Many people believe that bonsai is a plant, but it is actually an art form. Bonsai has its origins in China. In the first phase, this art was called pun-sai and consisted in growing a tree in a pot. The first bonsai trees were having small leaves, branches with strange shapes and contorted trunks. These early species had a granular trunk in the shape of an animal, dragon or bird. There are many myths and legends about bonsai trees.
For Japanese people, bonsai trees represent a deep connection between the ideals on which the society is based. Zen Buddhism originally believed that man, nature, elements and changes are all concentrated in this form of expression and meditation.
Bonsai is a symbol of prestige and honor. Nowadays, bonsai trees have become even more popular than they were in the past, because more and more people have the possibility to grow such a tree. A bonsai must be perceived as an entity in itself, but also as a part of nature.
Many bonsai trees are inherited from generation to generation. For a bonsai to survive and grow according to our desire, the main condition is to keep it constantly outdoors, in the balcony or garden.
As we said before, most bonsai trees represent symbols. For example, in China, it is popular to grow bonsai that have various shapes (animals, dragons, fantastic landscapes). Despite this fact, bonsai must have a natural appearance.
Bonsai trees need natural light. Place them in a bright room, close to the window. The lack of sunlight makes them to become weaker. During the summer, it’s important to keep the bonsai outside. If you place it on cement or near a cement wall, don’t let it in the sun for more than one hour. Excessive warmth will affect its roots and the tree might die. Also, if you live close to the sea, keep the bonsai away from sea breeze, because salty air is not good for it.
The bonsai owner’s artistic sense should not be pushed aside – the tree must represent you by reflecting your personality and imagination. Thus, people worldwide have created a variety of bonsai styles inspired by nature and landscapes. There are known five basic styles defined by the bonsai trunk shape. All the other styles and forms were developed by adding new elements.
Before buying a bonsai, you must understand its needs. Bonsai trees are not some ordinary objects used as decorations; they have a spirit of their own and different personalities. A bonsai is completely dependent on its owner and it must be appreciated as an entity.
If you want to emphasize the aesthetic effect, you can use ornamental stones. This way, bonsai trees will seem more wild and closer to reality.
April Kerr owns website Bonsai Tree Care which has info on gardenia bonsai caring tips and ways to care for a cotoneaster bonsai.
