How to grow bonsai yourself?
grow bonsaiA tree in a tray - this is how the name of the most amazing plants in the world, dwarf plants, is translated from Japanese. It was the Japanese who first learned to grow miniature copies of trees and shrubs ten centuries ago. And the first bonsai was introduced to European countries only at the beginning of the last century, but did not gain much popularity. And only by the end of the century, the art of growing ornamental plants, the height of which does not even reach one meter, became extremely widespread. Nowadays, charming trees with small fruits can be purchased in many flower shops. True, they are not cheap. This is also explained by the fact that, as a rule, there are already four-year-old seedlings on the shelves. This means that a lot of work and skill has already been invested in them.
Growing bonsai is not easy
But is it possible to grow a small semblance of a full-fledged tree on your own? I must say that this is not an easy occupation, but it is very interesting. The plant requires daily attention. Therefore, for people whose work is accompanied by long absences, it is not even worth starting this occupation. But the Japanese prefer to take small trees with them on the road. They motivate this by the fact that the plant will immediately feel the absence of the owner and will certainly get sick. It cannot be left to neighbors or relatives. Perhaps this attitude towards plants is explained by the special worldview of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun, religious worship of nature. In Japan, whole parks of bonsai are created, which are distinguished by their splendor and correct form.
Bonsai in the house
But in Germany, they first learned to grow indoor bonsai. The trees practically do not differ from the miniature garden tree, but they are able to survive only in milder conditions. For the winter, the Germans install them on window sills or in greenhouses, and in the summer they decorate the area near the house. Bonsai is not only a lemon or orange tree, but also jasmine, tamarisk, Manchurian maple, birch. There are also coniferous trees. Citrus Bonsai can be grown from the seeds of the fruit. In addition, such a tree is unpretentious and blooms very beautifully.
How to grow bonsai?
There are special techniques for growing miniature plants. The principle consists in periodically pinching the top, as well as trimming the shoots and roots. And as an obstacle to violent growth, a special shape made of wire is used, which can be purchased at flower shops. It is also very important not to change the pot during the first two years of life and to monitor the shape of the crown of the plant every day. As soon as the bonsai reaches the desired height (depending on the type of plant - from 30 to 100 cm), you should cut off the crown and all excess branches. This will help strengthen the crown.
Bonsai in the house
Soft wire constructions of various shapes allow you to grow trees of various shapes. The wire must be carefully wrapped around the crown, creating the desired configuration. From time to time, the bonsai must be freed from the wire so that it does not dig into the trunk.
Daily maintenance with constant pruning should last for two years. The bonsai can then be transplanted into a flat tray. In this case, the third part of the root must be cut off. Ordinary soil is suitable for a plant, but not particularly fertile. The pallet can have any shape, and it is advisable to “hide” the ground under decorative moss or original figures. Thus, by showing imagination, a bonsai can be turned into an original composition that will decorate a house or a personal plot.
After transplanting, you should continue to regularly prune branches and pluck the crown, and use the wire. And only when the required configuration is formed, and the branches begin to grow on their own in the right direction, the wire can be removed. Bonsai should be replanted every two years, while remembering to cut off a third of the root.
The necessary conditions
It is very important for small plants to be in a humid environment. Therefore, you need to water the bonsai almost every day. In addition, it is necessary to spray greens, protect the plant from drafts and heating appliances. To prevent the root from rotting, drainage must be used. Everything you need to grow bonsai is sold in flower shops. Most often, this is a set with all the necessary items, including plant seeds.
The Japanese invest in growing a bonsai plant more than just plant growing. This is real art.