The Easy Elegance Of Japanese Maple Bonsai
One of the most popular species of tree used in the art of bonsai is the Japanese maple. Bonsai is the art of taking a sapling destined to be a huge tree and shapes it to be a harmonious miniature of itself. This does not seem to negatively affect the tree. A small, hardy plant lives longer than a larger one with has to expend more energy for basic survival.
Why This Species?
Theoretically, any sapling from any tree species can be used in the art of bonsai. But you'll make things a lot easier on yourself choosing a tree from species that seem to thrive on becoming bonsai. Also, there is a lot more information written on Japanese maple bonsai than many other species. When you are a beginner, you will have a lot of questions. By choosing a Japanese maple bonsai, it's easier to find answers.
Another reason why the Japanese maple bonsai is a good choice for beginners is that this is a hardy species that can survive a few mistakes. It is also very attractive, which helps to give any beginner in bonsai gardening the confidence they need to keep on developing their own art of bonsai.
A Seedling Or A Juvenile?
You can find saplings, seedlings and young bonsais for sale in garden shops, bonsai specialty stores and (of course) the web. The older the bonsai, the more expensive it is. This is the reverse for buying a dog - puppies are far more expensive than a full grown dog! Some people like the idea of being in charge of their Japanese maple bonsai's entire existence. However, for a beginner, you are better off shelling out some money and buying a bonsai that is recognizable as a tree and not a blade of grass.
Older trees are healthier, less prone to temperature variations or adverse conditions when traveling, and you have a good idea what they already look like when mature. A bonsai master can take a seedling, decide in his or her mind what the tree will look like years from now, and shape the seedling accordingly. However, that's a lot to ask a beginner to bonsai.
Different Kinds
There are many types of Japanese maple bonsai for you to choose from. There are Red Japanese Maple, Lace Leaf Japanese Maple, Dwarf Japanese Maple and just plain Japanese Maple. All of them are beautiful and adapt well to the bonsai lifestyle. All of the kinds need protection from cold winds and semi-shade in summertime.
