What is Bonsai Art ?

Any tree or shrub with the right training and care could become a Bonsai with time, but some plants are more sought-after for use as bonsai material because they have several characteristics that make them appropriate for the smaller design arrangements of bonsai. Bonsai is a word used to describe miniature trees. To qualify as a bonsai a tree should be a lot smaller than it ordinarily is even at a mature stage. This means that it has all elements like leaves flowers roots trunk body and sometimes even fruit. This Ancient Chinese technique of growing plants started two hundred years ago for medical purposes. However the times changed and bonsai is now considered as a work of art ready for display… rather than a portable tree ready to be used as medicine. Bonsai is a Japanese term which in its native language translates to mean “tray gardening”. This term describes exactly what bonsai is as it is a tree which is grown in a small pot or tub enabling it to be kept indoors. These trees are not always genetically predisposed to be small and so they are kept this way through careful pruning. The ability to care for a bonsai tree keeping it small and healthy is an art form in itself. The trees are commonly pruned in to an aesthetically pleasing shape another reason why they are seen as works of art and not just as plants.

Bonsai Art Potting Tips

The shallow containers limit the expanse of the root system and make proper watering practically an art in itself.

In addition to the plant the pot is an important part of the bonsai art. Bonsai pots come in many different designs and range in size from two to twenty-five inches in diameter and one to ten inches deep. Some pots are glazed while some are made of red clay. Regardless of the material the pot is made of all Bonsai pots should have drainage holes.

Generally, the depth of container should be about the same as the tree trunk's perimeter.

Bonsai Art Pruning Tips

Keeping them properly pruned is a big part of the enjoyment of bonsai. Always use sharp pruning shears when making the cuts. Be careful that you do not prune too much. Envision the total shape and look of the bonsai when you begin the pruning process. Thinning is typically done to avoid thick shapes and is usually done on the bottom third of the plant.

Pruning removes branches that clutter and hamper the aestetic design of the tree. Pruning is also used to direct and control the growth of the tree. You will also have fine pruning such as pinching and leaf pruning to help encourage branching. Always remember when you are pruning your bonsai that you can always remove something later but it is very difficult to put it back after you have cut it. So if in doubt leave it for now. You should start with a light pruning then give it two or three weeks and wait for the bounce back to decide if you need to do more. Pay special attention to developing the trunk any where on the trunk that a branch is allowed to grow will thicken. When pruning you need to keep the top and bottom (roots) balanced for optimum results.

Roots must be trimmed with very sharp scissors to prevent them from running out of growing space. It is recommended that you trim the roots to about two thirds of their current length. While you are doing this it is a good idea to eliminate a few older roots and a few of the younger roots. Just be sure you leave enough roots to support the tree.

Bonsai Art Soil Tips

How frequently must we check on the plants for watering? Initially you will have a problem. However using a nightly check you will soon be able to determine a more accurate pattern. During hot or warm periods the frequency for watering will increase. Therefore, you would simply make the appropriate adjustments which may require you to check the soil more often to determine a new pattern. For the plant to continue to survive or to grow, the soil has to be in moist.

Bonsai care includes the nurturing of the soil in the spring and fall season. This nurturing should include the introduction of nitrogen potash and phosphoric acid into the soil. The health of your indoor bonsai tree is also dependent upon fertilization. Bonsai care should include scheduled fertilization twice a month during the spring months. Additionally fertilization should happen once a month in later fall and through winter.

The majority of bonsai plants are tropical or sub-tropical. They are accustomed to a humid atmosphere and have a tendency to grow best with more humidity. In dry conditions the leaves and flowers may shrink. You may also want to spray the leaves with a fine mist to give additional humidity to the plant. Do not spray it in direct sunlight. You can provide humidity to the bonsai by placing the entire plant including the pot on a gravel-filled container that you have moistened with water.

Bonsai Art Techniques

'Finger pruning' is the next step in creating the bonsai. Finger pruning conifers means pinching new growth to begin shaping the tree. The technique of finger pruning is simply supporting the tree or branch with one hand. You then take the unwanted new growth between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand. Now you just twist sharply to remove the growth avoiding a harmful pull on the branch or tree.

Little care can go a long way in growing beautiful bonsai trees.

Bonsai need light to grow. The type of plants will help you to decide the amount of light needed. Usually flowering plants require more light than conifers. Check for the lighting needs of your specific bonsai plant. Natural light is generally best so put your bonsai in a spot that will receive plenty natural light. During the winter months you will want to augment natural light with artificial light. You can install a timer to allow the optimal amount of light on the plants.

Bonsai Art Tidbits

In Japan, the literati style is known as bunjin-gi . Another popular specie is the Chinese elm (ulmus parvifolia) but once again cold is hard on this specie. For a replacement the less known Siberian elm (ulmus pumila) can be as beautiful as the chinese one. Much like the Chinese elm the Siberian elm as twiggy branching grows fast and leaves are reducing well with proper technique. Most Bonsai trees require several hours of direct or slightly filtered sun every day.

The most preferred bonsai candidate of the cotoneaster family is the cotoneaster horizontalis or commonly called rockspray cotoneaster. In all proportion, this is the best choice because it is a fast grower, has small leaves, produces flowers early, and bears fruit at a young age. Outdoor Bonsai can be grown in a small area of your garden and some of the most healthy Bonsai in the world are outdoor Bonsai. However it is important that you should try to buy outdoor Bonsai from a shop close to home thus ensuring that your specimen can cope with the conditions you are going to force it to endure. If you live in a very hot area, and are considering buying over the Internet, you shouldn’t be buying a Bonsai from a cold climatic country as there is a good chance it will not thrive in your area. A silk bonsai tree is an effective alternative to a live bonsai tree.

Bonsai trees are beautiful when grown properly and can make anyone’s garden the envy of friends and neighbors. You will gain many skills when taking up Bonsai. You will learn new plant knowledge pruning skills as well as feeding and caring skills. Bonsai definitely has its rewards but if you are considering this or have already purchased your first tree, then you should pay close attention to the advice given in this article. Bark must never be removed in a complete ring around the trunk as it contains the phloem and will cut off all nutrient flow above that ring. It makes a great indoor plant as it can thrive well in low light.

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