An Introduction to the Bonsai tree
Rob Mellor
There are many myths which are associated with bonsai. This not only
confuses budding enthusiasts, but also gives the pastime a bad name. A
bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept small by cruelty
in any way. The techniques of Bonsai are no crueler than that of any other
horticultural endeavor. In fact, given an adequate supply of water, air,
light and nutrients, a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full size
tree of the same species. It is a common belief that bonsai are only a few
centimeters tall. This is not entirely true, although bonsai are small in
comparison to their huge life-sized brothers; most are over 20 centimeters
tall and up to 1 to 1.2 meter in height.
How to develop a Bonsai
There are different ways to develop a Bonsai. Bonsai can be developed from
seeds or cuttings, from young trees or from naturally occurring stunted
trees transplanted into containers. Most bonsai range in height from 5
centimeters to 1 meter. Bonsai are kept small and trained by pruning
branches and roots, by periodic repotting, by pinching off new growth, and
by wiring the branches and trunk so that they grow into the desired shape.
Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special hybrid dwarfs. Small leafed
varieties are most suitable, but essentially any plant can be used,
regardless of the size it grows to in the wild. The bonsai may suggest many
things, but in all cases must look natural and never show the intervention
of human hands, with the exception of Chinese bonsai which in many cases
depicts images of dragons and other influential symbols of the culture at
the time of origination. Grown in special containers, bonsai are primarily
kept outdoors (with the exception of some plants suited, trained and grown
indoors), although they are often displayed on special occasions indoors.
The bonsai with its container and soil is physically independent of the
earth since its roots are not planted in it, is a separate entity, complete
in itself, yet part of nature. A bonsai tree should always be positioned
off-center in its container, for not only is asymmetry vital to the visual
effect, but the center point is symbolically where heaven and earth meet,
and nothing should occupy this place.
Prized possession
Given proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years, with prized
specimens being passed from generation to generation, admired for their age,
and revered as a reminder of those who have cared for them over the
centuries. Although these bonsai are extremely beautiful - meticulously
cared for over the years and containing such a wealth of knowledge, age is
not essential. It is more important that the tree produce the artistic
effect desired, that it be in proper proportion to the appropriate
container, and that it be in good health.
Overall, bonsai are something that are quite personalized and there are no
strict rules to abide by if you undertake it merely as a hobby which to gain
enjoyment out of. It does not have to be an expensive commitment, but it is
a commitment that requires a great amount of time, patience, skill and
endurance. Although things may not go to plan, don't give up.
Rob Mellor owns the website
http://www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com which helps people learn how to
care for bonsai trees
Back to Index of Shrubs & Trees for the Home
Search our site for any Home, Lawn or Garden Info
