Introduction
Bonsai is the art of cultivating artistically shaped, dwarfed potted trees and encompasses the rare combination of both art and horticulture. Bonsai is living sculpture with certain aesthetic rules for training but the needs of the plants must also be considered.
People are intrigued by the age of some bonsai. Many fine bonsai are old, but quality and value are judged by the tree’s beauty and lines and by how well it has been trained. Most bonsai have not spent their entire lives in containers as bonsai, but were created from nursery stock or from collected trees in the wild.
A ready-trained bonsai can be purchased, but a great deal of enjoyment can be derived from creating one. Plants for bonsai can be collected from the wild; however, specimens obtained from bonsai nurseries have been “pre-selected” and specifically grown for bonsai. Container-grown plants having the following characteristics are suitable for bonsai:
unusual trunk
surface roots
short, compact foliage and growth habit
multiple buds, small flowers and fruit
vigor and health
ability to withstand root pruning and wiring
General Care and Maintenance
Location—all bonsai should be kept outdoors during the summer months. Full sun exposure is best for maximum growth, but they will survive with less light. Gentle breezes help eliminate pests. Bonsai can be displayed indoors for a few days.
Non-winter hardy species such as gardenia, snow rose, citrus and azalea must be brought indoors before autumn frost and kept in a cool room with ample light. Avoid hot rooms and locations near heaters. Bonsai thrive better when kept on shallow trays filled with gravel and water to provide extra humidity. Bonsai should be misted and checked for water daily.
Watering—Frequency depends on the type of plant, soil, etc. In general, bonsai require watering once a day. The amount should be sufficient to run through the drainage holes of the container.
Fertilizing—Once or twice a month during the active growing season, a water-soluble fertilizer, used at full strength is recommended for the maintenance of healthy growth.
Pests—Daily inspection will indicate if pests are present. Spray at full strength with pesticides recommended by a local garden center.
Transplanting—Evergreen species require transplanting every 3-5 years; deciduous species ever 1-3 years. Spring is the optimum time to transplant before the new growth begins. Carefully, not disturbing the center of the root ball, trim 1/3 or the roots. Additional course sifted soil is best for vigorous growth.
Pruning—Bonsai are shaped by pruning and wiring. New growth of flowering and fruiting species is trimmed after flowering, leaving only necessary growth for shape. Evergreens are trimmed by pinching part of the buds whenever they appear. Deciduous species are trimmed by removing the ends of the new shoots during the growing season. These methods will check over-growth and stimulate desired branching and compact growth.
Wiring—Annealed copper wire is used to shape the trunk and branches. Copper is soft, does not rust and hardens when spirally wound around the trunk in equally spaced coils. Although the wire remains on the bonsai for the growing season, it should be removed if it cuts into the bark. If the desired shape does not hold, the plant can be re-wired.
Wintering—Winter-hardy species such as pine, maple, elm and spruce should be kept outdoors in a cold frame or on a cold porch or in a n unheated garage for protection against the hot sun, fluctuating temperatures and cold, drying winds. Moisture should be checked and water applied if necessary.
