Gardening Tips For Bonsai Growing
Bonsai growing is more than just gardening, it's an art form that has been around for thousands of years. It is continuing to gain popularity all over the world. If you have a love of gardening, but have never tried bonsai growing, the practice is as unique as the plants themselves. Below are some general tips to consider if you're thinking about trying it.
Bonsai trees are not miniature trees that are grown in pots, as many people believe. The size of the trees is actually due to the confinement in small pots as well as trimming of the root systems. This is only part of what makes bonsai growing so unique.
Bonsai Growing
If you're lacking in patience or attention to detail, then this type of gardening may not be for you. It involves strict care guidelines and precision craftsmanship. The beautiful bonsai trees that you see in pictures are not just grown. They are created by people who have spent years honing their skills.
These plants require more attention and care than other plants. They grow in very little soil, which means they require frequent watering. This is where a lot of people run into problems when bonsai growing. There is a tendency to over water causing the roots to become saturated and rot. This will kill your tree as quick as anything. This is why most bonsai pots come with more drainage holes than standard pots. Humidity is also very important for bonsai trees. Frequent and generous misting of the leaves is necessary, especially if you are growing indoors. As is the case with many other plants, bonsai trees enjoys ample amounts of sunlight.
The next thing to consider is the actual shaping of the tree. This is the tricky part that takes so long to perfect. We already know that the size of the tree is maintained by pruning and root trimming, but the shape of the tree is where the creativity comes in.
The tree is shaped by wiring branches to it's trunk as it grows. The way these branches are wired will determine what shape the tree takes. As the tree grows, changing the wiring configuration will alter the shape of the branches and trunk. It will take some trial and error to figure out the best way to do it, but when it is done properly, the results are nothing short of amazing. Depending on what type of tree you have, the shape can also be changed by trimming small branches and leaves.
Bonsai growing is like many other types of gardening in that some species are easier for beginners than others. Some good choices for those who are just starting out are Japanese White Pine, Green Mound Chinese Juniper, and Chinese Quince, just to name a few. If you take the time to learn all you can about bonsai growing, you will be rewarded with a hobby that will last you a lifetime.
