An Introduction to Bonsai
by Simon Hurst
Bonsai means plant in a pot in Japanese, this is from the two words bon and sai. It utilises plant and pots to produce artistic results, and is very old and from the Far East. China is where bonsai started well over a millennium ago.Buddhist monks moving from China to Japan brought bonsai with them, artistically developing and training the plants and trees. Bonsai was then practised and developed in Japan.Bonsai is the production of beautiful trees that are greatly reduced in size from the normal trees and quite old.
Although not always clear nowadays the bonsai was developed as an outdoor plant. Indoor bonsai is very much a creation of the last couple of decades to add to interior design styles.
With the continued influence of the grower and the life of the tree bonsai is never a static form of art. Bonsai also change with the seasons, with each plant having its own unique attractiveness during each season. Most Japanese gardens include bonsai to enhance their uniqueness and beauty. At its finest bonsai is a perfect amalgamation of artistic and gardening excellence.
Trees that grow all around in differing heights and designs are what bonsai should recreate except in miniature. To produce a bonsai the practitioner can utilise almost any trees and shrubs. Although some are more equal than others with respect to suitability for bonsai. This is due to various trees being more effective when considering the miniature sculpture required of bonsai. Maples, junipers, elms and hawthorns are good examples of trees selected for any bonsai that is to be situated outside.
To properly look after bonsai trees you need to repot them every three to five years and make sure that they are feed and watered on a regular basis. Repotting is necessary after about three years because there is only sufficient feed in the soil to last your tree that amount of time. For the best results you need to use a soil that drains quickly and is composed of a loose collection of peat or bark with some sand and shale. Bonsai can be bothered by pests and hence you need to watch out for any signs. With bonsai trees being open to dryness in wind and heat it is vital to keep the soil well watered. The need to water the soil is not necessarily evident from the condition of the leaves of the bonsai. In fact they may even appear green and healthy despite having an entirely dead root system.
Various techniques can be used to shape the tree one of the stronger ones is bonsai wiring. To achieve the desired smallness of your bonsai its growing potential must be stunted. Every branch and twig of a bonsai is shaped or eliminated until the chosen image is achieved.
By Mary Bowles who regularly writes on the topic of the growth of bonsai Similar articles can be sen at http://onlinebonsailovers.com
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Bonsai Plant Care: What You Need to Know
by Lee Dobbins
Bonsai plant care can often be tricky. Many gardeners who are used to growing more conventional types of plants frequently find difficulty adjusting to their needs. Bonsai plants, after all, are not ordinary plants. As such, they require extraordinary care.
Be that as it may, Bonsais can be a wonderfully rewarding hobby as well as provide you with plants that add a unique look. If you have a bit of a creative streak but no suitable outlet, Bonsais can be a great way to get creative while also nurturing and caring for a living thing.
Caring for your bonsai plant is not that difficult, but they do have some special needs and can be sensitive. Here's some basics of bonsai plant care:
Be aware of the type of bonsai you have. Not all bonsai trees are created equal, and they are seldom alike. Some varieties of bonsai are well-suited to being grown indoors; most varieties develop better outside the house. Quite obviously, indoor bonsai have different requirements than do outdoor types, and vice versa. For instance, outdoor bonsai should not be kept indoors for any long period of time. A good rule of thumb is to keep it inside the house for three days a month at the maximum. Otherwise, the changed temperature and environment will start to damage the plant.
Learn to water properly. Since bonsai plants are generally small, it follows that they have a limited root system. Bonsai root systems are generally inadequate by themselves; it requires human care to help the plant survive. Proper watering is an important part of raising bonsai. Again, it will help to know the type of plant you have. Some species of bonsai need to be watered almost constantly; others can get by with minimum moisture. If you water too frequently, you run the risk of promoting fungal growth. On the other hand, dryness and humidity can quickly kill a plant if not monitored. To water your bonsai effectively, you will need to understand the many particularities of your plant.
Repot with care. Repotting bonsai whenever you feel like it is not a good idea. Most bonsai plants do not hold up well under stressful situations - repotting included. Bonsai plants are usually root-pruned and repotted once a year, often during springtime. Some species can stay in the same pot for two years and you should watch your plant carefully to see if it needs repotting.
Just like any other plant, you should watch out for your bonsai plants health. Look for dull limp leaves or leaves that are turning yellow or brown. Any spotting or growths on the leaves could be a sign of disease. Look for little mites or bugs that might infest your plant. Keep your bonsai away from any other plants that have any kind of infestation or disease. If you think your bonsai might have a disease, remove all the diseased looking leaves and take the necessary steps to get your plant back on the road to health.
Bonsai plant care is by no means simple. However, it is not impossible to learn. By continuing to learn more about your plants and taking the time to hone your skills, you can look forward to having your very own beautiful bonsai trees.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about Bonsai trees such as the Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree.
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