Bonsai Care
The very word ‘bonsai’ conjures so many thoughts to many people. Most obviously we think of ‘a bonsai’ being the noun and meaning a ‘bonsai tree’. Some people use the word ‘bonsai’ meaning everything to do with bonsai care and bonsai products. We do understand – we like bonsai , we’re into bonsai!
Where Bonsai Started.
Most of us associate bonsai with the Japanese. Apparently the art of bonsai care and development as we know it today originated in China and was known as Pensai in China. Pensai as it was known has been traced back to around 600 a.d. and subsequently made it’s way to Japan. The word "Bonsai" comprises of two parts ‘bone’ meaning tray and "sai" meaning plant, which when literally translated equates to “tray plant”. We are so emphatic to ensure that we correctly call bonsai – trees when part of the derivation of the word does in fact mean plant.
Indoor bonsai or outdoor bonsai ?
Probably the first consideration you may have is whether to have your bonsai tree indoors or outdoors. Trees – and bonsai trees aren’t any different – generally prefer to be outside. Serissa (known as tree of a thousand stars) and the Chinese Elm are both regarded as good bonsai trees for indoor use. Whatever choice you make – indoor bonsai or outdoor bonsai – you’ll be able to see the benefits of your dedication and commitment over a period of time. The growing process is simple and the cost just minimal. In simple terms growing a bonsai is the same as growing a larger tree but the roots are permanently confined or restricted and the foliage is continually trimmed or pruned to create a ‘shape’. You can start your bonsai growing adventure with seeds or sapling – costing somewhere between zilch and very little. You also should invest in gardening scissors or secateurs and probably a bonsai pot and appropriate drainage system (if you have a proper bonsai ceramic pot then you’ll drain hole covers and a drainage / watering tray). Always remember a bonsai tree – like any other tree – will take time to grow and will last for years. Good luck with your new or existing bonsai care hobby.
Low cost bonsai growing.
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