The Art Of Growing Bonsai Trees

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Growing Bonsai trees and plants is a Japanese art form that looks difficult to master, however it is really quite easy. The word bonsai means “tray growing”, which is why Bonsai planters are shallower, wider dishes, featuring good drainage holes. You aren’t restricted to growing a certain species or a miniaturized species. You can convert any small tree, evergreen, bush or plant, into a Bonsai, but Fichus, Chinese Elm or Bamboo may be perfect for beginners.
Certain species are pleasing to look at, but oaks, cedars and palms are beautiful, when miniaturized, in Bonsai planters. Whichever tree sapling you purchase, it should be no more than 7 to 8 inches tall, but you can cut back saplings and their root ball. Some people grow their Bonsai tree from seed, however.
The Bonsai planter you purchase can be a small, decorative pot, with good drainage. Place wide-patterned screen over the drainage holes, to keep the growing medium in the pot. Clay-based Bonsai soil pellets can be purchased, which encourages drainage, while providing nutrients. Potting soil is too moist and can cause root rot. The first watering should be done by setting your Bonsai planter into a sink, with an inch or two of water, allowing roots to soak up the water they need. Don’t soak very long and don’t over water.
Once transplant shock has passed and new leaves start to appear, you can use small scissors to carefully cut away branches that are crossing or touching each other and any with large leaves should be cut. Don’t trim over 30%, during a single session and be sure to trim branches growing from other branches or the trunk’s base. Use tweezers to pull small grass or weeds, from your pot. These should never touch the roots and need to be kept in control or they will steal the tree’s nutrients.
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You can start shaping your Bonsai tree with wire, but make sure you do not break branches or allow the wire to touch the plant. This can be accomplished by looping around the branches and gently bending them, but keep trimming any new growth. After the first year, carefully trim 1″ from the tap root and 2″ from the root ball, annually. You can replant, add new soil or change planters. Growing Bonsai is a rewarding experience that takes patience, but it’s easy to master, without purchasing a Bonsai growing kit.
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