What is the bonsai tree?
The bonsai is a genetically small tree that originated in China and Japan. It is kept small by pruning of the roots and branches and pinching back new growth. The tree is then transferred to a pot and dwarfed by being planted in a small ceramic bowl called the bonsai tray. The trunk is the most important part of the bonsai. The branches are added as the bonsai grows.
What is the importance of pruning?
Cutting of the leaves and branches bring about a calming and peaceful feeling in the tree. It is important to bring out the beauty of the nature at the time of pruning. When the branches are lightly trimmed, the flow of water can also be slowed down thereby encouraging the growth of more foliage.
What is the significance of pinching the buds?
This is done to make the tree grow more quickly. If the buds are missed the tree will immediately begin to grow. It is important to pinch each bud while it is still green to ensure that the branch will grow more quickly. If the entire branch is pinched the branch will grow quickly and without leaving behind leaves. This is important to keep the bonsai bushy and compact.
The consequences of not pinching the buds are that the leaves will grow and will create a dark green look in the bowl. If the bonsai is a flowering variety such as azaleas and camellias, the branches will be pulled down to the trunk and the flower buds will get dead. Additionally, if the bonsai is a deciduous tree, the branches will be pulled down and the trunk will grow in a more upright direction.
What can be done to ensure that the bonsai stays where it is placed?
The answer to this is pretty simple. When you first plant the bonsai tree in the bowl, try to make sure that the trunk is pulling up through the bottom of the bowl. Do not allow the trunk to sit in the bowl to push the water out of the bowl. If the bonsai is planted further down in the bowl, it will start to pull the water up through the bowl – out of the bowl. Don’t be afraid to change the water every 10 to 15 days.
What is the purpose of pruning?
Pruning is used to help determine the shape of the tree. Pruning also allows you to control the size of the tree. Without pruning, the tree may grow out of control and kill everything else in sight. Pruning is generally done between the months of February and June. It is done to remove the dead branches if the tree has too many. If the bonsai has too many dead branches, then the tree will have a difficult time growing new branches and it will have a poor autumn.
What is the difference between male and female bonsai?
The difference is that male and female bonsai trees have different needs. The male tree needs more lighting and will respond to regular companionship, whereas the female tree needs less and responds to no companionship at all.
This does not mean that male bonsai are not companionsable partners. It simply means that they require different conditions.
Why are there more male bonsai than female?
Being the owner of a bonsai, you have to understand the needs of your tree. It may look like a male tree but it is possible that the tree will be what we would call a female tree at times. Be cautious if a bonsai looks male to start with as, in many instances, it is simply because it is a young tree that has not developed a full enough male side to be a viable bonsai.
So what should you look for when you are buying a bonsai?
You are looking for compact growth. The branches should be compact and be in a straight line rather than bent or curved. There are trees for just about any style. There are trees for moss, dwarf, bush, miniature, and panning. There will be a type of tree for any need you have. Buy the best quality bonsai tree you can find and you will be pleased with the result.
Growing your bonsai is a wonderful and rewarding experience. You may find that once you are in full control of the bonsai, that you will want to take care of it more. After all, a bonsai offers a whole range of possibilities and it is possible to change the look of the tree as the tree matures.
