A look into the historical past

Most bonsai growing experts are sure that its roots grow from the land of the rising sun — Japan. Although the true origin of an ornamental mini plant, or rather the art of its creation, is from China even before our era.

A few centuries later, the Japanese picked up this work, while bringing it a little to perfection. This is where its active distribution around the world began, which is why art is considered Japanese. From Japanese, the name is translated as a tree in a saucer.

The traditional type of bonsai has the following distinctive features:

• strong trunk;
• at the base, a particularly pronounced system of rhizomes;
• a clear and delimited outline of the branched part;
• branches and trunk are visible through the foliage;
• perfect resemblance to the original.

The symbolism of the plant

To create a plant does not require a huge space, as evidenced by the name of the plant — «tree on a saucer.» But patience, diligence and diligence are very necessary. After all, not everyone is able to cope with the process of long-term cultivation.

But those who manage and grow a worthy mini copy of a tree should know that this is not only an ornamental plant, but also symbolizing: wisdom and justice, endurance and goodwill.

Bonsai cannot be called a simple occupation, because it is a full-fledged art that requires special human qualities: patience, diligence and effort. Due to their longevity, they can sometimes reflect entire historical eras.

At the same time, care and appearance will tell everything without words due to damaged bark, branches and huge rhizomes. For example, in Japan there are specimens that have been growing for more than a millennium.

The most valuable are mini copies of conifers, symbolizing eternity, when compared with deciduous species that shed their leaves every year in autumn.

Varieties of mini trees

There are a lot of original trees from which you can create mini copies, but conifers are more popular. Due to their durability and hardiness, in addition, they have small leaves that remain green throughout the year.

The main varieties include:

• evergreen species;
• with flowering in the spring;
• with flowering in summer;
• with flowering in autumn;
• with a well-defined shape of the trunk and branches, especially when the leaves fall.

The Japanese bonsai tree is not recommended for growing indoors as it does not like hot dry climates. Therefore, after a few days of indoor maintenance, the plant may get sick. When placing a tree on the street, it should be remembered that it needs protection from sunlight, rain and winds.

Choosing Plants for Bonsai

If you decide to grow bonsai yourself, then when choosing a particular type of plant, you need to take into account the climatic conditions of your region. It is better to give preference to local specimens: juniper, pine, lilac, etc.

You can create a miniature copy of a tree with your own hands using any plant seeds that do not require special care.

Increased attention and demand refers to wisteria, which is a tree with branches covered with small flowers. It can grow indoors as a house bonsai tree. The apple tree for bonsai is also good, besides the beautiful appearance, it can bear fruit.

Popular types and content rules

Different (coniferous and deciduous) plants are suitable for growing, but the most in demand:

• European olive. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms every year. Likes: climate at temperatures from + 5 to + 18 degrees, sufficient lighting, fresh climate, clay and sand soil, moderate watering.
• Carmona or tea tree. Evergreen tree growing up to 10 meters. Likes: warm climate and lighting.
• Chinese elm (small-leaved). Ideal for beginners in this business. Likes: heat, sun and moisture.
• Mix. Consists of plants of different species, does not require special care.

It is very easy to grow a mini flower or bonsai on your own, using plants adapted to the local climate (pine, oak, juniper, etc.).

Care does not involve special conditions or skills. For germination, you can use seeds or prepared seedlings taken from the forest.

How to grow a bonsai tree

To grow a bonsai, it is enough to observe the following conditions:

• take care of the seed for quite a long time, sometimes several years.
• take care of the sprout. Provide regular ventilation. If there are 4 leaves, it is necessary to dive, and after 2 months to feed with fertilizer. Before wintering, rearrange closer to the window and do not feed.
• take care of the mini tree. Provide optimum light and spray. After a few years, the formation process should begin.

tree care

Content features include the following steps:

• timely pruning of the crown,
• preparation of a special soil mixture containing clay, sand, humus and humus,
• compliance with the optimal temperature in the range from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius,
• absolute exclusion of through winds,
• avoiding direct exposure to the sun,
• moderate watering.

Many companies sell ready-made growing kits, which include: a flower pot, prepared soil, bonsai tree seeds, top dressing, instructions. In addition, the package may contain a wire and a pallet.

Nowadays, bonsai is very popular all over the world. Even lovers of needlework did not ignore this type of art. Miniature plants made of gems or beads will decorate any interior.

Bonsai tree photo