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What is bonsai?

Perhaps it is best to start with what it is not. The art of bonsai is not for people who demand instant gratification. A bonsai is not made, as the title of this article implies. It is usually not a houseplant. It should live outside in its natural environment unless an indoor room with the proper conditions is available.

A bonsai is a tree or a shrub that is miniaturized by being grown in a container, its natural proportions being maintained. A bonsai is nurtured and trained, and if done properly a bonsai can live just as long as other trees do in nature. The older bonsai are more valuable because their features such as the roots and bark are much more interesting.

Why bonsai?

The art of bonsai requires patience, perseverance, and attention to detail on the part of the grower. The grower trains the tree and in so doing trains his or her mind. The plants require daily watering, regular feeding and pruning, and occasional repotting. The grower's patience, however, is rewarded with timeless beauty.

Getting Started

There are a variety of ways to obtain a suitable bonsai specimen. Often, seedlings can be found in the wild, or they can be grown from seed by the bonsai artist. It will take approximately three years before the tree grown from seed will be ready for training. Cuttings can be cultivated and will be ready for training much faster, approximately six months.

The bonsai is grown in a specialized container, usually a shallow ceramic tray that is proportional to the tree. There are many styles and sizes available, and your choice will depend on your specimen and desired planting style. The bonsai pot has large holes in the bottom to allow for proper drainage. Plastic mesh, kept in place with wire, should cover the holes to prevent the soil from escaping.

Determining the proper soil for your specimen may require some research. There are soil mixtures sold specifically for bonsai, but the main consideration is a mixture that allows water to drain freely.

Once planted, a bonsai is pruned and sometimes wired into specific classic shapes. Rocks can be added for decorative purposes, or sometimes the plants are grown over or on rock. The techniques for training a bonsai are best illustrated with photos and drawings. A good bonsai book will provide details on the classic shapes and techniques for acheiving them.

Tools

There are special tools available for pruning, wiring, and potting of bonsai. Although not required, the specialized tools can make the detailed work much easier. A good book that provides detailed instructions is a necessity.

Enjoy the Process

With bonsai it's the journey not the destination that matters. Enjoy the process!

Learn more about this author, Mina Snyder.
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