Information On Training Bonsai

Bonsai is both a Japanese and a Chinese word meaning ‘tree in a tray’. It is an ancient art form involving growing a miniature tree in a container. Many people have the idea that a bonsai tree is a special type of tree that does not grow to be more than a few inches tall. This is not true. A bonsai tree is an ordinary type of tree or plant that has been trained not grow tall using the techniques of pruning and trimming, wiring, grafting and several other methods. These methods of training bonsai have over the centuries developed into an art form.

Any tree can be made into a bonsai tree even though there are some types of trees that are preferred over others simply for aesthetic reasons. Popular bonsai trees are those with good looking leaves, thick trunks and overall beautiful appearance. Some examples of popular bonsai trees oak trees, Chinese elm trees, juniper trees, ficus, azaleas, bamboo and ginkgo.

There are different techniques of training bonsai with the aim of keeping it in miniaturized form. Pruning and trimming is the main training bonsai techniques used to keep the tree small. They are also used to create a particular shape.

A major choice to make before training bonsai is to pick the right tree for your environment to ensure that it has a chance to thrive in its conditions. You should also choose a container that has good drainage and is of the right size for your particular type of bonsai tree so that there is adequate room for its roots. It is advisable to do most pruning during the spring season when the tree is dormant. Pruning the tree during active growth like in late spring or in the summer could cause the tree to die due to the stress of the pruning. Lighter pruning to maintain the shape of the tree can be done throughout the year.

Wiring is another essential training bonsai technique. It involves wrapping a wire, usually copper wire because of it malleability, around the trunk and branches. This is meant to shape the tree and its branches. Depending on the type of tree, the wire needs to be left on from a few months to almost two years, longer periods for thicker, harder trees. When the time is up, the wire should never be unwrapped but should be cut away to avoid damage to the branches and trunk. Wiring is done at different times for different types of trees.

Repotting is also essential in training bonsai. During repotting, roots are trimmed to encourage new growth. Repotting is meant to ensure that the bonsai continues to be healthy. It should be done just as the tree is awakening from the dormant period, in early spring.

A bonsai is like any other tree so it will need the required amounts of water and sunlight. Training bonsai is not for the faint hearted as it requires a great deal of time, skill and dedication. If you do not think you have the patience or the resources for training bonsai, you can purchase one from specialty shops or online.

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