Literally Bonsai is "grown in a tray", "Dwarf Trees" or "tree in pot" but to stop with this definition would be, at best, an understatement. Bonsai is an unique art in that the basic medium is alive and growing. As the painter uses canvas, brushes and paint to create, a Bonsai artist uses trees, soil and pots. To carry the analogy further, a painter must learn how to prepare a canvas, select and use brushes, and the characteristics and types of paint. A Bonsai artist must learn how to keep a tree alive in a small container or Pot, the types and uses of the various tools and wire, and characteristics of the individual trees used.
Anyone beginning practice of art must have or develop an eye for the underlying aspects of that art, the elements of design, form and emptiness, tempo, etc.. and they must practice and learn from their mistakes.
Many kinds of trees, plants and shrubs can be made into a bonsai. A bonsai is a miniature version of a tree planted in a pot. Japanese maples are ideal deciduous trees for creating beautiful bonsai. Using a method called air layering, it is very easy to make a branch sprout roots that will support it after separation from the tree. By selecting a nicely shaped branch, you can start a bonsai tree that will bring years of enjoyment. Here's how to create a tree that would normally take five years or more to develop from seed or cuttings.
Basic pruning is not required immediately on newly purchased bonsai; pruning is the act of trimming the bonsai into a pleasing shape. Pruning on Evergreens is accomplished mainly by pinching new growth with the thumb and forefinger. Pruning and trimming is a very subjective act, but there are some rules and style basics. Click Here for an in-depth tutorial on Juniper pruning.
All bonsai trees need light. The amount of natural or artificial (grow) light required to produce optimum results varies with the type of tree. Outdoor bonsai care should include a location that provides six or more hours of sunlight. Indoor bonsai need 2-4 hours of window or artificial light. Some indoor trees that require only a few hours of sunlight, and are good choices for many homes and offices are ficus, jade and fukien tea.
bonsai