Bonsai Basics

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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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5 Tips On Caring For A Bonsai Tree

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

Keeping a Bonsai tree takes a lot of work and dedication. Since these trees have to constantly be trimmed and taken care of.

Here are some tips on caring for a Bonsai tree:

1. Bonsai trees are usually kept in pots or trays. They would need to be repotted once a year. This is to promote the growth of new roots. Eventually, they would need to be moved into a bigger container as the need arises.

The best containers are the ones specially designed for Bonsai trees. These have holes on the side that allow excess water to drain out of the holes, so the plants do not suffer from too much watering.

2. Watering a Bonsai tree is tricky. Since they are contained in pots, there's not much room to water them in. Also, too much watering can cause growth of fungus. The moisture level of a Bonsai tree should be closely inspected everyday, and moderated.

A Bonsai tree should never be allowed to completely dry out. A good method to check for moisture level is to put in a toothpick right inside the soil. This way individuals will now if it is still damp.

3. Bonsai trees need sun light! But be careful, since too much exposure to the sun can also damage the Bonsai tree. That is why individuals must make sure that their Bonsai trees achieve the proper balance of watering, sun exposure, and pruning, so the trees will remain healthy.

4. Remember that there are many types of Bonsai trees. Each will need to be individually cared for according to their type. This especially applies when it comes to the amount of sunlight they receive. So it is important to identify exactly what type of Bonsai tree one has, so they can find proper instructions on how to best to take care of it!

5. Do not trim Bonsai trees with just a pair of scissors! There are a lot of tools available that are especially designed to trim Bonsai tress. Each specific tool serving a different purpose, such as shaping the tree, cutting the leaves, tweaking its branches, etc.

Growing a Bonsai tree is an art form. So much work, attention, skill goes into maintaining its appearance. The trick is to make it appear that not a lot of work has been done to achieve their shape and symmetry. This is why these trees are so special and priced greatly for their beauty.

For more tips on caring for a bonsai tree, please visit http://www.caring-for-stunning-bonsai-trees.info/

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What comes into your mind when you hear the word tree? For starters, it surely is something tall and towering. You may start thinking of big trunks and a deeply rooted body. Of course, that is the generic perception. That is until the bonsai tree came into the picture.

Bonsai is a word used to describe miniature trees. To qualify as a bonsai, a tree should be a lot smaller than it ordinarily is, even at a mature stage. This means that it has all elements like leaves, flowers, roots, trunk, body and sometimes, even fruit. This Ancient Chinese technique of growing plants started two hundred years ago for medical purposes. However, the times changed and bonsai is now considered as a work of art ready for display... rather than a portable tree ready to be used as medicine.

Some of the common themes in bonsai growing are founded by the Japanese and Chinese Schools of Thought. The Japanese aesthetic pays much attention to the harmony of heaven and earth in one container. As such, they pick plants that mainly consist of flowery bushes and similarly colorful shrubs. Some of their favorite subjects are maple, elm, juniper, flowering cherry, azalea and larch. According to the Japanese, the bonsai is a perfecta attempt in evoking a plant's essential spirits.

As for the Chinese, bonsai is a great way of capturing nature's beauty in contrast. This is an influence of Taoism, a philosophy that became so popular in China hundreds of years ago. Such double-sided metaphors are related to legends on the yin and the yang. More than the art of growing the bonsai itself, the Chinese also pay much attention to the pots they use. There you will see calligraphic designs, dragons and other stylized paintings that spell common passion for this race.

Bonsais are also very delicate to culture. You don't just plant them, leave them under the sun and water them once in a while in order to live. A bonsai gardener will always have to patiently check so many aspects of the plant's surroundings if they want to ensure that it doesn't dry down, rot or simply wither to die. The reason behind this is the plant's weakened health. Due to the restrictions in growth, the plant's immune system suffers a little. As such, it is up to those who care for these plants to prolong their lives so that they could enjoy its beauty longer.

That is the bonsai... colorful, meaningful and delicately beautiful. Experience all these and start your own bonsai garden no. All you have to do is buy materials on the net or a nearby plant store. With a little caution and a lot of care, that bonsai plant of yours will surely be in full bloom!

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com/, a website with resource for Bonsai seeds and tree seeds.

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

You may have thought that growing a Bonsai tree should be left to a professional who specializes in growing miniature trees? While it is true that the art of Bonsai is a hobby where you are constantly learning and developing new skills the fact that anyone can grow a Bonsai tree may surprise you.

In fact if you are new to the hobby, its probably best to start from scratch by planting your very own Bonsai tree. That way you will learn as your Bonsai grows and costly mistakes will be kept to a minimum.

So where do you start?

Growing a bonsai tree is pretty much the same as growing any other tree. Its only the pruning of roots and the sculpting of branches that maintains that miniature look and defines a Bonsai tree compared to a tree freely growing in its natural habitat.

If you've already looked at buying a Bonsai tree you would have noticed that some are quite pricey. However, as we are going to grow our Bonsai from scratch, the cost doesn't really concern us, as hopefully you will be able to find a seed or sapling much cheaper.

So what makes a good Bonsai tree?

A good Bonsai tree to start with should be something that is relatively slow growing and has small leaves. This will ensure that when your Bonsai is confined to a pot the roots can easily provide nutrients to the rest of the tree. You should also consider how much light your Bonsai is likely to need and then decide a suitable tree accordingly.

Unless otherwise stated you should initially grow your Bonsai seed or sapling outside. After all, trees have been growing naturally for millions of years without human intervention. What better way to give your Bonsai tree the best possible start than planting it into its natural environment.

Timing is crucial here and it's a good idea to plant your Bonsai-to-be during the warmer months; the closer to spring the better. The soil and temperatures are warmer and should cause rapid growth. Be prepared for a much longer wait if you plant your Bonsai during the colder months when its likely your tree will be dormant. Of course you can always plant your seed or sapling in pot and artificially stimulate its natural environment if you don't what to wait for Mother Nature.

Whether you planted your Bonsai in a pot or in the ground hopefully you should now be seeing signs of early growth. This is a good sign and shows your Bonsai is happy with its new environment. Once you are confident that your Bonsai is becoming established you can think about moving it to a designated Bonsai pot permanently...

For more information on pruning a bonsai tree including caring for a bonsai tree make sure you visit http://www.growing-a-bonsai-tree.co.uk/ today

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