What You Don’t Know About The Bonsai Tree
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 types of this plant were first seen in Republic of China, more than a thousand years ago. And that taking care of these specimen trees in little pots has been regarded as a balance of expression of all elements in peace and harmony that is between heaven and earth. And owning one is well believed to bring peace and calmness to whoever has it. In fact, Buddhist monks are the first people to take good care and grow these plants inside their quiet monasteries. Then the image of having these potted plants changed when it reached Japan, as having one of these trees in the house has been associated with the well to do families, rich, Japanese elite. Then the plant was quickly associated as a symbol of fame, prestige and honor. They also buy some more of these trees aside from the ones that they have so they can showcase these plants on special events.
The bonsai tree types include the following: the indoor type, the outdoor one that are divided into some evergreen trees like junipers and deciduous trees like elms, ginko and maples to name some varieties. These indoor types are regarded as great gifts for those beginner bonsai enthusiasts. Examples of this type from the bonsai book include sago palms, schefflera, aralias, serissa, fukien tea, brush cherry, gardenias, bougainvillea and money tree.There are indeed species regarded as perfect for who are just starting to grow these plants as there are some types available for newbies as well as what is called as the Aged Specimen, the type that can relly be a perfect gift true bonsai growers.
On the other hand, outdoor species are those that can be placed outside of home like boxwoods, azaleas, most pines and junipers. The deciduous trees are the type that lose their leaves in the fall but will bud again in spring. Some of these types include larch, apricot, crabapple, ginkgo, maple and other elm species.
You have to know that taking care of the bonsai tree depends on their variety. As for the indoor ones, these types are required to be brought outside, every morning to get at least six hours of sun exposure for these types to remain healthy. Also, these types have to be watered using a controlled amount of fresh water so as not to damage the roots. As for those outdoor types, these should be well guarded against outside some pests and animals, as well as being sheltered as necessary just to avoid too cold temperature during winter season.
As for the deciduous ones, they have to be watered every other day and be given fertilizers every few weeks with little exposure to direct sunlight especially during winter months.
Generally, these plants are required to be transferred to another tray after two years, so you can trim the roots well and allow the small ones to grow. It is best to place them in a container that has holes at the sides so as to let the excess water flow as well as to keep the soil of the plant properly hydrated. Keep the bonsai tree out of the direct sunlight in between its brightest and hottest hours, from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. That is because too much sun exposure will easily dehydrate the plant and eventually kill these trees. Overall, you need good balance of light, heat, humidity, fertilizer and water supply in order to take care of this plant. This is where it goes back to getting that bonsai tree around as a symbol of peace, calmness and balance around the house.
Grey Owl Juniper Evergreen Shrubs