The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees
The art of cultivating bonsai trees has been a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years. Bonsai literally translates to “tray planting,” and involves actively cultivating trees into an artistic dwarfed version of themselves. Bonsai trees are not special hybrids or dwarf species of common trees; they’re genetically identical to their bigger brothers and sisters. It’s the careful cultivation that keeps these trees small. Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however. In fact, with the proper care, the bonsai version of a tree can live longer than the same tree if it was allowed to grow in the wild.
Bonsai trees can either be grown from seeds or from cuttings of trees, and they usually range from two inches to three feet in height. They are kept small through pruning both branches and roots. Additionally, new growth is often removed when the bonsai plants are repotted periodically.
Growing and cultivating bonsai trees is actually as much about art as it is about horticulture. Bonsai trees are not only kept miniture, they are also formed into pleasing shapes. They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens. The shapes are usually a product of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the branches and trunk with wire, pushing the tree into its desired shape. The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the color and shape of the tree itself. Rocks and mosses are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal.
Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining most houseplants. Since the bonsai has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs water and fertilizer more frequently than most garden-variety houseplants. Pruining is also essential occasionally, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal large tree. Also, if wire is used to help mold and form the tree, it is important to take care that the wire doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree, scarring the branches permanently. Depending on the type of bonsai tree and your climate, you may be able to keep some bonsai trees outside year round, while others will need to be kept inside for at least part of the year. Moisture is also important, not only in the soil but in the leaves and branches of the bonsai. They need to be misted occasionally for the bonsai to develop healthily.
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