The Bonsai Tree

The bonsai tree is not 'just one more houseplant' and devotees of Bonsai cultivation need to have great patience and perseverance because it can take quite a few years for a bonsai to do itself justice. One thing is certain, though, given the right approach, the rewards are huge.

Bonsai history

The actual name 'bonsai' is is the merging of two Japanese words, the word 'bon', which translates as tray or 'shallow container', and the word 'sai' which means 'planting' or 'plant'

China is the country where the art of bonsai actually originated, but japan is where the art has really flourished for hundreds of years. Some people believe that planting trees in containers for aesthetic reasons may have started in india.

Whatever the true history, it seems that the increase in popularity of Bonsai is linked with buddhism as zen promotes creating art as a part of self development , and the artist's spirituality Indeed, the nurturing and care of a bonsai tree is seen as a good form of meditation.

Nowadays, the nurturing and care of Bonsai trees is an incredibly popular hobby that is enjoyed worldwide, and brings enjoyment to hundreds of thousands.

How to start - the basics

With bonsai you are actually miniaturising nature. Basically, this is done by cutting back the roots of a very young sapling..

It is possible to grow bonsai trees from seeds or cuttings, but that can sometimes be quite challenging and it could be a better idea for the absolute beginner to buy a 'ready made' bonsai from a nursery and carry on the good work that has already been done.

There are a few essential tools and equipment that are vital to fully devlelop 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 vital. 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 usually used around the roots of a tree to anchor it into a shallow pot.

The choice of pot or container is also essential 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 should 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.