Introduction
Creating a Bonsai tree requires a certain level of effort and ingenuity. It requires constant pruning and shaping, as well as advanced knowledge and insight into how a tree grows and the way to manipulate that growth to mimic the appearance and style of full-size trees.
It is argued that the art of creating Bonsai trees has existed since the early 600s and was heavily influenced by both Chinese and Japanese cultures. It was only after World War II that the Bonsai tree became available to wider Western audiences and began to spread throughout the Western world.
Source material is rarely grown from seed, but rather acquired through propagation. After it is successfully replanted, various techniques are used to mold and shape it into the desired end result. The typical Bonsai tree is under 25 centimeters and 2 to 10 liters in volume. In order to achieve this size, Bonsai trees require a specialized level of care, including special watering schedules, repotting, special tools, soil composition, fertilization, and location.
Overview Of Bonsai Trees
Contrary to popular belief, Bonsai trees are not specific types of trees, but rather a Japanese art form that involves the cultivation of small trees in containers. The plant will be transferred to different sized pots throughout its lifetime to ensure it reaches and maintains a certain size.
The purpose of Bonsai trees is contemplation for the viewer and the effort and ingenuity of the grower. Some refer to the art of Bonsai as dwarfing, but in reality dwarfing involves genetically altering a tree, while cultivating a Bonsai tree is done through crown and rooting pruning. While there are certain trees and shrubs that work best for this type of art form, almost all perennial woody-stemmed plants can be used. Through various techniques, such as pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliation, and grafting, Bonsai artists can actually create a small tree that mimics the style of mature, full-size trees.
The Art of Bonsai
When it comes to cultivating a Bonsai tree, it truly is an art form that requires special tools and techniques. Through various crown and root trimming, Bonsai trees can be shaped into unique shapes that reflect the skill level of the artist. Bonsai trees also have a strong symbolic meaning, especially in the Japanese culture, which helps to transform the finished tree into something much larger.
Importance Of Displaying Bonsai
Displaying a Bonsai tree means choosing a position that displays the trees most important features. Its position will dictate what side viewers see as its ‘front’, which will have a huge effect on how the tree is perceived. The tree will also be placed in a special container, which aids in the tree’s overall symbolic meaning.
Bonsai Tree Care
Bonsai trees require special attention in order to achieve the growth and shape that is characteristic of Bonsai trees. Special pruning techniques are used to stunt the trees growth while still mimicking the appearance of full-size trees. Beginners must learn the specific amount and frequency of watering, fertilizing, and pruning for each individual specie.
Bonsai Tools & Supplies
There are specific tools and accessories that are required for growing a Bonsai tree. Some of the tools required include shears, scissors, wire cutters, pliers, root picks, root rakes, and leaf trimmers. Bonsai trees also require specific types of containers and pots, especially during the beginning stages of its growth and pruning. Having the proper tools will help growers to achieve the type of Bonsai tree they desire.
Bonsai Tree Starting Technique
Bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed plants, but are actually normal plants that are cultivated through various techniques in order to obtain it’s dwarfed appearance. Training a Bonsai tree isn’t impossible for a beginner, but it does require a certain approach and patience, especially when training a Bonsai tree from the time it is a sapling.
Secrets Of Shaping Bonsai Trees
Shaping a Bonsai tree is the key to obtaining a gorgeous Bonsai worthy of display. In order to shape a Bonsai, growers must practice proper pruning. Repotting will also play a role in the shape and size of the plant. In order to achieve the intricate shapes and designs of Bonsai trees, growers can wire the branches of the tree. These are but a few of the techniques available to growers.
Types of Bonsai Trees
There are many different types of plants used when making Bonsai trees. Almost all perennial woody-stemmed trees and shrubs can be used. Chrysanthemums, Lotus Flower, Peony, Pine, and Plum blossoms are some popular choices. Each of these plants carries its own symbolic meaning. There are four different categories of Bonsai trees. Shohaku are evergreens, Zouki are deciduous. Hanamono are grown for the flowers and Mimono are grown for the fruit.
Bonsai Styles
There are many different styles and forms of Bonsai trees. The broom style Bonsai and the formal upright Bonsai style are extremely popular, but are just two of the dozen or so styles one can attempt to create. Each style carries its own symbolic meaning and growers should select the style depending on how their tree affects them.
Indoor & Outdoor
In general, most Bonsai trees are cultivated outdoors because it is difficult to properly replicate its growing conditions. However, there are several exceptions. Tropical trees can be grown indoors under specific conditions. When an outdoor Bonsai tree is cultivated and brought indoors, it will require special attention in order to maintain its health and vigor.
Broadleaf Bonsai
Broadleaf Bonsai are perhaps one of the most versatile of Bonsai groups. Bonsai growers love them because they have a wide range of seasonal interest. Many have gorgeous leaf shapes, sizes, textures and colors while also offering spring foliage and flowers. Though they may not keep their foliage in the winter, broadleaf Bonsai usually have gorgeous fine branches in the winter, which hold their own special type of beauty.
Coniferous Bonsai
Conifers are also popular choices for Bonsai trees, however almost all are considered to be outdoor bonsai because they cannot be grown successfully indoors. Because of how hardy conifers can be when acclimated to cold environments, they make for popular choices in colder regions. They are also quite resilient to pests, which is another bonus for Bonsai artists who have enough to worry about without adding pests and diseases to the mix.
Deciduous Bonsai
Deciduous means that the trees will drop their leaves in the winter and regrow them come springtime. While they do drop their leaves in the winter, their branches provide a certain eerie beauty in the winter that goes well with the Bonsai culture. Popular types of deciduous Bonsai trees include Japanese Maple, Dwarf Crabapple, Trident Maple, Japanese Beech, Zelkova, and some Elm varieties, just to name a few.
Evergreen Bonsai
Evergreen species are a popular choice when it comes to cultivating a Bonsai tree. One reason is because evergreen trees don’t lose their foliage, which enables them to look beautiful all year round. They are also extremely hardy and can withstand extreme conditions. Evergreen trees also have unique appearances that go well with certain Bonsai styles and forms.
Flowering Bonsai
Whether looking to add color to a home or garden, flowering Bonsai trees are a popular choice. Many even use flowering Bonsai as table centerpieces because of their unique shapes and gorgeous flowers. No two flowering Bonsais are the same, which make them a favorite among Bonsai artists. Flowering Chinese Perfume Bonsai and Japanese Flowering Quince tree are two popular choices.
Tropical Bonsai
There are many types of tropical Bonsai trees. These trees offer gorgeous foliage and flowers, but often times require special attention, especially if living in a colder climate where the tree isn’t hardy. Tropical Bonsai trees are frequently placed indoors as a result of their sensitivity to colder climates. Sweet Plum is one of the most popular of indoor Bonsai.
Bonsai Trees For Beginners
Shaping a tree from a sapling can be challenging for beginners. While it isn’t impossible, beginners should consider working with a tree that is already trained in order to learn the ins and outs of caring for a Bonsai tree. There are also starter kits that can help to make this new endeavor easier to manage.
Bonsai Starter Trees
Purchasing a Bonsai tree that has already been propagated helps beginners to stand a better chance at successfully growing a Bonsai tree. These trees are usually in the beginning stages of development and are much easier to work with because the branches and roots have already been manipulated. Starter trees are available in a number of different species.
Bonsai Starter Kits
Bonsai starter kits are a great way for beginners to gather the proper tools. Finding the proper pots and tools can seem a daunting task for those who are inexperienced, but a starter kit allows beginners to get off on the right foot. Each start kit will differ depending on the type of tree, but most will include proper pots, wire, soil, shears, and fertilizer, just to name a few items.
Popular Bonsai Trees
There are a number of different types of species that are commonly used to make Bonsai trees, each of which has its own symbolic meaning in the Japanese culture. For example, Pine is commonly used as a source material and, because it is the hardiest of all evergreens, it represents a happy and healthy old age.
Artificial Bonsai Trees
Cultivating a Bonsai tree is a job unto itself, and while many like to appreciate the beauty of a Bonsai, most don’t have the time to go through the work and upkeep that a real Bonsai requires. That is one of the reasons why Bonsai experts developed a way to preserve Bonsai trees in order to maintain its beauty without requiring additional care.
Bonsai For Sale
For those who want to have a real Bonsai tree on display in their home but don’t have the time or desire to cultivate one themselves, mature Bonsai trees can actually be purchased in stores and online. However, even mature Bonsai trees will require time and attention in order to maintain its gorgeous appearance.
Bonsai Trees for Sale
Purchasing a mature Bonsai Tree is the perfect way to bring the beauty and elegance of Bonsai into a home without having to go through the work that growing a Bonsai tree requires. These Bonsai trees are the perfect way to introduce oneself to the Bonsai tradition, while also learning the skills necessary to create one.
Bonsai Tools & Accessories For Sale
Whether purchasing a starter kit or purchasing Bonsai tools and accessories separately, it is important that Bonsai tree growers own the proper tools needed to create a Bonsai. These tools are absolutely essential to creating a gorgeous tree and achieving the proper shape and size. Tools and accessories can be purchased individually or, in some cases, as sets.
Discount Bonsai Trees
Growing a Bonsai tree can be an expensive hobby, especially because of all the supplies needed to successfully grow one. However, discount Bonsai trees can be purchased from a number of different locations for a fraction of the price. Just because a certain species is marked down doesn’t mean that it is sickly. Perfectly healthy specimens are discounted everyday as a result of the hobby’s growing popularity.
