- What
is the history of Bonsai?
The exact beginnings of Bonsai are lost somewhere in the clouds of time. First indications suggest that its origins may lie in China some 1500 years ago, - although the oldest piece of evidence we have is a famous Japanese scroll painting 700-800 years old, showing a dwarf tree in a ceramic container. Early Japanese aristocrats displayed a fondness for unusual botanical specimens. Highly valued were the trees dwarfed by nature. Weathered, unusual and sometimes fantastically shaped trees were collected from nature all over Japan. Of course, after many years of collecting naturally dwarfed trees, the enthusiasts were forced to develop artificial dwarfing. Artificial dwarfing and shaping of trees has gone through many incarnations over centuries before it became what we know today as Bonsai.
Is
the age of a Bonsai important?
The link between Bonsai and a great
age may have wedged itself into your mind as a tree 12 inches tall and
hundreds of years old. But try to shake the notion that a Bonsai has to
be old to be a great one. Actual age is not what's important in Bonsai;
apparent age is. Bonsai is an art, and art is the human hand at work, cooperating
with nature to cause a tree a few years old to look much older. Remember,
the illusion age, not age itself, makes any tree a Great Bonsai.
What
dwarfs the Bonsai?
Contrary to popular opinion, the wiring
of trunks and branches is for training the tree to grow in the desired
direction and shape, but not for the dwarfing. The following three factors
directly affect the dwarfing of all Bonsai trees.
1. Fast drainage of water from container. All Bonsai pottery MUST have good drainage holes. Watering is to sustain but not create excess growth.Watering ? How much and when?2. Limited amount of growing space for root system.
3. Pruning of roots and foliage.
Root pruning - Bonsai is removed from container every year or so and root pruned to promote active root growth to keep the Bonsai healthy.Foliage pruning - The foliage is pruned to maintain the shape of the Bonsai and to control excess growth
Since a Bonsai is usually planted in a small container, its soil holds little water in reserve. Therefore it MUST be watered regularly. The rule is simple. Water the tree when the soil is becoming day, NEVER LETTING THE TREE REMAIN DRY FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY. When moisture is low, it is time to water. Soon you will develop a routine. When weather is extremely hot or windy you may need to water twice a day: once in early morning and once in the evening. Mild weather may require watering only every two or three days Try to avoid watering with chlorine treated water. Rain or well water is best, but distilled water can also be used. Surface moss and gravel help to retain moisture and give the Bonsai a finished, natural effect.
Why
fertilize a Bonsai?
Why would you fertilize a tree when
you are trying to slow down the growth and dwarf the Bonsai? Fertilizing
is for nourishment to promote healthy, lush growth and helps the tree resist
disease. In general, fertilize your Bonsai once a month. ALL fertilizing
should be done with a mild diluted solution. NEVER OVER-FERTILIZE because
of the small growing space for the roots. The tree may be damaged or possibly
die from too much fertilizer. A few good fertilizers are:
Care &Environment:Is It Important?ï Cottonseed Oil
ï Fish Oil
ï Wood Ash
ï Chicken Manure
ï Bone Meal
ï Blood Meal
ï Fish Emulsion
ï Peters or Liquid Fertilizer
ï Time Release Osmocote
It is a common misconception that Bonsai are tortured and neglected. This is far from the truth. A Bonsai thrives on a fairly simple regime of careful watering, occasional fertilizing, a little winter protection and a watchful eye for pests. Bonsai are outdoor trees and should be kept indoors only to display for a short time, three or four days. Tropical and sub-tropical trees make the best indoor Bonsai. Remember a Bonsai is in a captured condition You have to provide all the elements such as water, light, food and fresh air to maintain a healthy Bonsai.