An absolute beginner’s guide to bonsai.

If you have never grown a plant before, let you try to get some basic horticultural knowledge. There are many books mentioned this sector. In addition to you can start with a potted plant to make clearer idea of how plant growth is. It really does help to understand plant growth in general terms such as soil type, branches, leaves, diseases and pests, inorganic & organic fertilizer. Make your gardening experience more rewarding by watering, fertilizing and pruning frequently.

After you have a bit more experience with potted plants. You can go on to the next step, which is to create them. For most of you, harvesting in the wild or nursery shopping for potential bonsai material will be the way that you acquire your collection. Start looking for trees or shrubs for bonsai in early spring. The most important question is how to turn the trees, shrubs into bonsai? Which steps to do next? In particular, the basic knowledge of growing bonsai to answer the following questions:
- How to choose soil type is suitable for my trees?
- How to prune branches when when to prune them?
- How to make my tree look old?   
…. So many questions you must research to answer and apply to your trees.

 

Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor can “Bonsai” be created in weeks, or even months. It takes years to produce “Bonsai”. Producing “Bonsai” takes time and patience. We hope you learn more from our website.
The Image below describes the purposes, tasks of a usual potted house plant and bonsai.


Source: http://bonsaipics.com/bonsai-guide

Introduction to bonsai

Although a bonsai tree can be grown from a seed, started from a cutting or harvested in the wild (in areas where you can get permission to do so), the most common way to obtain a new plant for bonsai is through a reliable nursery. Start looking for a tree or shrub for bonsai in early spring. Choose a specimen that is 6 to 8 inches tall (15 to 20 cm) and has a strong, tapered trunk that is free of scars and blemishes [source: Lesniewicz]. The style you have in mind for your new bonsai tree, like upright, slanted, cascade or another traditional form, will help you select a plant variety with a good basic shape and the characteristics you need. Pruning and wiring bonsai is usually started in the second year and onward, but selecting a good basic shape will save you time and extra work later.

Choose a pot that will complement the color of the foliage and balance the tree's emerging design. Bonsai pots are typically shallow and always include drainage holes. The pot and tree work together to create the bonsai design, and although a bonsai tree may be planted in many pots during its life, each pot helps create balance and harmony in the overall design.

After choosing a specimen, potting the young tree is the first step in transforming it into bonsai. The following steps will help you turn a tree, shrub or other plant into a bonsai-in-training. The process of growing a true bonsai will take years, but these first steps are important because they will help your tree adjust to a shallow pot and a smaller root system.

    Make sure the young plant is well-watered before potting.

    Prepare the pot by feeding a length of small gauge bonsai wire through the drainage hole to support the tree until it becomes established.

    Place a thin layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot for drainage, temporarily blocking the drainage hole if too much gravel escapes.

    Remove the bonsai tree from its old pot, and remove the soil from around the roots. A bonsai root hook and rake can help make this part of the process easier.

    Inspect the roots, discarding any dead or damaged bits.

    Trim the roots by about two thirds. This seems extreme, but controlling root growth is an essential element in creating and maintaining bonsai. Given time and care, the tree will adjust to its new circumstances.

To continue with water, soil and sun for your bonsai, head over to the next page.