Bonsai Plant Topics
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Bonsai is the Japanese meaning tree in a tray. However, the bonsai tree did not originate in Japan, but thousands of years ago in China. Many years later the Zen Buddhists established the bonsai tree in Japan. Originally, these trees in a tray were grown from one specific species of tree but today a bonsai tree can be grown in miniature form from any genus of tree.
With the introduction of the tree to Japanese culture came a metamorphosis in the spiritual meaning as reflected by the bonsai tree. The attention and care given to these trees in miniature became a symbolic expression representing the spiritual connection between mankind and creation. Bonsai care became a spiritual, centering, and meditative exercise.
Today, bonsai care has become a very popular hobby for some who maintain the spiritual connection with nature. If that sounds like you, here are there are five basic techniques in providing bonsai care.
Water
Bonsai trees are planted in limited amounts of unique bonsai soil. This combination necessitates that bonsai care include a frequency in the number of times watered. There are two methods that can be used to determine the dampness of the soil; one method uses a water meter that will indicate the dampness of the soil and will help to determine whether water needs to be added.
Or, by simply inserting your finger into the soil, up to the first joint, you can feel if the soil is moist or dry. If the soil is dry, add enough water to cause the water to escape from the drainage hole of the pot. Bonsai care also requires an increase in watering during the summer months and less watering during the winter months. It is also important to remember to keep the roots of the tree dry.
Soil Nutrients and Fertilizing
Bonsai care includes the nurturing of the soil in the spring and fall season. This nurturing should include the introduction of nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric acid into the soil. The health of your indoor bonsai tree is also dependent upon fertilization. Bonsai care should include scheduled fertilization twice a month during the spring months. Additionally, fertilization should happen once a month in later fall and through winter.
Sunlight
Depending on the needs of your specific tree, bonsai care requires that the tree receive some direct sunlight. If this is not possible your choice of tree should be based on the limited availability of light, or, alternatively, the bonsai tree can be placed outdoors to receive its daily dose of Vitamin D. One cautionary note regarding sunlight: limit exposure if your tree has been recently placed into new soil or has been trimmed substantially.
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