A bonsai tree is a Japanese technique for growing miniature trees in ceramic pots to model aged saplings. The trees are becoming increasingly popular to bring the outdoors in, and hundreds of species can be chosen to turn into a bonsai plant. The method might seem intimidating for a beginner; however with research and practice you can master the art form of bonsai! Follow these steps to answer your question of “How To Bonsai”!
SELECT A SPECIES OF TREE
Choosing the right sapling is the first step of bonsai, and the options should be carefully weighed judging by your geographical location and whether you want your plant inside or outside. Some plants produce better indoors and in a controlled climate, while others need to be outdoors where they can go dormant in the winter. Examine the trees that do the best where you live, and go from there. The most common types of bonsai trees are Elm, Juniper, and ficus.
SEED OR AGED TREE
The next step is to choose whether you want to grow the tree from scratch, or buy an existing tree from a nursery. It is suggested that beginners buy an existing tree for their first time trying to bonsai so that they can succeed. Your local nursery will help you to choose the perfect bonsai for your climate and skill level.
CHOOSE A POT
The ceramic pot that you grow your bonsai tree is a key element in the success of your plant. The term bonsai means ‘plant in a tray’, which someone can presumably conclude that the tray is just as important is the plant. Choosing the correct pot has a lot to do with the size of your desired plant. A deep pot will bring a larger tree, while a shallow pot will keep the roots miniature and keep the size of the tree small. The ceramic pot must allow proper drainage, and should be lined with wire so that your soil erosion does not occur.
CHOOSE SOIL
Bonsai soil comes in organic and inorganic, and most bonsai enthusiasts strategically mix both soils to come up with the perfect combination for their plant. This also requires research depending on your geographical location and plant type.
PREPERATION
This step requires you to prepare your tree with wires and the initial stages of pruning, to procure the design of the bonsai tree. Remove the plant from its existing holder, and water the roots and prune them so that they fit securely into your purchased ceramic pot with the proper amount of soil.
POT THE TREE
If you haven’t already placed mesh netting on the bottom of the pot, you should do so now. Place the roots down at the bottom of the pot, and run a wire through one of the drainage holes to tie the plant into place. Attach the other side of the wire to the root system and pour soil over the exposed roots. Trees that are in temperate climates should be planted by spring, while tropical trees should be planted in the summer.
PRUNE & HAVE FUN!
The last step is to prune your tree when the leaves grow out, and have fun growing your bonsai!
