Bonsai is actually two words, ‘Bon’, and ‘Sai’.
The word ‘Bon’ means tray and Sai, ‘growing’ or
‘planting’. The two words put together translate
to "tray growing" or "tray planting". So the word doesn’t
refer to a type of tree as most people may think but a
way of growing the many different species of bonsai plants
and trees.
Bonsai plants are traditionally an outdoor plant but
they have become a popular plant in recent years for home
and office décor. Bonsai trees are magnificent trees to
have around and with the proper care your bonsai tree
will last for years.
There are generally three principals to good
bonsai plant care - watering,
soiland
air. If you are new to caring for a bonsai
plant here are some general care principles to consider.
Watering is the most important part of Bonsai care. The
majority of the bonsai trees that die do so because of
dehydration, either from a lack of watering or from being
kept in a low humidity environment (indoors) too long.
You can also damage your bonsai plant if it is watered
too much.
By properly watering your bonsai plat you are
accomplishing three important things:
First, you are providing water for the roots to establish
and grow so you end up with a beautiful, healthy tree.
Second, the water works by flowing through the soil.
With this, important nutrients are carried to your plant
while excess salt is washed out.
Finally, the water helps to push out old, spent gasses
found in the soil while pulling in new atmosphere.
The soil you use affects rooting, feeding, and transpiration.
Different types of soils dry out at different rates, different
species of trees have different water requirements and
even various pot styles can make a difference so check
your bonsai tree regularly to become familiar with the
plant. So it is important that there is proper soil balance,
water, and air so it develops a healthy root system.
The first few inches of soil are crucial to all of a
plant’s functions. Consider a huge oak tree or a majestic
redwood, wherein the feeding and drinking, along with
most of the tree’s breathing is actually from the top
12 inches of soil. It is the reliance on a shallow soil
profile that allows us to grow trees in such shallow pots
in the first place, which is why bonsai plants can be
grown in miniature containers.
There is an old Japanese adage – water three times –
once for the pot, once for the soil, and once for the
tree. In other words, you water once lightly to allow
the pot to get wet. Then you water lightly again so the
soil is moistened. Finally, you water to ensure the tree
and its roots get the needed water. In other words, rather
than just water the soil; it is imperative that you go
through the three-water rule so the root system gets the
perfect amount of water without causing root rot.
This is the most important part of bonsai care. Watering
is a learned skill; in Japan an apprentice is given pruning
shears on his first day but he won’t touch a watering
can for another four years!
