care of properly. Pruning the roots is part of caring for a bonsai and is in no way harmful to the tree. In fact, root pruning is a common technique in horticulture and not just in bonsai training.

The method of pruning plant or tree roots enables the development of a root system that is compact with plenty of fine and fibrous roots, which the tree needs in order to absorb nutrients. Pruning the roots does not actually hamper the growth of the tree. What keeps a bonsai small is branch pruning, which is no different from ordinary trimming of lawn hedges or regular tree branches for the purposes of landscape maintenance.

Growing a bonsai can be a very enjoyable hobby. Patience is important in order to appreciate bonsai because it takes time to create it. Feel free to experiment with different subjects. Take the time to observe bonsai trees in exhibits and look at samples in books to learn what trees will make a good bonsai. You may not have the best subject the first time but with diligence, you can achieve satisfying results that will surprise you.