Bonsai for Beginners

Since time began, man has used nature as a way to strengthen its relations with the divine. The history of bonsai starts based on this spiritual quest.

It was common in ancient China, the monks and the most educated men leave the city and follow to the mountains, against nature, in order to achieve peace of mind and harmony.

Among the elements of nature worthy of adoration and admiration found by men, stood out the old trees, which were a significant example of longevity and overcoming the effects of time - even being exposed to all sorts of condition and every whim of nature, these plants reborn, gave flowers and fruits were produced each year, symbolizing victory over death.

Over time, the idea of transporting it to the urban environment a little bit of "magical essence" of forests. The Chinese believed that these plants were a link between heaven and earth, something that encouraged meditation.

Then started cultivating miniature trees in pots or trays, but with the appearance that they had lived for several years. At these small plants gave the name "pun sai" literally plant of the tray, in Chinese.From China, the bonsai migrated to Japan in the Kamakura era, led by Chinese monks. He then took his meaning unrelated to religion - the cultivation of bonsai started to be seen as an art form. Initially, on nipponese land, was a practice of the aristocracy, an art reserved only to the most economically advantaged, but then spread and became an important part of culture.

There are certain species of plants that are suited more to the technique of bonsai, which are most used. Among them we can mention: Acer, Buxus sempervirens, Carmona, Ficus, pomegranate, pine, Juniper, Apple, orange, olive, elm, pine five needles, Zelkova, Pyracantha, Sageretia, Serissa, and Celtis Jabuticabeira.

The bonsai, nowadays, is seen as a hobby and work of art by the general public and the taste for these small plants is growing every year in Europe and USA. But for a bonsai to be kept always "healthy" and retains its beauty and aesthetic value, it takes fewer steps.

The bonsai in the pot, it behaves as if in nature. It is therefore important to consider nutrition, land, water quantity and light the tree receives.

The plant needs to be watered assiduously. The shallower pots lose moisture slightly and therefore need to be made regular watering. The amount of water that dwarf tree (bonsai), receives varies according to season. In summer, for example, it is sometimes necessary to irrigate up to two times a day. Check daily that the potting soil should be moist, but not too wet.

Water the plant in the morning or evening and if possible in these two periods in the hottest time of year. If possible, avoid using chlorinated water - a good option is to collect rainwater and use it when needed.

Provide the right amount of light for bonsai - it needs to receive the sun throughout its length. Thus, by positioning it in the light source, make sure the plant is receiving sunlight for an equal - or turn it frequently to achieve the desired results.

Note any change in the appearance of your bonsai - pests and diseases can attack him, as with any plant in nature. The good news is that the bonsai has a high strength and can usually recover from infection.

Pruning and adjustments must be regular and can be directed to the aesthetic / style of bonsai, to improve the viewing angle and balance of plant. The tools that are indispensable are: long-handled pliers, small pliers, tweezers, a small hacksaw and scissors to cut leaves. All these instruments should be well keen to avoid damage to plant and properly cleaned to avoid infection. There are two types of pruning: pruning and air pruning the roots. The first concerns the removal of unwanted branches, so they are only those that will be modeled with wire or weights. The second type relates to the removal of excess roots that are under the tree (not the side). Both types of pruning are used to "shrink" the plant.

Bonsai must be replanted every two years and its roots must be pruned, kept short and evenly distributed in the area of the vessel. In younger trees, about two thirds of the root can be removed at each replanting. It is important to note that after being replanted, the plants should be kept at half-shade and protected from the hot weather until they can acclimate.

Growing bonsai is an ancient art and simulates the nature and the man walking with his slow changes. It is something beautiful to behold and even more to develop, because a plant like this can live centuries, if well cared for and passed on from generation to generation, becoming a family heirloom, a true and beautiful relic.