Let us first understand what a Bonsai tree is. A Bonsai tree isa way of bringing natural trees and plants into your home ordrawing rooms which otherwise would not have been possible dueto their large size, and other requirements. Bonsai provides anoutlet both for art and horticulture. There are many myths whichare associated with bonsai. This not only confuses buddingenthusiasts, but also gives the pastime a bad name. A bonsai isnot a genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept small by crueltyin any way. The techniques of Bonsai are no crueler than that ofany other horticultural endeavor. In fact, given an adequatesupply of water, air, light and nutrients, a properly maintainedbonsai should outlive a full size tree of the same species. Itis a common belief that bonsai are only a few centimeters tall.This is not entirely true, although bonsai are small incomparison to their huge life-sized brothers; most are over 20centimeters tall and up to 1 to 1.2 meter in height.
How to develop a Bonsai There are different ways to develop aBonsai. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings, fromyoung trees or from naturally occurring stunted treestransplanted into containers. Most bonsai range in height from 5centimeters to 1 meter. Bonsai are kept small and trained bypruning branches and roots, by periodic repotting, by pinchingoff new growth, and by wiring the branches and trunk so thatthey grow into the desired shape.
Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special hybrid dwarfs.Small leafed varieties are most suitable, but essentially anyplant can be used, regardless of the size it grows to in thewild. The bonsai may suggest many things, but in all cases mustlook natural and never show the intervention of human hands,with the exception of Chinese bonsai which in many cases depictsimages of dragons and other influential symbols of the cultureat the time of origination. Grown in special containers, bonsaiare primarily kept outdoors (with the exception of some plantssuited, trained and grown indoors), although they are oftendisplayed on special occasions indoors.
The bonsai with its container and soil is physically independentof the earth since its roots are not planted in it, is aseparate entity, complete in itself, yet part of nature. Abonsai tree should always be positioned off-center in itscontainer, for not only is asymmetry vital to the visual effect,but the center point is symbolically where heaven and earthmeet, and nothing should occupy this place.
Prized possession Given proper care, bonsai can live forhundreds of years, with prized specimens being passed fromgeneration to generation, admired for their age, and revered asa reminder of those who have cared for them over the centuries.Although these bonsai are extremely beautiful - meticulouslycared for over the years and containing such a wealth ofknowledge, age is not essential. It is more important that thetree produce the artistic effect desired, that it be in properproportion to the appropriate container, and that it be in goodhealth.
Overall, bonsai are something that are quite personalized andthere are no strict rules to abide by if you undertake it merelyas a hobby which to gain enjoyment out of. It does not have tobe an expensive commitment, but it is a commitment that requiresa great amount of time, patience, skill and endurance. Althoughthings may not go to plan, don't give up.
About the author:Rob Mellor owns www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helpspeople find out more about the bonsai tree . Please visit the site for more informationon how to grow bonsai tree
