Growing Bonsai is more than a thousand-year old technique originally inspired by a Chinese horticultural technique, which was modified based on a Japanese Zen Buddhism practice. In Japanese characters, “Bon” means a modified thin bowl, dish or vessel while “Sai” means a growing plant or tree. Put together, “Bonsai” means a tree planted in a shallow vessel.
A bonsai may be classified according to size but such classifications, which were originally based on how many men it would require to lift a certain tree species, are still being debated on by Bonsai growers and experts. It can be a few inches or centimeters high, and the smaller a Bonsai is, the more surreal and abstract it becomes as a form of art and a product of science. Those that grow up to 3,4, and 6 inches tall are classified as Keshitsubo, Shito, and Mame, respectively. Those that grow up to 8, 10 and 18 inches tall are classified as Shohin, Komono, and Katade-mochi, respectively. Those that grow up to 36, 48, 60, and 80 inches tall are classified as Chumono/Chiu, Omono/Dai, Hachi-uye, and Imperial, respectively.
Apart from the significant reduction in the size of the tree or plant species, which makes it so much easier to transport, move and display even in smaller spaces, a Bonsai is also characterized by a tree-like form or shape, which may not necessarily be intrinsic to the plant or tree species’ nature when it grows in an uncontrolled or unrestricted environment. It may also not be an exact or detailed representation of its full-size version but is generally a close depiction in terms of the tree’s key features. The integrity of nature’s process should also be preserved and remain evident despite the interventions made by human hands. More than creating a miniature representation of a plant or tree, it creates a wonderful experience as it magnifies the beauty and wonder of nature so that it touches the inner being of the one looking and marveling at it. It is also highly valued as so much care has been poured into it, and is highly regarded as something worthy of a place in the house when welcoming special guests. It also encourages relaxation, reflection and is conducive for meditation.
As a horticultural practice, growing Bonsai requires knowledge in the plant’s biological nature, its growth processes, nutritional requirements, vulnerabilities from pest attacks and extreme weather conditions, as well as the parameters for limiting the plant’s growth without impeding its development.
As an art form of masterful creation, Bonsai elicits a sense of awe and wonder, invites respect for nature, and creates a heart-warming experience. As with any art piece and as minute as it may be, its being cannot be fully grasped. The aesthetics of its composition reveals far more than what meets the eye and displays the beauty and capacity of nature and of humans.
Apart from the significant reduction in the size of the tree or plant species, which makes it so much easier to transport, move and display even in smaller spaces, a Bonsai is also characterized by a tree-like form or shape, which may not necessarily be intrinsic to the plant or tree species’ nature when it grows in an uncontrolled or unrestricted environment. It may also not be an exact or detailed representation of its full-size version but is generally a close depiction in terms of the tree’s key features. The integrity of nature’s process should also be preserved and remain evident despite the interventions made by human hands. More than creating a miniature representation of a plant or tree, it creates a wonderful experience as it magnifies the beauty and wonder of nature so that it touches the inner being of the one looking and marveling at it. It is also highly valued as so much care has been poured into it, and is highly regarded as something worthy of a place in the house when welcoming special guests. It also encourages relaxation, reflection and is conducive for meditation.
You may grow or learn to grow Bonsai for personal or commercial purposes. You can give it as a gift to someone special, use it to create a relaxing ambience in your home or sell it to those who are interested in having one. Whatever your purpose may be, the great thing about growing it is that you’ll also grow as a gardener, as an artist, and simply as a human being admiring and experiencing nature. And if you invest enough time, effort, patience, and resources in growing it, the return on your investment would be priceless and greatly rewarding.
Though Bonsai trees are more delicate compared to the average indoor plant, a few basic rules should enable anyone to take care of its tree properly. Most importantly are watering, fertilization and choosing the right position to place it.
This is the most critical aspect of taking care of Bonsai plants or trees. Depending on the species and size of the tree, the size of the container, season and climate, soil composition, and other factors that need to be considered, the water requirement of Bonsai trees would vary. Thus, it’s important to know when you need to water them and how much water you should give them.
Next to water is food. For your Bonsai trees to survive and thrive in the growth season, you’ll need to regularly and adequately feed them with enough fertilizer that would meet their nutritional requirements. Be sure you’re not putting too much or too little fertilizer or you won’t be able to control and contain its growth.
Apart from watering the trees and replenishing the soil’s nutritional content, it’s also important that you re-pot your Bonsai tree regularly. Otherwise, it will starve to death and remain small because it won’t be able to get the nutrients necessary for its growth.
Before deciding on a place or spot for your Bonsai trees, you need to take into consideration factors such as the season, climate, tree species, among others. This may require some research work but it would definitely be worth the time finding the best place or position for your Bonsai tree.
Apart from knowing where to place your trees, you also need to know when is the best time to plant them so your intervention won’t cause too much stress on the plant’s natural growth process.
It’s important to use a container that’s not just aesthetically pleasing and interesting but can also provide the necessary support, hold the weight of the tree, and help limit but not impede its growth.