Anyone who wants to grow and maintain Bonsai will need to master not only the glossary of special terms relating to them but also the planting techniques including type of soil, various container information including type and size, fertilizing requirements, and watering techniques for starters. There is even a special tool kit required for tending Bonsai. Yes, Bonsai require learning and work to master. However, Bonsai done well is a work of art.

Your Bonsai - Essential Tips for Good Health

By Larry Gildea

Bonsai originated in China more than one thousand years ago; however, the Bonsai was developed by the Japanese. Bonsai is a Japanese word meaning "tray-planted" or simply defined bonsai is a plant in a pot. The bonsai is much more than simply a potted plant, it is an art form which demands that tree size leaves, flowers or fruit and the container must all be proportional. Bonsai are not indoor plants. They are primarily outdoor plants and should stay outdoors all year long. Little bonsai do not become big bonsai. They are grown under special conditions until the desired size is reached and then are transferred to pots. Miniaturization requires exacting management of a plant’s growing conditions.Bonsai tree care includes a few tasks which must be performed as required and with care. These tasks are:

Proper potting initially and root pruning and repotting according to ones ultimate goal from the plant
Training of the limbs though selective pruning and wiring
Regular fertilization while the plant is actively growing.
Proper and adequate watering.

Bonsai are initially potted in a pot that will cause the plant to become root bound. Once the plant becomes root bound, the plants must be taken out of the pot and the roots pruned and then replanted probably in the same pot with the addition of new potting soil specifically designed for bonsai. The same pot or at least a small pot is used to keep the plant small in size.

Bonsai are trained through pruning and wiring. Scaffold branches, what will be the trunk and main branches of the tree, are selected and the rest of the plant is aggressively pruned of its leaves and other branches. These branches are wired into the positions for the shaping of the tree. Annual pruning is done in the spring of each year.

Bonsai must be fertilized regularly while the plant is growing. A good solid fertilizer such as Miracid, Miracle Grow or a like fertilizer should be applied every two weeks. Since bonsai soil generally doesn’t hold nutrients well, the fertilizer should be applied at full strength.

Proper watering is essential. Bonsai beginners generally make mistakes when watering. Bonsai should be watered as required. Since bonsai are grown under many different conditions it is nearly impossible to publish a specific schedule for watering. There are several suggested methods checking dryness. One method is lifting the pot (use only on small pots) and determine by weight if the plant is dry. A dry plant will be much lighter than a wetter one. Another way is to dig you finger down into the soil about and inch and check for dryness. If it is dry, water it. A third way suggested by Michael Persiano is to put a chopstick into the soil and leave it. Pull the chopstick out every few days to see if it is wet. If it is dry, water the plant. Water should be applied until it gushes out of the drain holes in the pot.

The Art of Bonsai creation begin in China over one thousand years ago and matured into what is today in Japan. In order to care for a bonsai tree one must adhere to a rigorous regimen composed of four parts. These parts are: proper potting and pruning of roots, training of the limbs though selective pruning and wiring, proper fertilization, and careful, meticulous watering. The great things about Bonsai are that there are many types of plants both evergreens and deciduous that can be turned into bonsai.

And anyone who is interested and willing to spend the time can learn to grow and maintain the beautiful bonsai.

So what's holding you back?

Dr. Larry Gildea has authored many articles on gardening. Dr. Gildea also created the Gardening Bonanza website, www.gardeningbonanza.com. Gardening Bonanza.com covers many types of gardening, including, bonsai design and cultivation, container gardening, flower gardening, rose gardening, hydroponics gardening and several others.

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