Bonsai Basics

>>  Click Here To Know HOW You Can Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree

The Bonsai Tree

The bonsai tree is not 'just another house plant' and fans of Bonsai cultivation need to have great patience and perseverance because it can take quite a few years for a bonsai to fully grow and flourish. One thing is certain, though, given the right approach, the end result is very rewarding.

Bonsai history

The actual name 'bonsai' is made up of two Japanese words, the word 'bon', which translates as 'shallow container' or tray, and 'sai' which is a plant or planting.

China is the country where the art of bonsai actually originated, but it is japan that has really devloped the art of bonsai since the eighth century. There is also a theory that proposes that planting trees in small trays for artistic reasons may have started in india or pakistan.

Whatever the truth, it seems that the growth in popularity of Bonsai is linked with buddhism as zen promotes creating works of art as an essential extension of the self , and the artist's spirituality In fact, the care and growth of a bonsai is seen as a type of meditation.

Today, the care and growth of Bonsai trees is a very popular hobby that is practised throughout the world, and brings enjoyment to many millions.

How to start - the essentials

In bonsai you are actually miniaturising nature. This is done primarily by cutting back the roots of a very young tree..

Bonsai trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings, but that is usually quite hard and it is perhaps a better idea for the complete beginner to buy a 'ready grown' bonsai tree from a bonsai grower and continue with the artisitic work that has already been done.

There are a selection of essential tools and equipment that are vital to keep a bonsai tree.

Bonsai tools for trimming foliage and roots are obviously important. These tools are small, sharp and often expensive, so think twice before making any rash purchases and it would be worthwhile to consult a good book on bonsai tree cultivation before making any expensive purchases.

Copper wire is also essential. It is wound around the trunk of a sapling, so that the trunk can be bent into the required shape and style ( and there are many different styles). Copper wire is also commonly used around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow pot.

The choice of pot or container is also essential as it should reflect the sort of tree or plant you have chosen as well as the style of tree you want to cultivate. Whatever you choose, the pot should not be glazed on the inside and should have good drainage.

Some popular choices of Bonsai are the Japanese Maple, Junipers, the Japanese Black Pine and Star Magnolias.

Ekaterina Wakefield is a staff writer at: Kyoto Bonsai Trees, offering a range of Bonsai Trees and Bonsai pots and tools.

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>>  Click Here To Know HOW You Can Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree

So you've got a Bonsai tree. Either, you've grown it from seed; unlikely. Bought it from a specialist or garden centre; more likely, or been given one as a present; a lot more likely.

The trouble is unless your Bonsai tree was bought from a specialist who is dedicated in growing these beautiful trees, you may just find that your Bonsai tree is not looking too healthy. Sure it would of looked great in the shop, but when you got it home did things start to change?

The reason for this is most Bonsai trees purchased from a non specialist are deliberately ‘brought on'. Not only that you will seldom find a Bonsai tree that has been paired to a pot specifically catered for it. This is probably to do with keeping the overall cost of the Bonsai tree down, but can be the cause of lots of problems.

If your Bonsai could do with a little TLC then it maybe time to change its pot...

A ceramic Bonsai pot should first be the right size for your Bonsai tree. If it's too small it will easily be knocked over, but perhaps more importantly could drastically effect the root system which is the life blood of your tree. Whereas, if the pot is too large your Bonsai tree will appear dwarfed in appearance. Also, gauging water amounts correctly can prove problematical.

A ceramic Bonsai pot should just be large enough to fully support your Bonsai tree and provide room for a little growth. Choose a pot that complements your tree and not steals focus from it. The art of Bonsai is to replicate a naturally growing tree as closely as possible, but on a much smaller scale. Therefore, make sure your Bonsai pot is proportionate to your tree, is symmetrical in design, and neutral in colour.

Another important aspect to consider is to ensure the Bonsai pot has enough holes underneath for drainage. All too often Bonsai trees become waterlogged or dried out due to varying water levels or inadequate water draw off.

You will also be well advised to choose a ceramic bonsai pot that is not glazed internally. A Bonsai pot that is shinny inside can cause major problems with heat retention in the soil, and again can effect watering. However, its fine to choose a Bonsai pot that is glazed externally. Just be certain that if your Bonsai tree lives outside that the pot is frost-proof. Shinny surface Bonsai pots that have not been designed for inclement weather are notorious for cracking.

So now you have a little more knowledge about choosing a Bonsai pot why not treat your tree to a new home today?

For more information on ceramic Bonsai pots including specialists in your area why not visit us today at http://www.growing-a-bonsai-tree.co.uk/ You will also discover essential tips on caring for your Bonsai tree

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>>  Click Here To Know HOW You Can Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree

If like me you have always liked the idea of growing your own Bonsai tree, but thought it was either too expensive, difficult or maybe practically impossible to grow a beautiful miniature tree, then I have some good news that may just change your mind.

Firstly, don't let anybody tell you that attempting to grow a Bonsai tree is difficult. It simply isn't true. However, if you are thinking about starting this fascinating and rewarding hobby there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Let's clear one thing up right from the start... A Bonsai tree is no different to any other tree you see growing in its natural habitat, and they are certainly not a special hybrid species that are formed miniature by nature.

Nope, a Bonsai tree is just like any other tree with the exception that its growth is being controlled by pruning both its branches and root system. It's this controlled haircut if you like that makes a Bonsai tree miniature, and therefore such an fascinating hobby that's enjoyed by millions throughout the world.

If you are just starting out, I suggest you attempt to grow your own Bonsai tree rather than purchase one from a garden centre. These can often be very expensive and have been deliberately "brought on" to appear mature and well established.

In my opinion starting from scratch is your best bet, so be on the lookout for a young sapling from a tree you would like to grow as a Bonsai. A good choice when starting out is to a tree with small leaves. Something like a Hawthorn which is also slow growing can make an excellent Bonsai tree.

Initially avoid larger trees, especially ones with big leaves. Although these can make great Bonsai's it's probably best to start off with something more manageable and more suited to its natural environment.

You should plant your sapling outside in the soil until you're confident the sapling is comfortable and established in its new surroundings. You shouldn't think about moving your tree inside as this can cause distrastagoures effects.

Next you need to think about transferring your sapling to a pot or container. It's important too choose the most suitable pot as your Bonsai will be spending most of its life housed in it.

Once potted up you need to keep your Bonsai tree well watered. You should never let your tree dry out, or become waterlogged. Instead make sure the soil is well draining and moist at all times...

If you are serious about growing a Bonsai tree you need to visit growing-a-bonsai-tree.co.uk for essiential help and advice on growing Bonsai trees, including Bonsai tree care and top tips on pruning a Bonsai tree

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