Bonsai Guide – Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees are a time consuming commitment. So if you know that you are ready to give it your hundred percent, go for it. Bonsai trees are beautiful and challenging specimens that require a lot of hard work. Japanese bonsai followed follows the philosophy that man should be in harmony with nature.

The Japanese also believe that except the major parts, all the other parts should be cut off. They have used this technique in their bonsai plants. This is why in Japanese bonsai plants, you mostly see the main parts of a plant present and the excess is cut off.

If you want to have a Japanese bonsai, there are two ways to deal with it. You can either have an outdoor plant or indoor plant. Junipers and maples form good outdoor plants whereas Norfolk Island Pine and Ficus form good indoor bonsai plants. Junipers are good bonsai plants. They are also easy to use. They enjoy sun. It is also necessary to water the plants thoroughly. This means that when there is excess water, you should drain it.

On the other hand, you should also water it properly so that it does not stay dry. You should feed the plant regularly; say around about every four weeks. In case you have recently repotted the tree, do not add fertilizer all at once. Wait for some time. Also, when you are spraying the fertilizer, it should observe the recommended mixture ratio. It should not very harsh, or it can cause instrumental damage to the plant.

The pruning of branches takes place mostly at spring time. Japanese bonsais are very sensitive to pruning. Pruning is likely to affect both the plant’s look and health so be careful while pruning. Water soluble fertilizers can be given once or twice every spring. However what fertilizer you give will depend on the variety of the plant.

Bonsai originated in China but it was the Japanese who gave it a unique touch. Bonsai was introduced into Japan in the Kamakura period which lasted from 1185 to 1333 A.D. Bonsai was introduced into Japan by means of Zen Buddhism which was then spreading throughout Asia. It was in Japan that the art of bonsai was polished.

Japanese bonsai was at first only used by the elite and the monks but over time, it also became popular with the common people. Cultural elements like rocks and supplements form an important part of Japanese bonsai. During the mid-nineteenth century when Japan made known its treasures to the world, Japanese bonsai became famous. The Paris World Exhibition of 1800 truly helped to make Japanese bonsai popular the world over.

Thus we see that Japanese bonsai has given bonsai some of its most unique features. What bonsai is today is due to the contribution of the Japanese. When all said and done, bonsai requires a lot of hard work and dedication.