Bonsai is a technique for the cultivation of miniature trees. It originated in Japan more than 1000 years ago. It is translated as “a plant in a tray”. The article is on how a novice can start growing a bonsai, choose a plant and learn the basic rules of care.

Bonsai tree: History

A miniature tree in a flat pot looks very stylish and cute. But there are certain difficulties in growing bonsai in indoor horticulture. Such suitable plants such as a pine, juniper, cypress, maple, elm do not tolerate housing climate. These plants are only good for garden cultivation. The following plants will do for indoor bonsai: Ficus benjamina and other slow-growing figs, pomegranate, hibiscus, myrtle, geptapleurum, bougainvillea, indoor acacia, Allamanda, Gardenia, Ixora, Schefflera, etc.

Mature bonsai are sold in flower shops. However, they are not cheap. I propose the technique of bonsai formation at home for beginners. In fact, the method to cultivate any bonsai is to constantly keep a plant in the same container, cutting the crown and roots. Due to such techniques the balance of the root and leaf parts is achieved and the necessary form is created.

How to grow a Bonsai tree

To begin, select a suitable plant with a woody stem, a low one, but with a well-developed crown. Pulling it out of the pot, prune the roots to about 1/3, so that the plant fits into a flat container. Two weeks later, when the plant has already adapted after relocation, you can start to form a crown. Graft the tip and lateral branches, remove the lower ones according to the way you want your bonsai to look. You can give the plant any desired shape by using copper wire tied around the stem and branches. You should graft and remove unwanted branches regularly during the growth, each time getting closer to the desired shape. You also need to trim the roots every two years. This process is long, but fascinating.

A container for bonsai should be well-drained. Ideally, put a thin layer of small river pebbles or expanded clay on the bottom of the bowl, so that the water does not stagnate. Select the soil according to the plant chosen for bonsai. You can use universal soil for house plants mixed with fine gravel. On top you can grow ground cover plants such as moss. It retains moisture well.

Cleaning is a mandatory procedure. Yellowed leaves, garbage, dust should be removed regularly but gently, without damaging the plants. Maintain constant humidity. It is very important! There are several ways to do this. Of course, ideally, use the humidifier. They are now commercially available in different modifications. With such a device watering may be reduced. Another way is to put a flat dish with the bonsai on a tray with pebbles or gravel, and keep them moist. Or just spray the plants.

There is a lot of information about watering a bonsai in the literature. Such attention is due to the complexity of watering. The main clod of soil should be moist, but water should not be stagnant. Since the roots of the plant are forcibly shortened, it requires more moisture, and its excess will lead to rotting of the roots.

Transplant the bonsai every two years, replace the soil and cut the roots. Well, perhaps that’s all. The main thing is patience and hard work. But you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful plant that complements any interior.

And here you can read an article on how to turn some tub plants with a strong stem, yucca and dracaena, as well as some exotic plants into miniature trees…