The Bonsai Tree
The bonsai tree is not ‘just another house plant’ and fans of Bonsai cultivation need to have great patience and perseverance because it can take quite a few years for a bonsai to fully grow and flourish. One thing is for sure, the bonsai tree is something that needs a lot of attention and patience. The bonsai is very tiny so in order to be reasonable with the care that is given to it, one needs to have knowledge of gardening and survival in Bonsai cultivation. The bonsai tree needs constant monitoring and watering. There is not a single plant that is not affected by this process of growing, but rather it is a common yet sensitive plant for one to care for.
Bonsai Cultivation
Bonsai trees can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings and if you want to start out with real bonsai trees, you will have to start with a seed. This is early that you can start growing a bonsai from seeds and it is possible to get it very young. Usually, the duration that is needed to grow a bonsai from seeds is six to eight months but this depends on the plant variety. When growing a bonsai from seeds, you will also need to ‘harden off’ the plant in a safe environment for it for at least a month before you can transplant it to a bonsai pot.
Grafting
Grafting is the process of combining trees to create a single bonsai out of two or more tree types. It is the rarest type of grafting and it is usually done for aesthetical purposes. Good examples of grafting includes lips and tongue. Grafting is usually done at home but in case you live in a climate that does not allow you to practice this technique, you could always get a bonsai kit from your local garden shop.
Which are the Tools and Materials Necessary?
Aluminium: Any decent quality pot or tray (i.e. not too cheap) with a drainage hole in the bottom is essential.
Extra financial and time encouragement: It is not expensive to get a flourishing bonsai tree but it would be nice to have one if you are intending to grow it as a bonsai.
Wire: You should use some aluminium or galvanized wire when wiring your tree.
Plasticizers: A chemical fertilizer such as lime-sulphur, or a plant food such as molasses help in growing bonsai trees.
How to Growth Measurements
Once you have the tree part of your bonsai, you can now ask your local garden center for growth measurements for it. This is basically the length in inches and the width in inches that you require for the part of your bonsai tree that you have sculpted. Do not forget to also add the amount of the particular growth that your tree needs to achieve its adult size.
The Bonsai Hobby
Bonsai trees can be really fun to nurture and take care of. It is best to try to Belgium plant your bonsai tree when you are a beginner to grow on your own. You would then be able to enjoy it for a longer period of time.
After you have planted your tree, you need to prune it. The next step would be to know the right way to wire your bonsai. There is not specific wiring methods for bonsai trees because it depends on the type of tree you have. To be successful, you need to start with bare branches to later add bonsai roots. The branches should be wired until you can see the desired growth. This would help you train your tree until its final shape.
Shaping and Cutting
When you start out in bonsai gardening, you need to acquire the skills of shaping and cutting to keep the trees to look lush and matured. Before you can perform the task yourself, you need to acquire the training and experience first.
There are many forms and styles of bonsai trees and you need to have the right knowledge to get the right look. You can go to any specialty bonsai nursery to acquire the right perspective of your chosen tree. There are many popular trees like azalea and kokesima to give you great inputs from the experts.
Having a bonsai tree is an noble venture that will not only bring great pleasure from you, but also from your family and friends. By getting learnt about the right way to care for bonsai trees, you will enjoy the time and effort it takes for you to maintain your bonsai trees.
Is it a good hobby?
Do you have the right bonsai hobby requirements?
How much space and time are you willing to invest?
