Started by Japanese Buddhist monks to bring nature into their temples, bonsai first appeared in the 12th century. Bonsai is a Japanese word that means “tray planting”. Many people start their bonsai hobby by buying a young bonsai tree, but it is much more fun to create your own as shown in this infographic.
It contains all the information that you need to grow your own bonsai tree. Once you get into it, you’ll quickly progress to growing small forests of stunted trees. This is a hobby that will last a lifetime and if you become proficient at growing beautiful bonsai you could leave a legacy worth a fortune.
Apart from growing the trees, the art lies in carefully pruning and shaping the trees and shrubs to make young trees look older. Pruning and shaping happen over a number of years and require careful planning. The practice of this art teaches patience and can help you to relax and reduce stress, offering you all the benefits of gardening.
Bonsais are normal trees that have been stunted and remain very small. They appear naturally in the wild growing on cliff tops and in cracks in walls. Some trees are well suited to bonsai. These include fig trees, citrus trees, and pines. Choosing a wide, shallow planter gives the tree a more natural look. Some growers use moss or stones to cover the soil in the planter.
Bonsai plants require a fair amount of care and attention and plenty of natural light but if you put in the required effort, you’ll reap the rewards of a beautiful plant that will turn heads.