Your hobby of growing bonsai will certainly be appreciated by those around you. But you will derive the greatest joy from it, for there is no greater pride than a bonsai that has been properly cultivated and shaped to the desired form. A delight not only for the eye but also for your soul.
Bonsai is an East Asian plant that has captivated the entire world with its beauty. In its country of origin, it has been a tradition in cultivation for many generations. The word bonsai itself comes from the Japanese word bonsai or punsai and means growing trees in a pot; the word bon translates to tree, and sai means pot. Bonsai cultivation is a hobby for both experienced enthusiasts and complete beginners.
How to Do It: The Basic Process
1. If you are a beginner in bonsai cultivation, it is best to purchase a plant that has already been pruned by a professional, but it will still require your care and the work involved. Ideally, purchase a plant from a flower shop or garden center that specializes at least partially in bonsai; when buying, it is essential to check the plant’s quality—that is, ensure the plant is not yellowed or appears wilted.
2. Placement – the location for a bonsai depends on the type of plant, as there are both outdoor and indoor bonsais. For indoor bonsais, an ideal spot is higher up at eye level, in a bright area protected from drafts and direct sunlight; it should also be placed away from direct heat sources—i.e., placing it right next to a radiator is unsuitable. Outdoor plants can be placed in the garden, on a terrace, etc., where they will grow and bring joy all year round.
3. A shallow pot is the ideal choice for growing bonsai. A minor challenge is that bonsai are harmed by both drying out and overwatering, with the latter causing greater damage. It is necessary to provide nearly daily care by checking the adequate moisture level of the root ball. In the event of overwatering, the root system is damaged, and the plant will die. Water only with settled water at room temperature.
4. Nutrition in the form of fertilization is an essential part of care. In addition to fertilizers specifically designed for bonsai, fertilizers for houseplants can also be used. The ideal choice is fertilizers in the form of tablets, sticks, or granules, applied in small doses to prevent damage from over-fertilization.