Bonsai are not just plants... they are a special kind of art form. Bonsai growers therefore belong to a special breed, and are very different from other regular gardeners.
Bonsai is a technique, or more appropriately an aesthetic art, of dwarfing trees by curtailing their growth. The plants are grown in small containers in a small amount of soil, and are pruned regularly. The historical origin of the technique actually traces back over four thousand years ago to Egypt but its modern popularity can claim to be Japanese in origin.
If you are a beginner, and fancy starting growing a bonsai tree, it’d be wise to choose from focuses, maples, cedars, and elms. However, keep in mind that the art of bonsai growing is more successful if they are grown outdoors, as the plants need proper exposure to sunlight and other natural climatic conditions.
Here’s a quick look at what you must know if you want your bonsai to grow healthy, and be around for a long time:
- Be careful while watering your bonsai tree; over-watering can harm your plant.
- Always place your bonsai trees in a sunny location; they thrive in sunshine.
- Misting your bonsai tree is helpful for its growth.
- You must fertilize your bonsai tree about two times a year.
- Proper trimming and pruning is essential for keeping it in shape.
- Finally, you must protect your tree from the various bugs and diseases that will keep plaguing your plants.
Growing bonsai is actually an artistic venture. It takes a creative mind to conceive and guide a bonsai’s growing form; it’s so much more than just planting a bush! Also, if you ever decide to grow bonsai, you’ll be making a lifetime commitment. Patience is a virtue... you’ll actually watch them grow old along with you. In a way, it can be one of the best legacies that you can pass on to the next generation.
Active You’s bonsai advice? Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai which probably has everything you’ll ever want to know about Bonsai and more…
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