Alta Gardening

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Gardening Basics: The Art of Bonsai
by Giano Capersi
http://www.buygardening.com

Bonsai gardening truly is art, but it can be considered
living art. When bonsai are grown by a true master, the
trees and bushes are hauntingly beautiful. There are five
basic categories of bonsai: Chokkan (formal upright),
Moyogi (informal upright), Shakan (slanting), Kengai
(cascade) and Fukinagashi (windswept). To achieve each of
these different characteristics needs a different approach.

First, choose a tree. It is very important that you pick
the right kind of tree to be formed into the style that you
want to adhere to. The kind of the tree is the very
foundation of your bonsai work of art, so choose a perfect
tree for a perfect work of art. Here are the important
considerations you need to make when choosing a tree for
the style of bonsai that you want.

You have to be sure that the roots of your tree are strong
and healthy. You will rely a lot on the foundation of this
tree, so the roots are one of the most important elements
Wiggle the tree to make sure the roots are well founded.
Then, examine carefully for any problems, such as root rot,
insect infestation, withering or fungus. If the roots have
any of these problems, pick a different tree. You will just
be wasting your time on a tree that~s basically unhealthy.

Once you are sure the roots are going to hold the tree up
well, examine the trunk. The best choice is a thick trunk
that gradually narrows to a thin peak. These lines give you
a lovely tree. Make sure it is healthy but also make sure
it fits in with the specific style of bonsai you are
designing. The shape of the needs to conform to that style,
and it will determine the shape and bend of the tree.
The style of your tree will depend upon the trunk.

Ideally, the best tree to utilize for the purposes of
bonsai will have thick lower branches, while those on the
upper part of the tree will be thin. Just as in the case
of those who are shopping for a Christmas tree during the
holidays, a certain shape and pattern should be sought when
choosing a tree that you plan to bonsai.

One of the most important nurturing parts of raising any
plant is adequate watering, and bonsai are no exception.
Water every other day as a rule, but first feel the soil
surface to make sure it is a little dry. Weather conditions,
humidity, moisture retention of the soil and the size of
pot will dictate your bonsai's moisture requirements. But
do try to have a consistent watering cycle. You can best
achieve this by watering at the same time every day. Some
say early in the morning is best, some say late in the day.
Be sure that the pot you choose has adequate drainage.

Don't encourage or even expect rapid growth of your bonsai.
The bonsai process is a slow, and delicate and needs to
take time. Unike with normal plant cultivation, you should
not use a fertilizer on a frequent basis. Fertilizer once
or twice a month is ample. Just make sure to space these
feedings evenly throughout the growing season. Use half the
recommended strength on a package of water-soluble
fertilizer. If your bonsai dries out (and this should not
happen if you water regularly), avoid fertilizing at all
until the next cycle. After repotting your bonsai, wait a
a month before resuming a fertilizing schedule.

Basic maintenance consists of repotting every two or three
years, as well as appropriate trimming and pruning to help
it to maintain its shape and miniature stature. Wiring
should only be done for six months at a time (this should
be enough to train the branch to grow that way on its own),
and you should be careful not to break the branches when
this is done.

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