Bonsai trees have often been thought to have originated from Japan. However, records of more than 2,000 years old show that bonsai trees have been growing in China, not only as part of landscapes, but also in shallow containers. Approximately 1,500 years ago, Bonsai trees were first grown individually after being collected from mountainous regions. Bonsai trees can be seen on many ancient Chinese line drawings. It was several centuries later that the Japanese began to grow and train the trees in pots. The Chinese and Japanese styles of Bonsai are very different. The Chinese styles are more freeform and mainly trained by pruning, and the Japanese styles are particularly groomed and shaped, making them appear more natural.



The translation of bonsai growing is "plant in a tray". It is a satisfying hobby which combines both horticulture and art. Bonsai trees are typically described as "living sculptures". As with any pot plant, it is essential that the plant is kept healthy and in excellent condition. It does require a certain amount of artistic imagination to prune and shape bonsai trees. The origin, species and general health are dependent upon the timescale to create an impressive bonsai. It will take longer to grow a bonsai tree from a seed or a cutting.

You can become to appreciate bonsai trees very quickly. They can become a very important part of your life. It is essential not to be afraid to experiment with pruning and shaping. Patience is something which is necessary by each individual when creating bonsai trees, as it is a process which should not be hurried. A good Bonsai can be trained in a very short time, providing that the suitable material is selected firstly.

Something which is fundamental to all plant life is watering. The tree will certainly die of thirst in as little as 48 hours, if it is left in a dry bonsai container. It is essential however, that the tree is not over watered. This is how many bonsai trees die, as newcomers to bonsai growing panic and over water the plant. It is important to water thoroughly, but only when a bonsai needs it. You can test as to whether the bonsai needs water by scratching the surface to expose the soil immediately below. If the soil just under the surface is wet, then do not water it. If the soil is only just damp, then you can water it. And if it is dry under the surface, then it should most certainly be watered.

Bonsai soil contains little or no nutritional value to a bonsai tree. Your bonsai depends entirely upon you for its nutritional requirements. There are a wide variety of plant foods available for your bonsai. However, it is essential that the plant food contains the three basic nutrients of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).

It is essential for the survival of the plant that it receives sufficient daylight or good artificial light. However, it is essential to understand the difference between sunshine and sunlight in order deliver the correct bonsai tree care. Direct sunlight can be harmful for many species of bonsai, especially through a glass window. It is also essential to remember that whether your bonsai tree is inside or out, it will benefit from a certain degree of shade from the hot summer sun.