Growing Bonsai Trees
Bonsai tree cultivation has been a Japanese tradition stretching back hundreds of years. Literally translating to “tray planting,” cultivating a bonsai tree involves actively shaping a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself. A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically the same as their much bigger relatives. It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees small. However, the trees are not sick or damaged. In fact, given the proper attention, the bonsai version of a tree can live longer than the same tree if it was allowed to grow in the wild.
Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees normally grow in height from two inches to three feet. They are kept small through pruning both branches and roots. Additionally, new growth is often pinched off when the bonsai plants are repotted periodically.
There is a much about art as there is about horticulture in the growing and cultivating of bonsai trees. Not only are bonsai trees kept small, they are also shaped into pleasing forms. They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens. The various shapes are usually a product of both the pruning of the tree and through the use of wrapping the trunk and branches with wire, pushing the tree into its desired shape. The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself. Mosses and rocks are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal.
Care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than taking care of most houseplants. Since the bonsai has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more often than the majority of 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. Since moisture in the soil, branches, and leaves of the bonsai is important, they need to be misted occasionally to remain healthy.
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