How to Grow Your Own Bonsai

The term Bonsai refers to the ancient Asian gardening art that involves growing a miniature version of trees by deliberately stunting their growth so as to get this miniature size. Though it may sound difficult in the overview, growing your own bonsai tree is actually very easy and does not take too much time off your day. In several countries around the world, several people grow bonsai purely for aesthetic purposes. For most people the art of bonsai soon becomes a lifelong hobby. This article focuses on how successfully grow your own bonsai tree.

Before you begin, take the time to look at the different types of bonsai trees that are grown in your area. This is particularly important as these trees are those that are best suited for your type. Though most bonsai trees can adapt to suit almost any extreme climate, it is usually better to grow your own bonsai in a climate that mimics its own natural habitat. This does not mean that you should go over board and make rash changes to the design of your home. Remember that the tree is supposed to bring a delicate change to your home not vice-versa. Select plants that are particularly hardy such as the evergreen Japanese Maple Bonsai or a species of bamboo.

The next step is the potting process. Your bonsai tree should be placed in a suitable pot that will have enough room to accommodate its growth. At the bare minimum, the soil in the pot should cover the roots. A small pot is unsuitable as it does not leave enough room for soil cover to support the roots.

As most people prefer their bonsai trees miniature, one has to ensure that the roots do not grow too long. For instance, if one is planting a sapling, it is usually advisable to cut away a third of its roots before potting it. This should be done on the ends that are farthest from the stem and focus should be given to the roots that tend to be thicker than the rest. When trimming, look out for the feeder roots. These are located close to the soil surface and are noted to provide the tree with most of the nutrients that it requires. These also require slight trimming.

Most bonsai trees are usually shaped in order to give a desired form. The shape of the tree is especially important as it adds to the aesthetic of any room that it is placed. Shaping is best achieved through pruning. When pruning, keep in mind this basic pruning guideline. The lowest part of the tree trunk should be free of any branches. The middle section should have just a few which branch out in every direction. The apex should resemble the pinnacle of a mountain and this is achieved by the branches being made continuously shorter as they approach the apex.

Training your bonsai tree is achieved through the use of aluminium wire. To give the tree the desired shape, the wire is wound loosely around the part that requires to be shaped. One must take care not to force it in any way so as to prevent the tree breaking.

As you can see, growing your own bonsai tree is actually quite easy and the reward that you get is a wonderful looking tree to decorate your living room.