plant species, plantations and care. – Blog

If when you feel the term bonsai think of a miniature tree, you know what we will talk about in this article. Bonsai is not a kind of tree, but a horticultural practice. Find out more about how to plant and take care of bonsais and which species can be cultivated in this way.

What is bonsai?

Certainly the name Bonsai does not seem too western, this is because Bonsai's art was born in Asia. In Chino, the name Bonsai Can be translated as «planted in pots«. This practice has developed more than a thousand years ago, becoming a true art. The goal of the practice of bonsai is to imitate nature, creating much smaller trees. If at the beginning only the Chinese and the Japanese specializes in the art of Bonsai, which today is widespread all over the world.

To obtain a bonsai you must practically limit the growth of the plant by cutting it and manipulating it with the help of the threads. There are many aspects that must be taken into consideration if you want to successfully cultivate your bonsai, but the principle always consists in the choice of the right species.

Which species can be planted as bonsai?

Japanese Arce

It is one of the most malleable species that can be easily grown according to the practice of bonsai. The Japanese Arce stands out for its beautiful colored leaves in different red tones. This species has a high resistance to diseases. He prefers land with a good drainage, sunny places, although he can also grow in partial shadow.

The second option (partial shadow) is even more suitable for hot areas, because the Japanese maple does not fear the high temperatures of lunchtime. The Japanese maple leaves must be pruned every two years and low -nitrogen fertilizers must be applied regularly.

hawthorn

Espino loves heat and sunlight. However, it is not advisable to leave the plug directly to the sun on very hot days because it dries. It is better to move it when it is hot in a place where the sun does not give it directly. The plug also has a high requirement of water, so the soil must be checked every day to water the bonsai if it seems dry. We can apply the cuttings in spring.

ficus

Being can spread with seeds or cuts, at the beginning of summer. The cuttings are planted in a mixture of ⅓ earth and ⅔ sand. It is moderately watered, without accumulating water on the surface of the soil. You prefer direct light. The floor on which it will grow must contain 50% of peat, 30% gravel and 20% volcanic peat.

Once every 2-3 years it is carefully removed from the pot, the tips of the roots are cut and the earth is changed. You can prune throughout the year, leaving 2-3 leaves in the branch and thus forcing the tree to branch. In healthy specimens that have not been transplanted in the respective year, a total deviation can be performed from June-July, therefore the new leaves that will grow will be smaller and frequent. It can also be modeled on the wire, but it must be removed before incorporating it into the cortex.

Buhus

Buxus is another adequate option for those who begin to experiment with Bonsai's art. This species quickly adapts to various conditions and is easy to maintain. It can tolerate lower temperatures and heat, but not very low, but prefer shaded places. Buxus must feed regularly with fertilizers and the soil must be kept wet.

pin

The pine is the ideal option for those who want a touch of greenery in their home throughout the year. The pine maintains its green leaves and is a species with few needs. You prefer acidic land. It is better to choose autumn as a time to cut the branches. In this operation you must be very careful not to accidentally cut the bonsai gems.

Linden

Lima needs a lot of light to grow healthyly. It can be placed in a space with direct light, from morning to night. As a cutting period, it is better to choose the end of winter or the principles of spring. Linden should not be irrigated abundantly, but the earth should not be dry.

Plant a bonsai

The bonsai is obtained from seeds and cuttings. The latter is the fastest and safest method to obtain a system similar to reality.

Remove the floor from the ground and cut the lower part of the roots, then gently remove the earth so that they are completely exposed. Wet the roots with water using an atomizer.

From the foliage of the plant we remove all the dry branches or those we do not want to have in the bonsai structure. The death roots or excessively large are eliminated.

To give the desired shape to Bonsai, it will tie with the threads. The threads can also be used to anchor the bonsai to the pot. To do this, we must pass the threads through the pot, more precisely, through the holes of its base (specific for the vases in which the bonsais are planted). The roots or the base of the tree can be trapped by these threads for the anchor. The pot is gradually filled with earth, pressing gently to remove airbags. Finally water it abundantly with water.

To limit the growth of the bonsai, its branches will be thread on the wire. So you can design them as you want. It is important not to tighten the branches too much, because you could prevent the development of the plant. When the branch has reached the desired shape, the cables can be removed.

During the first three weeks the bonsai can also water every day. It is essential not to let the earth dry.

General conditions for the cultivation and care of a bonsai.

Bonsai is usually grown in non -crime vessels. For this reason, most species must be irrigated as frequently as possible, during the summer, even every day. The irrigation of bonsai is not necessarily performed according to a pre -established program, but based on how dry the ground is. Irrigation is performed when the ground is light, but not completely dry.

Cold sensitive species must move inside during the winter. The most resistant species can be left outside, but positioned in a place protected by the wind and direct light.

There are different types of earth that can be used when you plant bonsais depending on the species. As a general rule, the soil must be able to retain water, but not in excessive quantities, otherwise the roots would rot.

The younger bonsais must be transplanted in a larger pot once every two years. Mature plants can be left in the same pot for a maximum of five years. The roots indicate that the bonsai must move to another pot when it reaches the surface or arch in the lower part of the pot. It is better to recover it in early spring, when the tree is still inactive.

Most bonsai trees must be fertilized during the growth season, ranging from early spring to mid -autumn. However, the requirements are different depending on the type of tree planted. Therefore, it is necessary to ask for precise information to buy fertilizers or search in advance. There are also specific fertilizers for bonsai. You can choose liquid or solid versions, but remember to carefully follow the instructions of each product used.

Bonsai is not just a decorative plant. Passion and a lot of patience is necessary to excel in bonsai, but for gardening enthusiasts, this is only the challenge they need. Do you feel ready to plant your bonsai?