While others refer to it as a dwarf plant, but the fact is that the bonsai tree literally means “potted plant” and that it first seen in China. Two words from the best bonsai book, with ‘bon’ that means dish and ‘sai’ that refers to tree or plant. This combination gives away the fact that the tray or container is considered to be the home for this little shrub.
The early specimens of this kind first appeared in China, more than a thousand years ago. Growing these specimen trees in pots has been considered as an expression of elements in harmony, between heaven and earth. Having one nearby is believed to bring peace and tranquility to whoever takes care of it. Buddhist monks are the first people to grow these inside their monasteries. The image of taking care of these potted plants evolved when it reached Japan, as cultivating these trees has been associated with the rich, Japanese elite and used to pose as a symbol of aristocracy, prestige and honor. Aside from taking care of their own bonsai trees at home, they also buy some more of these for display on special occasions.
Bonsai tree types include the following: the indoor bonsai type, the outdoor species that are divided into evergreen trees like pines, junipers and deciduous trees like ginko, maples and elms to name some. Indoor ones are really great gifts for beginner bonsai growers. And then the varieties of this type from the bonsai book include serissa, fukien tea, sago palms, schefflera, aralias, brush cherry, gardenias, bougainvillea and money tree, among others. If you would like to know if there are indeed species perfect for starter growers then yes there are some types for newbies as well as the Aged Specimen is the type that can make a perfect gift for real bonsai enthusiasts.
Other varieties such as the outdoor species are the ones considered as those that can be placed outside one’s home. These outdoor types include boxwoods, azaleas, most pines and junipers. On the other hand, the deciduous trees are those types that lose their leaves during fall but grow back again during spring. These types include larch, maple, apricot, ginkgo, crabapple and other elm species.
Taking care of the bonsai tree depends on their type. For indoor ones, these have to be brought outside, every morning to get at least four to six hours of sun exposure. They also have to be watered using a controlled amount of water so as not to rot the roots. For outdoor types, these should be protected against outside pests and animals, as well as being sheltered if needed to avoid too much cold temperature during winter.
As for the deciduous types, these have to be watered every other day and be treated with fertilizers every few weeks with little exposure to direct sunlight especially during winter months where the temperature is too cold.
Generally, these plants are much needed to be relocated to another tray after a year or two, so you can trim the old and bigger roots well and allow the smaller ones to grow. It is also best to put them in a clean container with holes at the sides to let the excess water flow outside and to keep the soil of the plant well hydrated. Remember to keep the bonsai tree out of the direct sunlight in between its hottest hours, from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Too much sun exposure will quickly dehydrate and kill the plant. All in all, a good supply and balance of humidity, fertilizer, light, heat and water supply in order to take care of this small tree. This definitely goes back to having bonsai tree around as a symbol of calmness, peace and balance around your home.
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