Bonsai trees-Greatest Perfection

Bonsai trees-Greatest Perfection

When Bonsai entered the history of mankind, is not precisely known. Obviously, only that it happened in China before the 12th century and then in Japan, where in recent centuries, this art shaped by the greatest perfection. Bonsai interfere even in the religious traditions of Zen Buddhism. It is strongly rooted in the eastern performances of ethical ideal of beauty. In the early 20th century, the Japanese began to export bonsai, the greatest interest in the arts in the world, dominated until the last fifty years.
For many years, dominated by the wrong thinking that the specific types of trees, which is very difficult to cultivate. European tree species grows the same as the Japanese or even tropical. Shape them in different styles, but their size varies from 2 cm to 1 m or more. Given the diversity of plant species and individual plants with detailed instructions and criteria of education can not be determined. The nature is our role model. Imitate the growth of trees in natural habitats in mind symbolic three points, which conceived the outline against irregular triangle shape. The lowest point symbolizes earth, middle man, and the highest heaven. We try to approximate the proportion of 1: 6 between the thickness and height of the tree trunks. So, 30 cm high Bonsai should have a thick trunk of at least 5 cm. Very important is the design and arrangement of visible roots - nebari, that symbolize strength and power.
Bonsai is not just a tree in a container. The tree is alive and must live with you. Leroy Fuji says: "Learn from your trees, they are your reflection!"


Bonsai trees-Greatest Perfection


Bonsai trees-Greatest Perfection

Pruning Bonsai

Bonsai need regular pruning both above and below ground throughout their lives. How often to prune depends on how fast the particular kind of tree or bush grows, the size of the pot and the growing conditions.The first place to prune is below ground. Roots eventually fill the soil in a small bonsai pot, so they need to be pruned back to make room for fresh soil. Root-prune deciduous bonsai in early spring or late autumn, and evergreen bonsai in early spring or late summer.The way to root prune is to lift the plant out of its pot and slice back the root ball all around and underneath with a sharp knife. After teasing roots on the outside of the ball outwards, put the plant back in the pot and pack new soil among the roots. Using a stick _ a chopstick is appropriate _ to pack down the soil makes sure that no air spaces are left which would dry out the roots.Now turn your attention to the top portions of your bonsai. The time to prune the stems is now, while the plant is dormant, and then again while it is actively growing.Bonsai respond to stem pruning just as other plants do. Pinch off the tips of any shoots whose growth you want to slow. Shorten a stem where you want the remaining part to branch. Rub off buds or cut stems back to their origins where growth is congested. To make a pine, spruce or juniper bonsai bushier, pinch back the new growth just as its expanding.Because bonsai are viewed at such close range, you'll want to make pruning cuts especially neat. Avoid damaging the remaining leaves when you shorten expanding growth on spruce, for example, by reaching within a tuft of foliage with a pair of tweezers to tweak off all but a few new leaves. Fiskars and ARS make small, fine-pointed pruning shears that are ideal for working with bonsai.


Pruning Bonsai

Some bonsai benefit from having all their leaves pruned off just after they fully expand. Timed correctly, this leaf-pruning forces a second flush of leaves that are smaller and, hence, better proportioned to the plant.As an added benefit, that second flush of leaves often offers more dramatic autumn color than the first flush would have.On some trees, such as maples and elms, you can leaf-prune twice each season, as the first and second flush of leaves fully expand. If there is any chance of injuring buds at the bases of the leaf stalks, just cut off most of each leaf with a scissors or small pruning shear. The stalk will come off, perhaps needing some help from you, as new leaves appear.Leaf pruning is not for every bonsai. Don't do it on evergreens or on fruiting bonsai that are bearing fruit. And leaf-pruning is stressful, so avoid it on any tree that is weak or sick.The rigorous root and shoot pruning needed for bonsai is itself weakening, so take extra care to give bonsai perfect growing conditions in every other respect. This means water and fertilizer as needed, as well as good light. Many bonsai are dwarfed, cold-hardy trees and, as such, like to be kept as cool as possible this time of year.


Pruning Bonsai

Bonsai-More than just a plant, it's art

Most bonsai are created from plants that otherwise would grow into towering trees or billowing shrubs. You can purchase bonsai or start your own by digging up a smallish wild tree or a seedling that popped up in your yard. This plant will need its roots pruned before it goes into a pot. The far-reaching roots of wild plants must be untangled and shortened to fit into its pot.
The top of a new bonsai also might need to be cut back to bring it down to bonsai size, which is usually under 4 feet. (Bonsai are classified according to form and size, and the smallest are less than 7 inches high.)


Bonsai trees

To shorten a trunk artistically, cut it back to within a few inches above its desired height. Trim the bark from the portion of trunk above the highest remaining branch, and pare the stub to a taper. Bend the next-highest branch upwards, tying it against the tapered stub, with some padding to prevent the string or wire from marring the branch.
After a few weeks, when the branch can hold the upright position without assistance, remove the ties and cut back the stub, with a sloping cut, to the base of the now-leading branch.


Bonsai trees

Bonsai Size

Most bonsai are created from plants that otherwise would grow into towering trees or billowing shrubs. You can purchase bonsai or start your own by digging up a smallish wild tree or a seedling that popped up in your yard. This plant will need its roots pruned before it goes into a pot. The far-reaching roots of wild plants must be untangled and shortened to fit into its pot.

The top of a new bonsai also might need to be cut back to bring it down to bonsai size, which is usually under 4 feet. (Bonsai are classified according to form and size, and the smallest are less than 7 inches high.)

Bonsai Size

To shorten a trunk artistically, cut it back to within a few inches above its desired height. Trim the bark from the portion of trunk above the highest remaining branch, and pare the stub to a taper. Bend the next-highest branch upwards, tying it against the tapered stub, with some padding to prevent the string or wire from marring the branch.

After a few weeks, when the branch can hold the upright position without assistance, remove the ties and cut back the stub, with a sloping cut, to the base of the now-leading branch.

Bonsai Size

Buying Bonsai

Most Bonsai enthusiasts started their hobby with either buying or receiving a ready-made Bonsai tree from a friend.

Bonsai trees

Most large garden centers sell large quantities of Bonsai trees, although these are usually never high quality, prices tend to be low.


Bonsai trees

Some basic advice for buying Bonsai trees:
1. Do not start with buying a species of tree that is hard to care for; it is recommended for beginners to start with an easy-to-care for tree.
2. Buy a tree that is suitable for the place where you want to put it; only indoor (sub-tropical) trees will do well indoors, just like outdoor trees will only do well when placed outside.
3. Do not forget to inform what species of tree you bought; this is important to look up information about how to care for it.
4. Check the pot for damage.


Bonsai trees


Bonsai trees


Bonsai trees

Bonsai Trees Care-Overwintering Bonsai trees

Today Bonsai trees presents:Overwintering Bonsai trees


Overwintering Bonsai trees

In nature trees are often subjected to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 °F) the roots however are too deep under the ground to freeze.Keeping your trees in a greenhouse or cold frame during the winter is recommended for those living in cold areas, as roots in the shallow pots easily freeze.


Overwintering Bonsai trees


Overwintering Bonsai trees

When overwintering, keep a close eye on your trees. Water when the soil dries out, the trees don’t absorb much water when in dormancy so be careful not to water too often. Also check your trees for insects or infections regularly.


Overwintering Bonsai trees

Wiring of a Bonsai

Bonsai trees presents:Wiring of a Bonsai

Wiring of a bonsai is not done to keep the plant small, but rather is a temporary measure used to hold branches in a desired position.When wiring, try to imitate the natural curves of trees in nature.There are two types of bonsai wire available - copper wire and aluminium wire.


Wiring of a Bonsai

The size of wire used depends on the size of branch you want to train and in most part should be chosen yourself.You should purchase wire in a variety of different lengths and test it out on pruned branches from around the garden.
The safest method to use when wiring is by clenching the branch with both hands and applying the wire by slowly following it around the branch.


Wiring of a Bonsai

Wire the branch first, and then worry about bending the branch to achieve your desired shape.It is best to not water a day before wiring, and to keep the tree in shade for two weeks after wiring.

Repotting Bonsai trees

To prevent a tree from being pot-bound and ultimately starving to death, regular repotting is very important.It depends on the tree species, age and size of container how often a Bonsai needs to be repotted. Fast growing trees will have to be repotted every two years, while older, more mature trees need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years.


Repotting Bonsai trees

A Bonsai needs to be repotted when the roots circle around the root system, when the roots are still contained in soil wait another year before checking again.Repotting work needs to be done during the early spring; when the tree is still in dormancy.Choosing the right soil mixture is crucial for the health of your trees.


Repotting Bonsai trees

Step-by-step plan to repot:

-Carefully take the tree out of its pot, when it is stuck use a root-knife
-Inspect whether the tree needs to be repotted or not
-By using a root-hook or some chopsticks, carefully remove the soil
-Prune back long roots,also remove rotting or vertical growing roots
-Put plastic mesh on the drainage holes, attached with some copper wire, and cover the base of the pot with a layer of grit to create a good drainage
-Use the prepared soil mixture as the second layer and place the tree, slightly out of the middle of the pot, on top of it
-Fill the pot using the soil mixture up to about 1 cm below the rim
-Water the tree


Repotting Bonsai trees

Watering Bonsai trees

The most complicated part of taking care of your Bonsai is to water it properly.

Watering Bonsai trees

How often a tree needs to be watered depends on several factors (like tree species, size, size of pot, time of year, soil-mixture and climate), which means that it is impossible to say how often you should water Bonsai. However, understanding a few basic guidelines will help you to observe when a tree needs to be watered.


Watering Bonsai trees

As mentioned above, how often to water your Bonsai depends on too many factors for us to give an exact time schedule. Instead, you need to learn to observe your trees and know when they need to be watered. Using the following basic guidelines will help you to water right.
Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry. This means you should not water your tree when the soil is still wet but only when it feels slightly dry; use your fingers to check the soil at around one centimeter (0.4’’) deep. Once you get more experienced you will be able to see (instead of feeling) when a tree needs watering.


Watering Bonsai trees

Never water on a routine. Keep observing your trees, one by one, instead of watering them on a daily basis.Use the right soil-mixture. The soil-mixture greatly influences how often trees need to be watered, for most Bonsai trees a mixture of akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼ should be fine. However, use a mixture that retains more water (by using more potting compost) when you cannot water your trees that regularly.
It does not really matter at what time you water a Bonsai; however, try to avoid watering during the afternoon, when the soil has been warmed up by the sun and will cool down rapidly when using cold water.


Watering Bonsai trees

As explained, a tree should only be watered when the soil gets slightly dry. When the tree does require water though, it needs thorough soaking so the entire root system is wetted. To do so, keep watering until water runs out of the drainage holes, and repeat the process about ten minutes later.
Water a tree from above using a watering can with a fine nozzle; this will prevent the soil from being washed away. Using collected rain water is better (as it doesn’t contain added chemicals), but when this is not readily available there is no real problem in using normal tap water.


Watering Bonsai trees


Watering Bonsai trees