Bonsai Basics

The Bonsai Tree

The bonsai tree isnt 'yet another houseplant' and lovers of The bonsai tradition need to have great patience and perseverance because it might take quite a few years for a bonsai to grow and flourish. One thing is certain, though, given patience and dedication, the end result is well worthwhile.

History

The name 'bonsai' is made up of two Japanese words, the word 'bon', which means shallow container or tray, and 'sai' which means 'plant' or 'planting'

China is the country where the art of bonsai actually originated, but it is japan that has really devloped the art of bonsai for hundreds of years. Some people believe that planting trees in trays for artistic purposes may really have started in india or pakistan.

Whatever the true history, it seems likely that the increase in popularity of Bonsai is linked with zen buddhism as zen buddhism promotes creating works of art as an extension of the self , and the artist's spirituality In fact, the creation of a bonsai tree is seen as a type of meditation.

These days, the creation of Bonsai trees is an incredibly popular pastime that is practised throughout the world, and gives pleasure to many millions.

How to start - the essentials

With bonsai you are actually miniaturising a tree. At its simplest, this is done by continually trimming the roots of a sapling..

It is possible to grow bonsai trees from seeds, but that is usually quite difficult and it is perhaps a better idea for the complete beginner to buy a 'ready grown' bonsai tree from a nursery and continue with the artisitic work that has already started.

There are a selection of necessary tools and equipment that are necessary to care for a bonsai tree.

Bonsai tools for trimming foliage and roots are obviously important. These tools are small, sharp and often expensive, so think twice before making any rash purchases and it would be worthwhile to consult a good book on bonsai tree cultivation before making any expensive purchases.

Copper wire is also necessary. It is wound around the trunk of a sapling, so that the trunk can be bent into the required shape and style ( and there are many different styles). Copper wire is also commonly used around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow pot.

The choice of pot or container is also required as it should reflect the type of tree or plant you have chosen as well as the style of tree you want to cultivate. Whatever you choose, the pot must not be glazed on the inside and should have good drainage.

Some popular choices of Bonsai are the Japanese Maple, Junipers, the Japanese Black Pine and Star Magnolias.

Ekaterina Wakefield is a staff writer at: Kyoto Bonsai Trees, offering a range of Whoelsale Bonsai Trees and Bonsai pots and tools.

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