Advice On Bonsai - The Art Of Grooming Miniature Trees
posted on 04/02/2009
Bonsai is the artificial breeding of stunted tree species in small trays and shallow pots by pruning roots as well as stems and controlling the food intake of plants. The technique requires patience and skill since older trees are treasures cherished by plant collectors all over the world.
History of Bonsai
The potted tree or Bonsai is of Chinese origin, greater than 2000 years old and afterwards gathered rapid popularity in Japan. The oldest living Bonsai tree in Japan is over six hundred years old.
How do you maintain Bonsai trees?
You should not keep Bonsai trees in direct sunlight especially during the afternoon. You must reposition the pot for uniform growth on all the sides. Frequent fertilizer application (once every fifteen days) is ideal for the healthy growth of Bonsai plants. Inadequate watering leads to the plant's death while excessive water causes the plant to develop fungus in the roots.
Why should you prune stems and roots?
When you prune the tree, you maintain the primary design of your tree and avoid overgrowth. It is indispensable during repotting, once every two years.
What are the tool requirements?
Most of the basic tools to mold Bonsai tree forms into the correct shape are available in the market in several qualities. High quality tools last longer thereby saving enormous amount of money. An amateur hobbyist would require the following tools:
*Wire cutters, specially designed to prevent damages while pruning
*Trimming scissors for cutting roots and branches
*Concave and razor-sharp branch cutter
*Copper or aluminum wire for molding shapes
*Bud clipping shears and
*Root pruning hook
Dimensions of Bonsai tree
It is possible to classify Bonsai trees based on their height into
*Miniature - maximum of 2"
*Small - 6"
*Medium - 12" and
*Average - 2ft
Caring for Bonsai trees
Porous soil allows Bonsai tree to breathe allowing free water movement thereby restraining excessive water retention. Generally, soil contains a predetermined mixture of grit, marble sand, humus, clay, moss and sand. 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 tree is a passion to nature lovers whose limitations of space for growing big-sized trees force them to adopt alternative measures. Soil, requirement of water and pruning depends on the plant variety. Wiring and pruning help to alter shapes of the Bonsai trees. Maturity and size of the Bonsai tree determines its value.
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