Bonsai Care, Propagation, and Shaping

Bonsai (in Japanese means, in an approximate translation "gardening in a tray") represents the art and science of growing miniature plants and trees by forcibly growing them in spaces much more restricted than are naturally required for their development, through proper guidance and pruning of branches and minimal feeding with water and fertilizers.

By Ovidiu|3 iul. 2017|8 min read

Bonsai (in Japanese means, in an approximate translation "gardening in a tray") represents the art and science of growing miniature plants and trees, by forcing their growth in spaces much more restricted than are naturally required for their development, through proper guidance and cutting of branches and minimal feeding with water and fertilizers.

Trees thus grow into an aesthetic form, which most often suggests advanced age. You should know, however, that the impression of aging is not false because many bonsai trees are indeed old, but they show this in their miniature form, so appreciated.

In short, Bonsai is the art of growing plants, usually shrubs or trees, so that they remain small.

Currently, the term bonsai refers to the shrub itself. Traditionally, bonsai was grown in the garden. Over time, the art has been "&bdquo;adapted”" and can be practiced indoors as well.

It starts with seedlings

If you have decided that you want to take up this art, the first step towards your own bonsai is to choose whether to start with seeds or seedlings. However, experts recommend starting with seedlings. The recommendation is especially for those who have never done this before.

Another important step is choosing the variety you want to plant, each variety having its own care regimen. In general, varieties with small leaves or conifers are preferred. Plant care techniques involve pruning certain leaves, grafting, tying branches with string to give them the desired shape, and shaping the trunk and branches using special tools.

But let's illustrate a bit better so you know what it's all about.

Bonsai styling styles

-The informal upright style is similar to the formal one, but incorporates visible curves. The progression of the branches is the same, but the pruning is more irregular.

-The slanting style involves a straight trunk, as in the previous styles, but this time the top of the tree is no longer directly above the root, but slightly shifted either to the right or to the left.

-The cascade style imitates the shape of trees growing on the banks of water bodies. The tops of the trees fall somewhere below the base of the pot.

-The forest style involves several trees, usually of the same species and of different heights, grown in the same pot.

-The literati style is very suitable for species with spreading and delicate branches. The branches are allowed to grow in all directions, about a third of the height of the trunk. At the top they form a sphere.

Patience, patience, as much patience as possible

A bonsai can be obtained from seeds planted in a pot or by cleaning and unusually grafting fragile branches onto strong roots. Even trees with strange shapes can be taken from their environment and planted in a pot, but the cleaning and pruning operations must be done systematically.

Types of bonsai

Indoor bonsai

During the summer, when temperatures sometimes exceed 40 degrees Celsius, it is good for indoor bonsai to be placed in a location where clean air enters and, as we have specified, where the shrubs receive sunlight. If the temperatures are below this limit, the shrubs should be brought indoors. It is recommended that the transition be done gradually, so that the little tree can adapt to the new environment.

The ideal position for such a shrub is facing south, towards the sun.

Remember to water your bonsai and never let the soil completely dry out. The watering schedule can vary depending on the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the species of bonsai you are caring for. Evaluate the tree's water needs and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

During cold months, specialists recommend moving the pot in which your bonsai grows into a tray filled with gravel that you should water. This will provide the shrub with enough humidity to compensate for the amount of water evaporated due to the heating system.

Don't forget that it is also necessary to add fertilizers to the bonsai pot and replenish the soil periodically to ensure the level of nutrients it needs.

Outdoor Bonsai

The care recommendations for indoor bonsai are also valid for outdoor species. The differences arise when it comes to where you keep such a shrub. The beginning of November is the best time to prepare your bonsai for the cold season.

In this case, you have two options. You can move the shrub out of its pot and bury the root and part of the trunk in the ground, then wrap the rest of the trunk up to the first branch. The ideal location for a bonsai is a space where the tree is protected from wind and sun but not from rain or snow.

The second option would be to simply move your bonsai into a shed or an unheated garage. During winter, the shrub does not need light because it is in a state of hibernation, but it will need to be watered every two weeks. In summer, the bonsai should be moved to the terrace, balcony, or garden.