Most people associate the word ?art? with either painting or maybe sculpture. However, there is a largely forgotten art that draws its natural source not from stone or wood but from an ordinary tree. Incase you haven't guessed yet, I'm refereeing to the almost forgotten art of Bonsai?
In Japanese the word Bonsai roughly translates to ?tree in a tray? and is the art of sculpting by systematically pruning a bush or tree to achieve a miniature or dwarf like copy of a tree in its natural environment. Often people assume that Bonsai trees are naturally small but the reality is far from natural. Only the careful pruning of both roots and branches will determine a Bonsai tree.
As Bonsai trees are sculpted and grown in a small container or pot from ordinary species like maple or pine, its extremely important that proper care is given to help stimulate the trees natural living conditions.
With this in mind, growing your own Bonsai tree is a relatively straight forward process. Perhaps then this is why the art of Bonsai is such an exciting and worthwhile hobby that many people around the world appreciate.
But where do you start...?
If you want to grow your own Bonsai tree then you need to be on the lookout for a young sapling from a slow growing tree. Ideally, you are looking for a tree with small leaves too; these tend to make better Bonsai trees. Something like a maple, pine or hawthorn are good Bonsai choices.
Its advisable, initially anyway to plant your sapling in the garden until its more established and actively growing. Once you are happy your sapling is maturing, its time to think about transferring your young Bonsai to a pot or container where its likely to spend the rest of its life.
When choosing a Bonsai pot careful attention to the size and shape should be given. The art of Bonsai is to mimic a naturally growing tree in miniature. Therefore, make sure your Bonsai pot complements your Bonsai tree perfectly in terms of its appearance. Also make sure its sufficient enough to support growth of your Bonsai tree and to fully support it.
Before transferring your Bonsai tree to a pot or container make sure there isn't a long tap root in the root ball, carefully look at the roots and trim any obvious offenders.
A good potting compost can be used to house your Bonsai tree. A good tip here is to mix in some sand or grit to help with drainage. Also ensure that your Bonsai pot has adequate drainage holes. This will hopefully ensure your Bonsai tree doesn't get waterlogged, which if left unattended is likely to rot the entire root system.
Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree
Just like anything other living thing, bonsai's need food. This, of course, comes in the form of fertilizer. Fertilizer can be found at your local nursery or even bought online. The most common fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphates and potassium. In addition to these three elements, the bonsai also needs iron and, believe it or not, vitamins in particular the B-complex vitamins.
if you can't find the complex vitamins for your bonsai you might try beer. Of course the alcohol content needs to be very low or you might damage or tree. Try using a weak beer and dilute it using a half beer half water mixture before using it on your bonsai.
You can also get B-complex vitamins and supplement form but no matter how you are getting the vitamins to bonsai one good way to administer it is to spraying the leaves. This needs to be done when the temperature is below 85'F as above that temperature the holes in the leaves close and the tree stops breathing so the exchange of moisture, and therefore the vitamins, will be negligible.
While you're bonsai can benefit from having its leaves sprayed, doing this in hot weather can actually be harmful to your plant as it will cause the leaves to open up but then more sure be lost to the hot air. This can dry out the leaves and eventually the tree causing harm. The most common cause of bonsai death is actually incorrect watering so be careful when spraying your leaves.
You probably take vitamin pills to get your nutrients, right? Well you can give nutrients you bonsai the same way! You can buy commercially made pills that have all the nutrients your tree needs. Just put them in the soil on either sides of the trunk and water each day the water will cause the nutrients to be leached out of the pills and down into the soil.
How much nutrients you give your bonsai depends on many things includeing the species of the tree the size of the tree the age of the tree and how long it has been in Its current pot as well as the drainage in the pot and the development of the root system. Start off by following the directions on the nutrient package and watch your tree carefully. If you see signs of burnt leaves or drooping flowers you may be giving it too much nutrient.
When your tree is growing, you will want to give it more nutrients but in the fall you can also give It a little bit. Try using a mixture that is 0-10-10 (NPK) for the fall months.
Don't feed your tree right after repotting at but otherwise a schedule of every two to four weeks is ideal. After repotting you want to wait at least four weeks before feeding. Feeding is best done when the soil is moist.
Proper care, including proper feeding of your bonsai tree will ensure that you have a beautiful healthy plant for many years to come.
Both Godrob & Lee Dobbins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Godrob has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Communications and Spyware. is a fantastic hobby that anyone can enjoy. Why not visit us today at. Godrob's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. Lee Dobbins writes for where you can learn more about bonsai trees and how to. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
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