THE word bonsai, in both Chinese and Japanese, means tree-in-a-pot.

The art form was developed in the Orient about 2000 years ago and today is practised worldwide.

A tree planted in a small pot isn’t bonsai until it has been pruned, shaped and trained into the desired shape and, as any grower will verify, it takes time and patience.

And most enthusiasts will agree it’s an art that is very addictive.

The plants are kept small by careful control of the growing conditions and only branches important to the bonsai’s overall design are allowed to remain. Unwanted new growth is pruned away.

The roots are confined to the pot and are periodically clipped.

Trimming and pruning are what keep bonsai miniature. It involves the systematic removal of vigorous growth in the spring, but, for the health of the tree, not all new growth should be removed at once.

In bonsai the appearance of an old-age plant is prized, with some living to be hundreds of years old.

The tree is wired to assist getting branches to grow in a specific position and to enhance the look of the tree.

The wire is removed after six months and usually the branch will stay in place. The wire should be carefully cut from the branches and not unwound as it could break the branch.

Two goals of bonsai are to make young trees look older by thickening the trunk and the positioning of branches to find enjoyment in nature.

A bonsai will change from season to season and from year to year and requires training and pruning throughout its lifetime.

Bonsai experts say it’s important to read and gain all the knowledge you can before embarking on growing the miniature plants.

Most bonsai die because of bad watering. The requirements can vary due to conditions and different species can be grown inside or outdoors although, as most are outdoor plants, they require the same conditions as if they were growing in your yard.

They usually need water every day or two and the best time to water is early in the day or late in the afternoon and at the same time every day.

A thorough watering is accomplished when excess water runs out the drainage holes but too much water can be just as bad as too little.

The rule of thumb is the soil should be moist, not soaking and not dry.

Water-soluble fertiliser is usually applied every two to four weeks during the growing season in a half-strength solution.

It’s not a good idea to feed after repotting and feeding shouldn’t be done if the tree is sick.

Pre-moisten the soil first and never fertilise a very dry bonsai.

Most need repotting to supply the pot-bound root system with fresh soil and it’s necessary to keep the roots in balance with the top growth.

Most require repotting every two or three years but it depends on the size of the pot and growth of the tree. This should be done in the early spring but don’t let roots go dry while repotting.

I think the title is very apt,

Quote:Enthusiasts addicted to the art

It seems that to own one of these plants you have to be very proactive in caring for them and ensuring they look their best. A bit like havng a poodle that needs its fur clipping regularly to look its best, compared to a mongrel.

Great article! I really want to get a Bonsai now. Maybe I'll go get one this weekend. It will definitely make my bare college dorm room cozier.

Bonsais are truly amazing, though they do seem to require a fair amount of TLC.