Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art form that uses formal cultivation methods to create, usually in miniature, specimens that closely resemble the original tree in size and shape. The word “bonzai” literally means “bitter and green”, referring to the fact that many bonsai trees are grown with their roots in a field. Growing a bonsai from seed can be a difficult process, since the plant rarely reaches full maturity in the wild. If you are interested in growing a bonsai, you should know a few facts about this beautiful plant.
Bonsai has been practiced for thousands of years. They have been used by the Samurai warriors of Japan as a way to practice archery and concealment. In China, bonsai trees were viewed as a sign of power and wealth, symbolizing the warrior’s capabilities in battle. When training for two or three years under a Master, bonsai trees began to be seen as a great investment. Since then, bonsai have become an art and a hobby that grew into a worldwide profession. Today, bonsai are cared for not only for their aesthetic beauty but also to maintain the ultimate goal of creating a tree that will one day fit in the temple where it was planted.
Bonsai are not genetically dwarfed plants; they are plants that are created in a culture similar to other plants by carefully selecting the type of root structure and growing tips that will grow to be the perfect size and shape for a particular area. There are several types of bonsai; the most common ones being those that are designed to look like trees. Since bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed plants; they are still considered a hearty plant that can stand on its own when training.
There are some specific things to consider if you want to train your bonsai tree. The first step in growing bonsai requires pruning. Once the branches have been removed, they should be re-shaped and re-wired back to create a pattern that will grow into the desired shape of the tree. The second step is in terms of wiring branches. This is the process of stripping the branch and then using a pin to bend it into the proper shape so that it will connect to the other side of the branch.
You need to keep in mind that there are different types of branches in a tree so once you are done shaping your bonsai trees, make sure you know what to do with the branches that you don’t want. For example, you should never trim long branch after it breaks off; these are the ones that are most useful for styling. Long branches that stick out over the edge of the container should also not be trimmed. This will allow the branches to catch moisture and eventually rot. If you plan on trimming, make sure you do it carefully so that you don’t hurt the tree or the branches as well.
Bonsai trees are generally trained into three basic styles: upright, slanting, and hipped. Upright compositions are more compact and are trained into a small upright shape with the exception of some moderately sized trees. Slanting compositions are extremely wide and can be trained into almost any shape, including an oblong. Lastly, hipped composition is composed of narrow stems and branches and can be trained into almost any style.