Learning About the Bonsai

If you have taken an interest in bonsai trees then it might help to know the history and traditions behind the hobby. The word Bonsai literally translated means "plant in a tray" or "potted plant". Growing bonsais actually combines two hobbies, art and horticulture. The art part of it is because you are not only growing a plant you actually sculpt in to a specific design. The horticulture part is about the actual growing and keeping the tree healthy. An often misunderstood concept
of bonsai is that they are not a particular tree or plant. You can use a wide variety of trees like an azalea, a cypress tree, or either an oak or maple tree. Any of these varieties can be raised as a bonsai. To raise a juniper bonsai is quite simple, the only difference is that it is a miniature version. Those that do not really understand this hobby think it is a little cruel. They feel like the trees are not growing to their normal size because you starve them of the proper nutrients. This is just a misconception; if you do not take care of them properly they will not flourish. You must take as good care of a bonsai as you would any other tree. You must regularly feed and water the tree and like most plants make sure it gets the need sunlight and the occasional repotting. In Japan these plants are family heirlooms and are often passed down through generations. If you do not properly maintain the plant they will die or become permanently dormant. The trimming of the tree is part of routine maintenance, this help to generate new and healthy growth. You do not harm the tree in fact; this is very common practice in all horticulture not just in bonsai. The technique of trimming the actual roots of the plant allows the root system to remain compact with lots of fibrous roots; these fine roots are needed to allow the plant to properly absorb the necessary nutrients. The process of pruning does not slow the growing of the tree. You keep the tree small buy trimming the branches. This is the same maintenance that you would normally perform on a regular tree or bushes. The hobby of growing bonsai trees is very relaxing and helps to relieve stress. It requires time and dedication to create the look you want to achieve. Look around at some mature bonsai trees; this will help generate ideas for your own. If you run into trouble ask a professional for advice. Stay with it and you will have a hobby that can literately last a lifetime.

source.www.bonsai-abc.com