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I’ll admit it. Until recently, my knowledge of bonsai trees was limited to watching Mr. Miyagi prune one during the “Karate Kid” movies. I always thought that a bonsai was a species of tree.
It actually refers to a way of growing. Bonsai is really two words, "Bon", and "Sai". The word "Bon" means "tray" and "Sai" means "growing". In other words, it means the art of tray gardening.
Care of Bonsai Trees - Varieties
There are literally hundreds of tree species cultivated as Bonsai trees. They are generally dwarf cultivars of popular varieties that are pruned or shaped to retain its miniature size. Bonsai trees can be indoor or outdoor potted plants. However, because your bonsai is kept in such a shallow container, they can be more sensitive to outside influences. Bonsai require more precise care than most other plants.
Care of Bonsai Trees - Nutrients
Your bonsai needs plenty of UV light or it will die. Place your tree in a well lit area maintaining a daytime temperature of at least sixty degrees. Since the container is so shallow, bonsai need small amounts of water on a regular basis. Use a mist sprayer to water the tree daily. If the bonsai gets too much water at once, it can rot the root system. Use a loose, free draining soil mix to prevent this. The bonsai should also be fertilized once a month except during its winter dormancy. Use a general purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength. This will prevent the fertilizer from burning the shallow roots. Since your bonsai is a normal tree, only miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. Bonsai need to be repotted every 2-5 years to provide a fresh soil supply and an opportunity to trim the roots back, helping it to retain its small size.
Care of Bonsai Trees - Training
Training a bonsai tree is an art form and must be thoroughly studied before attempting - or rely on a professional. Yet, the majority of the bonsai trees on the market has been through their training period already and only requires pinching and trimming to remain miniature. Trim and pinch back nearly all the new growth to the farthest safe point. Don’t remove it all though; a little bit should remain to sustain the health of the tree. Your bonsai should be trimmed regularly in order to keep it at the desired shape. This should happen in the springtime before the season's growth begins. It should continue regularly throughout the season. Research your bonsai species for specific trimming guidelines.
Since these trees have such a small growing medium, they require significant care and maintenance. These instructions are only the basics and by no means cover the full spectrum of bonsai care. However, with additional research and study, your bonsai will remain healthy, beautiful, and miniature for many years.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about Trees and Shrubs and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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