Bonsai Tree Growing Information

Bonsai trees are an art form. They are miniature or dwarf trees that are grown outdoors in small, attractive pots. Bonsai means "planted in a container." When it is mature, the bonsai tree will look like a smaller version of its larger counterpart. Many different plants and trees are used in bonsai, from ivy to weeping willows. Bonsai trees take a bit of care and knowledge about how to prune and shape them, but when you learn a few tricks and tips, you'll be able to enjoy bonsai in your home garden.

History

Bonsai is an ancient art form that originated in China and later developed in Japan. The first bonsai were dwarf trees that were collected from the wild. Bonsai became popular, so Japanese gardeners trained native trees to bonsai form. Standards of shape and form evolved, which became the classic bonsai styles of formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade. The shape of the tree factors into the style, as does the amount that the trunk slants away from an imaginary vertical axis.

Types of Plants Commonly Used

Because bonsai is meant to represent the illusion of a large tree, the types of plants that are commonly used have small leaves, attractive bark and parts that are in scale with the tree's size. The following plants are good representatives of the characteristics that are desired in bonsai: spruce, pine, pomegranate and some oaks and maples. Other plants that can be used include apricot, azalea, cedar, cherry, crabapple, cypress, elm, ginkgo, gum, hawthorn, heather, Canadian hemlock, ivy, jasmine, juniper, black locust, maple, English oak, peach, quince, weeping willow, wisteria and yew.

Shaping Bonsai

Strive for a form that is flowing and symmetrical. Before you begin, decide the style you want for your bonsai. The natural form of your young tree will help you to determine the style: for example, if a tree is twisted, use that feature and accentuate it when you prune it into shape. Using sharp pruning shears, make cuts that complement your chosen style. When you prune your plant, control its growth and shape by cutting off extra foliage and unattractive limbs.

Growing Conditions

Traditionally, bonsai plants were grown outdoors---most types of plants do best outdoors. You can bring them indoors for special occasions, but they can die if left in an overheated room. Do not bring them indoors during the summertime, and limit their indoor time to 2 or 3 hours once or twice a week. Although bonsai plants need 3 to 5 hours of direct sun per day, avoid extremes in temperature, light, moisture and wind.

Planting and Fertilizing

The container in which you grow your bonsai is an integral part of the design: special pots are available for sale at nurseries. Choose one that will be large enough for your tree's root system. Commercial potting mixes with peat moss are suitable for bonsai. Water your bonsai every day. Fertilize once each month during active growth periods with a liquid houseplant fertilizer with 20-20-20. Dilute it to one-quarter or one-half strength.

References

• Michigan State University
• Growing bonsai
• Bonsai Empire