Bonsai translated from the Japanese means "tree on a tray", and can be an artistic miniature of a full-size tree. Bonsai plants result from a process, and interesting and artistic forms can be achieved over a period of time by branch trimming and wiring the plant into almost any shape and size required.
Bonsai plants are not genetically produced miniature trees or shrubs. They are ordinary trees grown under extraordinary conditions and miniaturised by root and branch pruning and shaping into artistically pleasing shapes. The aim of these modifications is to produce a living work of art which resembles a huge tree grown naturally in the wild, with gnarled trunk, branches and tiny leaves. The end result of this process is known as a bonsai plant.
The idea when choosing and growing bonsai plants is to learn about the particular tree or shrub and what conditions it needs first, then learn which bonsai processes to apply to it to produce the desired result. You may wish to grow several bonsai plants in one container, or if you have a collection of individual bonsai plants you will want to create shapes that complement each other.
What are suitable for Bonsai plants?
Bonsai plants can be created from many different starting points, but it makes sense to start with a tree or shrub that is easily managed, is happy to have its leaves and roots aggressively trimmed and that has small leaves.
Conifers are ideal because of their needle-like leaves and several of the other cold climate trees like elm, oak, birch and maple are good to make into bonsai plants as they are almost indestructible. One of the best for beginners to start on is the ficus, as it is very hardy and can tolerate short dry periods. Other varieties to try would be crab apple, sycamore, Chinese privet and elm, juniper and bougainvillea.
When considering which tree or shrub to make into a bonsai plant, ask yourself these questions – will it survive in a shallow container, can the roots and branches be pruned, and will the branches be able to be shaped? At least when starting on the bonsai plant quest you would need to answer all these in the affirmative. When you have more experience you will find it challenging to experiment with different trees, shrubs and even grasses to produce bonsai plants which will create an artistic miniature landscape.
Location
Bonsai plants are totally dependent on their owners, as they are isolated from their normal habitat in the ground. For many people this means installing automatic watering of some sort as the bonsai plants need water at least once a day, and up to three times a day in the hottest part of summer.
If the your chosen subject is a tree it should be grown outdoors most of the time. Place it in the shade if it is a shade loving tree and in full sun if that’s where it would normally be, but it is advisable to avoid locating bonsai plants in excessively hot, dry, dark, wet or windy places. The tree could be brought indoors for display, but only for a few days at a time. When indoors it will need good light and ventilation and to be kept away from any heating appliances.
Watering and Fertilizing
In spring and summer your bonsai plants should be watered thoroughly every morning and also soaked in a tub of water once a week to ensure that the soil is wet through. Never stand the pot in water for days on end as this may cause the roots to rot.
In autumn and winter the watering regime should be spread out to every second or third day, or just often enough to prevent the soil from drying out. Winter is often the rest period for trees when they don’t need as much water.
Fertilizing of bonsai plants is usually carried out every few weeks in spring and summer to boost the natural growth, but not in winter when the tree is resting. A liquid fertilizer is good, but only use a strength suitable for your particular trees or shrubs. What you want to achieve is a healthy plant, and even though fertilizing will create new shoots that may be pruned off, it adds to the general health.
Repotting and Pruning
Bonsai plants are usually repotted once a year and pruned at the same time. When it is taken out of the pot the fine roots are teased out and most of them removed. This leaves space in the pot and ensures that the tree will produce a vigorous new root system to take it through in a healthy state until the following year when it can be trimmed again. The branches and leaves are trimmed and shaped at the same time, and this is what forces the trunk and branches to thicken instead of getting longer.
The potting soil for your bonsai plants should be very gritty, free draining and the correct ph type for the tree species. It is no good just getting soil from the garden, as it is not suitable for plants in pots.
Results
When you are beginning to get an interest in bonsai plants I suggest you find a supplier or grower near you so that you can get help or information when you need it. Some businesses also provide holiday care and personal tuition. However far you take your interest I’m sure you will be delighted with the good results you have and hopefully learn from the others.
