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Autor: leedobbins
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Bonsai, literally "tree planted
in a tray", are miniature versions of larger trees. Depending on the type
of bonsai tree under consideration, their height can range from a few
inches to a few feet. Like regular trees, bonsai trees can also bear
flowers and fruits.
There are two types of bonsai trees: indoor
and outdoor. While most bonsai are outdoor plants, certain varieties are
adapted well enough to survive in an indoor setting. These would be the
tropical or subtropical varieties. If you plan on raising these, be sure
to put them in a spot where they can get some sunlight in the mornings and
shade in the afternoon. Avoid exposing them to too much sunlight - many
varieties of bonsai do not bear up well under intense heat. Indoor
varieties of bonsai include the ficus, baby jade, sago palms, serissa,
fukien tea, pachira, gardenia, and some elm varieties.
Outdoor
bonsai are further divided into two groups. The first group consists of
the evergreen trees, which include the pine, the juniper, and the azalea.
As the name evergreen suggests, these trees retain their foliage no matter
what the season is. They usually undergo a dormancy period during winter,
which creates a yellow tinge around their leaves.
Deciduous trees
include elms and maples. These trees shed their leaves during the fall and
re-bud at springtime. Most elm species fall into this category, as does
the apricot, hornbeam, and gingko. Like evergreen bonsai, deciduous bonsai
also go through a dormancy stage at winter. Deciduous bonsai are not well
suited to being grown indoors - the levels of light and humidity are too
different from those in their natural habitat.
There are many
types of bonsai trees, but they do have one thing in common. All bonsai
trees, with few exceptions, need specific care if they are to thrive. You
will need to protect them from both excessive cold and heat, depending on
the climate in your area. Also, levels of humidity have to be monitored,
and as much as possible you should provide the specific humidity level
that your bonsai needs to grow. As long as you know what you are doing,
however, it shouldn't be a problem for you.
Taking care of a
bonsai tree is not a task for amateurs. Bonsai trees are unusual trees and
they require unusual care. Most types of bonsai are not particularly
hardy, especially when compared to other types of plants. If you are
considering acquiring your own bonsai tree, or if you already have one,
you need to know what to do to increase your plants chances of survival.
Taking care of a bonsai tree requires specialized knowledge. If
you are serious about growing your own bonsai plants, you need to take
time to conduct a little research. But a few books and read up on the
subject. If you know anyone who has had experience in raising bonsai, you
should try to discuss the matter with him or her as well. Taking care of a
bonsai is hard enough; being ignorant certainly isn't going to help you.
Be sure to find a local bonsai nursery. Avoid the bonsai trees
sold in department stores and malls. Although they may seem to be in good
condition and sell for less, they are often close to death and will not
survive in your home for long. Retailers, after all, are interested only
in selling the plant, not maintaining it. It would be far better for you
to find a nursery that sells seedlings or small bonsai plants. This will
allow you to experience the joy (and hardship!) of raising your own plant.
Additionally, you will be able to shape the tree the way you want to,
which is not always an option with the more mature plants.
Don't
skimp on the tools that you need. For most people, raising a bonsai is
more of a hobby than anything else. This does not mean, however, that you
should skimp on the tools that you will need to raise your plants well.
One example of bonsai tool is a concave cutter. A concave cutter is a tool
designed to prune the plant without leaving a stub. Shears, pliers, and
branch bending jacks are common as well. For shaping the tree, you will
need aluminum and copper wires.
Taking care of a bonsai tree
involves a continuous learning process. While this article is not meant to
be a comprehensive guide to bonsai care, it should give you the idea that
there is much to be learned in order to be successful. However, don't be
discouraged. If you truly love bonsai trees, learning will not be
difficult for you at all! And once you've mastered the art of raising a
bonsai, you can look forward to many beautiful days with your miniature
tree. |
