All About Bonsai Tree, Its Types, Growth And Care Guidelines

Bonsai are shrubs or potted trees that are pruned to prevent their growth to more than one meter. Though they look small, they resemble the full-sized trees developing in a forest. It is interesting to note that a few varieties of bonsai trees live for more than a hundred years. Bonsai require a great deal of maintenance to keep them in the best condition. If you are planning to grow a bonsai in your indoor or outdoor space, then this article is for you. Here you will learn all about bonsai, its types, and care guidelines.

What is bonsai?

Bonsai are basically plants and trees that are cultivated in containers that look prettier and more beautiful than the ones that grow in the forest. It is an umbrella term used to represent several forms of potted plants. Bonsai refers to shrunk and contracted trees that are grown in a container.

They adhere to Japanese principles and tradition. It is perceived as an artistic hobby not just by Japanese people but also by people all over the world. Growing these potted trees requires a bigger emotional and physical commitment. The practice of cultivating bonsai aims at long-term gardening and shaping of small trees budding in a container.

How Did It Originate?

Bonsai is an art form that originated in East Asia. This practice uses cultivation methods to grow small trees in containers. Bonsai are small trees that imitate the form and size of full-size trees. The tradition of growing bonsai began in China and later influenced Japan and Korea.

It originated in the mid-fourteenth century. People began to appreciate bonsai as artistic objects. People started to grow them as a hobby and an artistic pursuit. Bonsai was mostly enjoyed by high-ranking people in the society, such as aristocrats, priests, and more. The technique of growing bonsai was the subject of numerous published books and large-scale exhibitions.

What are the types of bonsai?

Bonsai is basically a practice of taking regular-size trees and miniaturizing them to easily fit inside a container. Here is the list of bonsai tree types:

1. Japanese Maple

This species is a highly adaptable form of outdoor bonsai tree. It is a hardy and beautiful deciduous tree. This tree grows well in light sunshine and shade. They can’t withstand midday heat. The Japanese maple requires leaf pruning every year to keep the size of its leaves small. The Japanese maple necessitates a low dose of nitrogen fertilizer. You should water it well during the growth season.

2. Juniper

Juniper is one of the species of bonsai that comes in over seventy different varieties. It is characterized by its elegant form, deadwood styling, and flexible growing habit. It is an evergreen shrub that is ideal for outdoor life. Just like other varieties of bonsai trees, you need to protect Juniper from extreme midday heat and frigid winter temperatures.

3. Pomegranate Tree

Among all the other varieties of bonsai trees, this is one of the most beautiful species of bonsai. It is a deciduous semitropical tree that has striking visual contrasts. Its silvery bark, bright green-colored leaves, and dark red-orange fruits look magical. This tree has shallow roots that make it ideal for planting in a container. Protect it from full sunlight. Bring it indoors to a light, sunny spot to let it grow comfortably.

4. Indian Laurel Fig

This is another outstanding variety of bonsai, perfect for novices. The Indian laurel fig is a wonderful indoor plant that requires bright and indirect light. Sunlight or partial shade is ideal for its growth. The shallow trunk and root systems of this type of bonsai allow for a variety of mesmerizing style twists.

5. Beech Tree

This is a stunning bonsai tree that has small leaves. People love it for its marvelous appearance, especially when it takes on autumn colors. The naturally small size of this tree makes it ideal for bonsai styling. The beech tree grows at a slow pace. It is fond of bright outdoor locations. The beech tree prefers dry and moist soil and no direct sunlight. You should bring it outdoors during freezing temperatures.

6. Boxwood

This is another excellent option for beginners who have no prior experience growing a bonsai tree. A common boxwood bonsai is very convenient to care for. It can easily adapt to varying environmental conditions but grows best in partial shade.

It can’t withstand extreme cold. The best type of soil for its growth is a moist one, but not soggy. You need to feed it with bonsai manure on a regular basis. Boxwood can’t withstand aggressive pruning. You can easily shape it with bonsai wire.

7. Rock Cotoneaster

If you’re a first-time bonsai grower, rock cotoneaster is best. The distinctive part of this bonsai is its alluring leaf color that changes with the seasons.

You can find it changing from pretty white to red, bright red, and pink. You can place the rock cotoneaster bonsai in either part shade or full shade. However, you should protect it from extreme heat and frost. Dry soil is ideal for its growth.

8. Weeping Fig

This is a versatile variety of bonsai tree that grows well indoors as well as outdoors. If you are intimidated by how to cultivate bonsai plants, then this could be the ideal learning example. The tree features tiny-sized and bright evergreen leaves that grow long with branches trailing to the ground.

Due to this reason, the tree has gotten the name “weeping fig.” For proper growth, this tree requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight every day. Its soil should be moist but not very wet. Its ability to easily recover from pruning mistakes makes it an excellent selection for bonsai beginners.

How do you grow a bonsai tree?

So, once you know the different types of bonsai, now it is time to learn how to grow them. Below we have listed steps that will help you select the right bonsai and grow it in the best way.

1. Select the right Bonsai Tree

Based on your expertise, your location, and the climate of the place where you live, you need to choose a suitable type of bonsai tree. Some trees can’t withstand freezing weather, while others need the temperature to reach below the freezing point to enter dormancy and make themselves ready to bloom in the spring.

So, consider the climatic conditions before planning to grow a bonsai, especially an outdoor one. You can seek the assistance of any professional gardener to guide you in choosing the right bonsai tree. For beginners, slow-growing juniper should be the best option.

2. Choose between growing a Bonsai indoor or outdoor

This is a crucial step because the needs of an outdoor and indoor bonsai tree differ significantly. Indoor environments are comparatively drier and obtain less sunlight when compared to outdoor environments. So, trees that require low moisture and light would be ideal for indoor cultivation.

3. Choose the right size of Bonsai

Bonsai trees are available in various sizes. Larger bonsai require larger containers and more water, sunlight, fertilizer, etc. The smallest full-grown bonsai is six inches tall, and the large bonsai can be around three feet tall.

A few things that you need to consider when growing a bonsai are container size, available space and light at the office, and, very importantly, the amount of time and energy that you can invest in taking care of your bonsai. This is very important because larger bonsai require a large amount of time to prune. So, keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right size of bonsai.

4. Choose the right pot

The pot you use for growing bonsai trees also holds a lot of importance because it helps in restricting its growth. Ensure that the pot is sufficiently large to allow the soil to efficiently cover the plant roots. At the time of watering the tree, ensure that it soaks moisture from the soil and the roots of the tree are able to retain moisture.

This consideration will help in preventing the root of the tree from getting rotten. Ensure that the pot you select has several drainage holes on its bottom. Your pot has to provide a neat, clean aesthetic for the bonsai tree.

Potting Grown Bonsai Trees

1. Prepare the tree

Make sure to prune the tree to the desired shape after purchasing it from the store. Gently clean its roots. Prune its roots before you pot it. Cut large, dense roots and upward-facing roots to prevent them from outgrowing your container. Let the web of slender and long roots sit nearer to the surface of the soil. Wrap a strong wire around the branches of the tree to direct its growth.

2. Prepare the pot

Put fresh soil into the pot. It should reach the recommended height. Now at the bottom of the empty container, you should add one base layer of rough-grain soil. Now add a fine growing medium above it.

Choose the soil and the medium that provide excellent draining ability. Leave some space at the top of the pot to nicely cover the roots of the tree. Once you have prepared your pot in this way, you are now ready to transfer your tree into your prepared pot.

3. Pot the tree

Position the tree in your new pot in the desired orientation. Finish adding fine and well-draining soil to the pot. Make sure to adequately cover the tree’s roots. If desired, you can add a final layer of moss or pebbles to it. In addition to being visually pleasing, such materials can help hold the tree in place. You may need to set up mesh screens on the drainage holes of the pot to protect it from soil corrosion.

How to Take the Best Care of Your Bonsai Tree?

When it comes to caring for bonsai, people often feel intimidated. People often perceive bonsai maintenance as a challenging process. But in reality, it is not as difficult as it looks. We grow these trees in small-sized pots, so we need to follow a few basic rules to keep them in the best condition.

Bonsai Tree Care Guidelines for Newly Potted Trees

Your new bonsai could be delicate after you have potted it. For two to three weeks, you should let it remain in a semi-shaded region. Safeguard it from the harsh weather or direct sunlight. Keep the plant watered on a daily basis. Do not use fertilizer till its roots are properly re-established. Allow your tree a good space to adapt it to the climate and thrive on its own.

1. Soil composition

Soil holds a crucial place when it comes to the growth of bonsai. It supplies your tree with all the necessary nutrients. It should have the ability to drain properly and retain water. You must tailor the soil composition to the specific needs of each bonsai tree.

A loose and quick-draining mixture of components should always make up the soil. Either you can compose the soil on your own or get readymade soil for your specific bonsai from online stores easily.

2. Light

Make sure that the sunlight is not too harsh so as to prevent it from dying. Low light intensity can weaken the plant and hinder growth. Ensure that you position your pot in a bright area.

3. Humidity

Make sure that the soil is adequately moist. This step will help in raising it properly. If you have an indoor bonsai, chances are that the humidity levels will be low. You can mist your bonsai several times a day to increase the humidity level.

4. Temperature

Tropical species of bonsai require higher temperatures all year round than the standard room temperature. Subtropical trees can easily withstand lower temperatures and thrive. Ensure that you provide the appropriate temperature for your bonsai based on its species.

5. Location

Based on the time of year, indoor/outdoor bonsai, and climatic conditions, you need to choose the ideal spot for your bonsai.

6. Watering

Regular watering of the bonsai is essential to ensuring its sound growth. Based on the species of tree, size of pot, size of tree, soil mixture, climate, and time of year, you need to figure out the watering needs of your bonsai.

7. Fertilizing Bonsai

Regular fertilization is needed to ensure the growth and survival of bonsai. Normal trees can spread their roots in search of nutrients. Proper fertilization helps restore the soil’s nutritional content.

8. Pruning

Pruning the branches of bonsai helps the tree to adjust its shape and maintain as well as enhance its beauty. This process ensures the tree remains well-balanced. Proper pruning promotes the healthy development of the bonsai and helps it receive adequate amounts of air and sunlight. Based on the direction, length, and density of the branches, you can prune them with scissors and a few other tools.

9. Wiring

Wiring is another method to give a pleasing shape to the bonsai. This procedure involves fixing wires to the branches and trunk of the tree to form a desired curve. Typically, different thicknesses of copper and aluminum wires serve this purpose.

These wires bring out the true “personality” and uniqueness of the tree without overpowering them. Based on the hardness and size of the branch, you can make the right selection for your bonsai.

10. Trim its leaves

To give the desired appearance to your tree, you need to selectively remove outgrown leaves from its branches and trunk.

11. Clamping

Clamping your bonsai with mechanical devices is another method that helps shape its branches and trunk.

Conclusion

Bonsai are very appealing. Cultivating these trees is a hobby enjoyed by many people. It is considered a significant part of the artistic and cultural tradition of Japan that has been cherished for several years by the people’s affection and the climate of the nation. The above information will help you choose the right species of bonsai and learn about specific care and maintenance guidelines to keep it in the best health.

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