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An Introduction to the Bonsai
Tree
There are many myths which are associated
with bonsai. This not only confuses
budding enthusiasts, but also gives the
pastime a bad name. A bonsai is not a
genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept
small by cruelty in any way. The
techniques of Bonsai are no crueler than
that of any other horticultural endeavor.
In fact, given an adequate supply of
water, air, light and nutrients, a
properly maintained bonsai should outlive
a full size tree of the same species. It
is a common belief that bonsai are only a
few centimeters tall. This is not
entirely true, although bonsai are small
in comparison to their huge life-sized
brothers; most are over 20 centimeters
tall and up to 1 to 1.2 meter in height.
How to develop a Bonsai There are
different ways to develop a Bonsai.
Bonsai can be developed from seeds or
cuttings, from young trees or from
naturally occurring stunted trees
transplanted into containers. Most bonsai
range in height from 5 centimeters to 1
meter. Bonsai are kept small and trained
by pruning branches and roots, by
periodic repotting, by pinching off new
growth, and by wiring the branches and
trunk so that they grow into the desired
shape.
Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not
special hybrid dwarfs. Small leafed
varieties are most suitable, but
essentially any plant can be used,
regardless of the size it grows to in the
wild. The bonsai may suggest many things,
but in all cases must look natural and
never show the intervention of human
hands, with the exception of Chinese
bonsai which in many cases depicts images
of dragons and other influential symbols
of the culture at the time of
origination. Grown in special containers,
bonsai are primarily kept outdoors (with
the exception of some plants suited,
trained and grown indoors), although they
are often displayed on special occasions
indoors.
The bonsai with its container and soil is
physically independent of the earth since
its roots are not planted in it, is a
separate entity, complete in itself, yet
part of nature. A bonsai tree should
always be positioned off-center in its
container, for not only is asymmetry
vital to the visual effect, but the
center point is symbolically where heaven
and earth meet, and nothing should occupy
this place.
Prized possession Given proper care,
bonsai can live for hundreds of years,
with prized specimens being passed from
generation to generation, admired for
their age, and revered as a reminder of
those who have cared for them over the
centuries. Although these bonsai are
extremely beautiful - meticulously cared
for over the years and containing such a
wealth of knowledge, age is not
essential. It is more important that the
tree produce the artistic effect desired,
that it be in proper proportion to the
appropriate container, and that it be in
good health.
Overall, bonsai are something that are
quite personalized and there are no
strict rules to abide by if you undertake
it merely as a hobby which to gain
enjoyment out of. It does not have to be
an expensive commitment, but it is a
commitment that requires a great amount
of time, patience, skill and endurance.
Although things may not go to plan, don't
give up.
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