| Even though "bonzai" is the Japanese word, it | | | | that the major key to cultivating a bonzai is |
| originally came from the Chinese word "punsai", | | | | pruning or triming, this is the technique which |
| which means "tree in a pot". It can also be a | | | | allows the tree to stay small. If you do not prune |
| shrub or a vine and not just trees. The growing | | | | your bonzai regularly the tree will grow to its |
| of bonzai trees was a Chinese practice that was | | | | normal height and size. |
| brought to Japan some 5 centuries ago where it | | | | The roots of a bonzai tree must be pruned |
| was transformed as an art form. | | | | annually so that it will remain healthy. When the |
| The West came to know of it only in the early | | | | roots are pruned, it produces a tiny dense ball or |
| 1900s and since then, it became not only a | | | | pack of root that allows it to be transplanted to a |
| favorite hobby by many but was also considered | | | | suitable container. In root pruning, one-third of the |
| a serious art form in horticulture. Today, bonzai | | | | roots are removed yearly so that you can |
| tree exhibits and shows, bonzai stores, bonzai | | | | introduce new soil and give space for new roots |
| auctions all abound in the West. | | | | to develop. |
| Many people mistakenly think that a bonsai tree is | | | | The height of a bonsai tree can vary. There are |
| a naturally small plant or some kind of a special | | | | trees that are a few centimeters high and some |
| plant when in fact a bonsai tree is an average | | | | reaching up to a meter or more. |
| tree or plant that has been trained to retain its | | | | There are no limitations as long as the bonzai tree |
| small size. | | | | is grown in a pot and achieves the image of a full |
| Bonzai trees are not limited to just small trees or | | | | grown tree as it would in nature. |
| plants, you may find large trees as well that have | | | | It is important to know that without the proper |
| been shaped using the art of bonzai. They still go | | | | bonsai tree care, your bonzai tree could go into |
| through the same stages of growth each season. | | | | permanent dormancy. Although, if your passionate |
| A bonsai tree bears flowers or fruits and shed | | | | and understand how to grow a bonzai, it will not |
| leaves just like its normal-sized counterpart. | | | | required 24 hour attention or be complicated. It |
| It is important for every beginner to understand | | | | will eventually come out naturally. |