Bonsai : Tips To Grow Miniature Trees

Gardening

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Thursday, November 25, 2010, 15:42

For all those who are unable to have a garden at home due to space problems, here's a good news. One can dwarf trees and grow at home and if you think the imaginary task as impossible, then, take a look at this Japanese ancient technique of growing big tress like shrubs in pots at home. These fascinating tiny trees not only look amazing but also support in maintaining the oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

This way of growing trees is called “Bonsai", it is the Japanese technique of growing plants. According to history, the technique evolved about thousand years ago with a special meaning “tree in a pot". But just placing trees in pots will not make it a Bonsai. The trees are pruned in an artistic way and accomplishing it isn't an easy task. Take a look at this simple tips on how to grow a bonsai.

Tips To Grow A Bonsai -

1.The aim of growing these tiny trees is to achieve a desired shape. So the first step is to choose a the type of a tree for your garden. Trees like Maple, Juniper, Ficus, Plum etc are chose for Bonsai as they grow in an interesting manner.

2.The next step is to choose the desired shape of miniature trees, take a reference of the internet, books or horticulture experts to obtain the best shape of the tree that suits your house area. Various shapes of tiny trees include upright, slant or elongated.

3.To obtain the desired shape the plant has to be wired and wrapped into a desired angle. Wiring the tree isn't an easy task as it should not cut down the growth of the plant.

4.Once the tree starts growing tie the branches down. Gently pull branches using strings to obtain the desired angle.

5.There are chances of the tree getting infected due to the trapped old dry leaves of the tree. So remove leaves as and when they are trapped in strings.

6.As the tree requires enough water for photosynthesis, it is advised to grow these tiny trees in a shallow tray with water. See to it that the tree is not over watered. Remember that these miniature trees enjoy humidity so keep watering trees every time you see the soil dry.

7.These trees requires certain chemicals like nitrogen, phosphoric acid, iron and potassium for healthy growth so use fertilizers containing these chemicals to maintain Bonsai in seasons like spring when the tree grows all new with new foliage.

8.Tie small weights to the branches of tree to slow down the growth of those branches you do not want to grow, to achieve the stylish design of the tree. Note that normal weights cannot be used for such trees, there are specially manufactured small weights available in markets to these stylish trees.

9.As these trees grow in small plates with very little soil. The trees would need a proper support on plates so add some pebbles in the tray. Take Care of the tree by placing the tree in a corner which is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Growing trees in a stylish way is not just a hobby and can also help in enhancing home decor by making it look stylish and green. With “Going green" being the current trend, growing more and more of these trees will support afforestation and also a soothing atmosphere at home. For all those who stay in apartments can very well plant these miniature trees and use these tips to grow these tiny trees to convert the concrete jungle into a green heaven.