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Bonsai

Bonsai Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature. Literally translated, the word “bonsai” means “tree in a pot”. Contrary to popular belief, it was the Chinese who actually originated the art of Bonsai. However, over the past few centuries, the Japanese have perfected it into the highly developed art form that it is today. Although the basic techniques of Bonsai are firmly rested in the Orient, the western world has adopted this art form, and successfully adapted it to their life style. Bonsai has become extremely popular world wide, making it truly an international hobby. Outside, a Bonsai is best displayed on a bench or table about three to four feet high. Most Bonsai grow best in a location which receives morning sun, and afternoon shade. The morning sun is not as hot and dehydrating as the afternoon sun is, and such placement prevents water stress late in the day. However, some trees, such as pines and junipers, can tolerate full sun. Also members of the maple family, and other varieties. Repotting must be performed periodically on all Bonsai. The reason for repotting is to supply a potbound root system with fresh soil. Most deciduous trees require repotting every two or three years, while slower growing evergreens require it only every four or five years. This is a general guideline, which varies with species and growing conditions. Every tree’s root system should be examined on an annual basis, in late fall, to determine if repotting is necessary. Repotting is not difficult, and is perfectly safe if done during late winter or early spring, prior to the appearance of any new growth. A bonsai is nothing more than a miniature version of a normal tree, and therefore can be treated with insecticides and fungicides commonly found at nurseries and garden centers. If, during routine inspection, a problem is discovered, it is recommended that the tree be taken to a nursery or garden center capable of giving qualified advice. The first thing to learn about owning a bonsai tree is to understand how to properly care for it. Although there are some species that are adaptable to indoor conditions, almost all plants suitable for Bonsai must be kept outdoors. Bonsai can be displayed indoors for a short period of time, without harm. The indoor display of bonsai is usually reserved for special occasions, and should not exceed two to three days per month. Bonsai trees are not houseplants, and therefore must be maintained outdoors, allowing them to go through the natural seasonal changes. These changes are particularly enjoyable with deciduous trees, whose foliage turns color and drops in the fall, and returns to announce the arrival of spring. The ideal place to maintain a Bonsai is a bench or table, located on a patio, deck or balcony. The watering of a Bonsai is extremely important, and can never be neglected. A thorough watering, once a day, during the spring, summer, and fall is usually sufficient. Less watering is required during the winter months. Normal maintenance, which includes trimming, pinching, pruning, fertilizing, re-potting, insect and disease control is also important in keeping a Bonsai healthy. With proper care, a Bonsai will remain healthy and beautiful for many years to come. The information contained herein is necessarily brief. There re many find books on the subject available at libraries, bookstores, and garden centers. Bonsai should be kept in a well-lighted place, sheltered from the hot direct rays of the summer sun, the majority of the time. Such diverse locations as a garden, and open balcony, a patio, a roof garden, or nestled comfortable on a ledge near an open window in a home can allow your tree to be exposed to the atmospheric conditions—sun, wind and rain—that it needs in order to thrive. Bonsai may be brought inside the house as a decoration for a few days at a time; however, one should not keep a Bonsai indoors at all times. The best scheme for a Bonsai location is to keep the Bonsai outside Monday through Friday where it gets good exposure to nature, such as the locations mentioned above, then on Saturday and Sunday when you are home to enjoy it, bring your Bonsai inside and place it wherever you like as long as it is not placed directly in the path of a heating or air conditioning vent. In areas that have extremely high summer temperatures, it is very important that Bonsai be placed where it does not receive a lot of direct sunlight. The best type of shelter from the summer sun is a screened patio, lathe house, or something similar that can filter the sun’s rays. And, yes, a bench placed under a shade tree, watered by an automatic sprinkler system, is an excellent place to keep your Bonsai. Even though most Bonsai can withstand temperatures down to freezing and colder, we recommend that they be brought inside during such conditions and placed in a room near a window that gets good light but will not be subjected to the drying out affects of a heater or appliance. Sunlight through glass is ideal for Bonsai in winter but it is undesirable to have the room as warm as a greenhouse. During good weather the trees should be taken outside for fresh air and sunshine several times a week. Good soil, moisture and proper misting of the foliage is crucial during this period because evaporation occur rapidly indoors. Probably more trees die as a result of improper watering than any other single cause. Not only will the lack of water and higher temperatures cause the roots to wither and die, but air penetrating the dry soil will also make it virtually impossible for later watering to be effective. So it is imperative that your Bonsai receives watering in a timely fashion. A good rule of thumb is to remember that Bonsai should be watered before the surface soil becomes dry. A lighting of color of the soil surface is a good visual indication that watering is needed. The beginner should check the drainage holes at the bottom of the container for the first week or so until the amount of water necessary to properly, water will just begin to drip through these drainage holes. A garden hose with a sprayer attachment or a water container with a similar attachment are the most effective and expedient methods for watering Bonsai. The spray in any case should be fine so that surrounding soil if not eroded away. Watering should always be through the foliage, using a gentle spray to keep the foliage clean. This does not have to be done at every watering but should be done often enough to discourage diseases and pests. In summer Bonsai should be watered daily. In autumn and spring and during weather when temperatures are mild, around 60-70 degrees, Bonsai should be watered every other day. During the winter months Bonsai should be watered according to the above directions making sure that the trees are not allowed to dry out. Fertilize with any household tree and plant fertilizer monthly. Do not over fertilize. You may use Peters 20/20/20 or Miracle Grow at ½ the recommended dosage. Bibliography:

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