Bonsai Basics

Bonsai gardening is the art of growing miniature versions of certain trees or plants. A bonsai tree is pruned and shaped over an extended period of time until it becomes a smaller replica of the original specimen. The art of bonsai started in China over 2000 years ago. The Japanese borrowed the concept from China and proceeded to expand on it, and developed it to the art form that we commonly see today. Chinese bonsai is somewhat different from the Japanese style. The Chinese trees are pruned more lightly and the style isn't as structured. Japanese bonsai, however, are carefully pruned so that they duplicate the appearance of the original tree almost exactly.

Choosing to cultivate an indoor bonsai tree is a creative undertaking that isn't completely understood by everyone and suffers from some misconceptions. For example, a bonsai tree is not a genetically dwarfed tree. They are the real thing, and can be cultivated from seeds and cuttings. The reason they are so small is that they are regularly pruned. Not just the branches, but the roots as well. The trunk and branches are carefully wired in order to duplicate the look of the full grown tree. And the roots are kept under control through regular re-potting.

Another misconception about the art of bonsai is that it is cruel and restrictive. This is far from the truth. In fact, indoor bonsai trees are more nurtured and cared for than most other plants that people grow for pleasure. A considerable amount of attention is paid to making sure that they get the correct levels of light, water, temperature and nutrients. A well maintained bonsai can frequently live longer than its full sized counterpart.

If you're just getting started with bonsai gardening, it's important that you be aware of three bonsai basics. The first is related to location. Your bonsai has certain requirements depending on its species, and it needs to receive the optimal mix of indoor and outdoor conditions. It needs lots of sunlight; however, you can't leave it outside all the time.

The second factor is water. Bonsai can't be allowed to dry out. However, you also don't want to drown them. There's a fine balance, and you need to learn the needs of your particular plant and give it the correct amounts of water at the right time.

The third critical aspect of growing bonsai is care and maintenance. There is a regular schedule for pruning, shaping, and styling a bonsai tree if you want it to appear just the same as the full sized version. It must be re-potted periodically and the roots trimmed. It needs to be fed certain nutrients in the right dosage at the right time. All of these things will depend on your specific type of bonsai, so make sure you know the requirements.

If you're planning on taking up bonsai as a hobby, be aware that it requires commitment, time and patience. Every little detail is critical. For some people, this is just too demanding. But for those who take on the challenge, they will receive much satisfaction from seeing their bonsai grow and take shape.