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How to Bonsai - Sound Advice for the Bonsai Beginner
Ever consider the art of bonsai. Bonsai are not the trees themselves but refer specifically to the process by which to grow and care for the trees. Bonsai is an ancient art, first believed practiced by the Chinese, who shaped their trees into animal forms and then later modified and some say improved by the Japanese.
Bonsai trees are beautiful when grow properly and can make anyone’s garden the envy of friends and neighbors. You will gain many skills when taking up Bonsai. You will learn new plant knowledge, pruning skills as well as feeding and caring skills Bonsai definitely had its rewards but if you are considering this or have already purchased your first tree then you should pay close attention to the advice given in this article. In it will be some advice for the Bonsai Beginner.
The first piece of advice for the Bonsai beginner is to think this through very carefully before you go out and buy a forest of trees. Bonsai can be very rewarding but also very frustrating. You should first consider the amount of time you have to devote.
No one is saying that if you work full time you can’t raise Bonsai. You will have to consider your work commitments, other interests and see if you can balance everything and still devote time to your trees. You also need to consider what to do with the trees when you go on vacation. Just like having a pet.
The next piece of advice for the Bonsai beginner is to know your own personality. Specifically when it comes to patience and perseverance. Bonsai are delicate and they do die quite easily. You may find that your tree is doing fine then all of a sudden it takes a turn for the worse. This type of thing happens and you must not let it deter you from trying again.
Sometimes Bonsai seem to die for no apparent reason. You may have done everything possible to save it and it doesn’t help. This doesn’t mean you are the kiss of death. It could mean the tree had something complex or you just need to practice. By all means try again. You will eventually get it and reap the rewards. Learn what killed your tree and take that knowledge to the next one.
The third piece of advice for the Bonsai beginner is to check that you have adequate space. These trees do not grow very fast so unless you live in a shoe box you more than likely have space for one.. If you want to keep your trees outside then make sure there are some cool and shady spots to move your trees into during periods of intense sun or hot dry weather. You may also want a covered area for periods of heavy rain.
Don’t be fooled by the size and delicate nature of these trees. There is no reason they cannot be kept outside and most species of Bonsai do better in an outdoor environment. For indoor plants make sure you have a fairly large window or a balcony. Bonsai need light to survive. Be careful not to place them to close to the window as sunlight passing through glass is intensified. This will bake your Bonsai.
A forth piece of advice for the Bonsai beginner is to know the species of your tree. Contrary to popular belief, Bonsai is not a species of tree but the art. There are many types of Bonsai trees. Some are deciduous and some are conifers. Knowing you tree species is vital because you care instructions will vary according to this. Remember, they are delicate so one mistake in the care instructions and it could be curtains for your Bonsai.
A final piece of advice for the Bonsai beginner is to start small. Best to start with one or two trees than a whole forest. Bonsai trees are not exactly cheap so until you become familiar with how much care they need keep it simple. It will be easier to cope, both emotionally and financially from the death of one Bonsai rather than 12. Hopefully these pieces of advice will prove helpful to you and your new endeavor. Remember, if at first you don’t succeed then try, try again.
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