| There are many myths which are associated with | | | | the culture at the time of origination. Grown in |
| bonsai. This not only confuses budding enthusiasts, | | | | special containers, bonsai are primarily kept |
| but also gives the pastime a bad name. A bonsai | | | | outdoors (with the exception of some plants |
| is not a genetically dwarfed plant and is not kept | | | | suited, trained and grown indoors), although they |
| small by cruelty in any way. The techniques of | | | | are often displayed on special occasions indoors. |
| Bonsai are no crueler than that of any other | | | | The bonsai with its container and soil is physically |
| horticultural endeavor. In fact, given an adequate | | | | independent of the earth since its roots are not |
| supply of water, air, light and nutrients, a properly | | | | planted in it, is a separate entity, complete in |
| maintained bonsai should outlive a full size tree of | | | | itself, yet part of nature. A bonsai tree should |
| the same species. It is a common belief that | | | | always be positioned off-center in its container, |
| bonsai are only a few centimeters tall. This is not | | | | for not only is asymmetry vital to the visual |
| entirely true, although bonsai are small in | | | | effect, but the center point is symbolically where |
| comparison to their huge life-sized brothers; most | | | | heaven and earth meet, and nothing should |
| are over 20 centimeters tall and up to 1 to 1.2 | | | | occupy this place. |
| meter in height. | | | | Prized possession Given proper care, bonsai can |
| How to develop a Bonsai There are different | | | | live for hundreds of years, with prized specimens |
| ways to develop a Bonsai. Bonsai can be | | | | being passed from generation to generation, |
| developed from seeds or cuttings, from young | | | | admired for their age, and revered as a reminder |
| trees or from naturally occurring stunted trees | | | | of those who have cared for them over the |
| transplanted into containers. Most bonsai range in | | | | centuries. Although these bonsai are extremely |
| height from 5 centimeters to 1 meter. Bonsai are | | | | beautiful - meticulously cared for over the years |
| kept small and trained by pruning branches and | | | | and containing such a wealth of knowledge, age is |
| roots, by periodic repotting, by pinching off new | | | | not essential. It is more important that the tree |
| growth, and by wiring the branches and trunk so | | | | produce the artistic effect desired, that it be in |
| that they grow into the desired shape. | | | | proper proportion to the appropriate container, |
| Bonsai are ordinary trees or plants, not special | | | | and that it be in good health. |
| hybrid dwarfs. Small leafed varieties are most | | | | Overall, bonsai are something that are quite |
| suitable, but essentially any plant can be used, | | | | personalized and there are no strict rules to abide |
| regardless of the size it grows to in the wild. The | | | | by if you undertake it merely as a hobby which |
| bonsai may suggest many things, but in all cases | | | | to gain enjoyment out of. It does not have to be |
| must look natural and never show the | | | | an expensive commitment, but it is a |
| intervention of human hands, with the exception | | | | commitment that requires a great amount of |
| of Chinese bonsai which in many cases depicts | | | | time, patience, skill and endurance. Although things |
| images of dragons and other influential symbols of | | | | may not go to plan, don't give up. |