Bonsai is an art of growing miniature trees in containers that mimic the shape and scale of the tree in its natural setting. It can be very challenging for beginners, but with patience and a bit of guidance, you can create an attractive and interesting arrangement in your home or office.
There are 15 different styles for training bonsai, but don’t feel constrained by these limitations – let the tree tell you what it wants to be. For example, some trees may want to grow tall and slender, while others might be best suited to being a small and compact bunjingi (cluster tree) inspired by the way that natural trees are grouped together.
Watering is key to keeping a Bonsai healthy. It’s essential to avoid overwatering, but it’s also important to ensure that the soil remains moist enough. To check for this, use the chopstick method or a soil moisture meter (available at many garden centers). Touch the soil to see if it feels moist and add more water if necessary.
Pruning and styling is an exciting and creative part of growing Bonsai. By removing some of the tree’s growth, you can create dramatic curves in its trunk or improve its taper.
Repotting is a crucial step in maintaining your Bonsai. This is done every 2-5 years to prevent the roots from becoming too crowded within the pot, and to make sure that nutrients are properly reaching all parts of the root system. To repot your Bonsai, carefully remove it from its existing container and gently wash the roots to clean away any dirt clumps that might be stuck to them.