Introduction to the Art of Bonsai Gardening

Most of the time, if you say the word “art,” people will think that you are referring to a painting, drawing or sculpture. If you want to have a piece of art that works with living plants, however, you are operating in the art world of the bonsai.

Literally translated, the word “bonsai” means “tree in a tray.” Specifically speaking, the art of bonsai is the art of producing trees and bushes into their miniature, natural shapes. These are not species that have been created to be dwarfs. They are the real-size version that has been carefully maintained to be smaller through years of patience and shaping by master artists.

You will need to have extreme care and patience to grow your own bonsai since these are the full species grown in a very small pot. You will need to be very specific and careful with the soil type and temperature, which you will need to maintain at a certain level. Pruning alone can take years to master and the plant has to be at a certain temperament to handle the pruning effectively. In addition, potting and re-potting are very complex and advanced techniques to master.

Watering might seem like the simplest task, but in the world of bonsai, this too becomes very complicated and precise. You will have to confront this complex science head-on to succeed with bonsai. If you have too much water, your bonsai will be water-logged, drowning in its own roots, developing fungi and root rot. On the other hand, if you have too little water, your soil will become dry, the leaves will wilt and the tree will die.

Soil and potting techniques overlap with the watering needs of your plant since the drainage is a critical element. Your pruning technique will intermingle with your shaping technique because it will be affected by the soil maintenance, watering and look that you want with your bonsai tree or plant.

To top it off, you will need to have all of these elements operating at near-perfection in order to make sure your plant not only survives, but thrives and achieves the bonsai look of perfection. You will be a true master if you can get your tree to achieve the goal of the shape, style and color you want.

There are a number of advanced styles that the bonsai artist can attempt while mastering his or her craft. You can try the formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade. You will need to work on these styles for years in order to produce a single tree, which might last for a hundred years or more. You will see that these trees are passed down from generation to generation.

You will need to work for years to become an experienced bonsai grower and artist. You will need a lifetime of patience and learning to grow one single tree. Bonsai, however, are one of the most unique and beautiful pieces of art, admired for their loveliness and longevity.