Beginner Bonsai

Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is an ancient oriental art form that originated in Mongolia in 700 A.D., and made its way to Japan 500 years later. Since World War II, when American servicemen in Japan were exposed to bonsai, it has become more and more popular in the United States .

 

Bonsai means "dwarfed ancient trees in pots without landscape". The aim of bonsai culture is to develop a tiny tree that has all the elements of a large tree growing in a natural setting. This look is achieved by branch and root pruning and shaping, but other factors are also important. The texture of the trunk, its look of age, the moss and other under plantings in the container all contribute to the illusion of a miniature tree as it is seen in nature.

 

Not all plants are equaIly as effective as bonsai. To produce a realistic illusion of a mature tree, all parts of the ideal bonsai-trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, buds, roots - should be in perfect scale with the size of the tree. Plants used for bonsai should have small leaves, or leaves that become small under bonsai culture. Intemodes (the distance between leaves) should be short, plants should have attractive bark or roots, and the branching characteristics should lend themselves to good form.

 

Certain species of both maple and oak trees usually respond well to bonsai culture and develop leaves that are in proportion. Plum, azalea, pomegranate, cedar cypress, pyracantha, and cotoneaster are suitable varieties for beginners. Pines junipers, spruces and firs take a little more expertise.

 

There is an unwarranted air of mysticism surrounding bonsai and a common belief that the everyday gardener can't possibly duplicate this horticultural feat. Well, your bonsai doesn't have to be 100 years old and its maintenance doesn't have to be complicated. If the basics of plant cultivation are known and understood, anyone can enjoy growing bonsai.

 

The best way to get started is to buy an already established, potted plant. The quality of a bonsai is difficult to judge so be sure to buy from a reputable florist or nursery. All too often, the commercial bonsai falls short. The plant material is chopped off. stuck into a pot and passed off as bonsai. Observing the plant material at a number of dealers and making comparisons wilI help you learn what a good bonsai is.

 

Contrary to popular belief, the age of the bonsai does not determine how expensive or inexpensive it might be. When looking at the cost you should be more concerned with how rare the plant material is, how difficult it is to grow, if it has a pleasing shape and the type of container in which it has been placed.

 

When you get your bonsai home place it where it will receive 3-5 hours of direct sunlight a day. Water the entire bonsai-plant and soil-dally. If you skip even one day you can permanently damage the plant. Apply fertilizer only before and during active growth (usually April-July). Use a typical house-plant fertilizer (20-20-20 or its equivalent) dilated to one-quarter or one-half strength. For the first few years just try to keep your bonsai happy in the container by diligently trimming the branches and roots. Forget about shaping with wire. Beauty and dignity come with age and character will be molded by the way it is raised!

 

Call the UNH Cooperative Extension's Family, Home & Garden Education Center 's Info-Line toll-free at 1-877-3984769 for "Practical Solutions to Everyday Questions." Trained volunteers are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm .

 

By Paul Belhumeur, Program Associate, UNH Cooperative Extension Agricultural Resources, Hillsborough County