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How to Grow a Bonsai Tree

Info_lover | May 8, 2010 |

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Bonsai, the ancient Japanese art of dwarfing and growing miniature trees in pots, has become very popular in the West in recent times. A bonsai tree is more than just simply placing a tree in a tiny pot. Rather, the overall artistic effect is of great significant in growing a bonsai tree. You do not need a large yard or garden to enjoy bonsai. All one need is time, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. To grow a bonsai tree, careful pruning of roots and other techniques will be required to make the tree take on the look of a mature tree. Achieving a perfected bonsai tree is considered a great accomplishment. Here's how to grow a bonsai tree from seed or cuttings.

Step 1: Do some research

Before you decide to get a tree, you should research on how to raise and take care of your future bonsai tree. You should learn and equip yourself with techniques such as soil types, watering procedures, growth principles and environmental requirements. If you are wondering how long does it take to grow a bonsai tree, well the answer is: 1-2 years.

Step 2: Choose your tree

It is important to consider your geographic location when selecting your plant. On one hand, some trees will not survive long in the freezing weather, whereas other trees will. On the other hand, some trees will require a lot of water during the hot summer while others are heat hardy. Research the kind of trees that do well in your area. Whether you go for an indoor or an outdoor plant, do choose a plant that has an interesting character for your first bonsai. Traditional outside bonsai plants include maple and juniper; while schefflera and Natal plum can be used for inside bonsai trees.

Step 3: Decide the shape and size of your bonsai

Bonsai trees can be as anywhere from miniature (6 inches tall) to large bonsai (up to 3 ft tall). Decide what size bonsai you would like before actually going out to select the plant. Also, you need to decide what shape you want to make your bonsai tree. Before you begin growing your bonsai tree, you will need to choose between an upright, slanting, cascade, elongated or weeping shape. This will also determine the size of the pot you should be getting. A large enough pot will provide ample room for the plant to grow. You will kill the plant if you do not have a large enough pot.

Step 4: Prepare the tree

You need to prune the tree to the desired shape. Wire any branches that need to be wired. Wrap the wire around the branch to be shaped at a 45 degree angle, and then gently bend the branch into the desired shape. The wire coils should be close together, but loose enough so the tree still has room to grow. Another way is to hang weights from the branches. Although this method will train your bonsai tree more slowly, you can use string to tie small weights to the branches of your tree. Purchase specialized weights from a bonsai supplier.

Next, remove the plant from its existing pot and water the roots. Most of the roots will be cut before the plant is repotted into the bonsai pot. Cut away enough roots so that the root system can fit securely in the new pot with the proper amount of soil.

Step 5: Pot the tree

You should install mesh screens over the drainage holes to prevent soil erosion. Add some well draining soil the pot and then place your bonsai tree into the pot. Do not use regular potting soil for your bonsai as it may hold too much water and may end up drowning the tree. Before covering the top of the roots with soil, be sure to position the tree in the desired orientation. Lastly, run a heavy gauge wire from the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes on the bottom of the port and remember to tie the wire around the roots so as to hold the plant in place.

I hope this article has provided you with some insight on how to grow a bonsai tree.