Wednesday, July 28, 2010

How to grow Bonsai

Tendering a good Bonsai specious is a beautiful pastime that any one can practice at home without much strain or expense. If you are an ardent lover of Bonsai varieties of trees, it is time to learn the basics of making bonsai prior directly jumping into the field in a hurry. Knowledge about the suitable varieties, techniques of trimming the leaves and buds, fertilizing practices, watering and soil selection process are necessary for being a triumphant Bonsai nurturer.


Selection of plant

The basics of making bonsai begin at the moment when one person chooses the right specious of plant. It is a good piece of news for all cultivators that almost any variety of plants is suitable for this kind of amateur cultivation. However, most commonly the cultivators opt for plants such as Ficus, Figs, Cedar, Elm, Mango tree, Cedar and Jade plant. The seeds of plants are also useful in the making of Bonsai, besides the grafted and potted plants. It is advised to plant Bonsai plant in a pot that has at-least four-inch height and six- inch radius. Fix the plant inside the soil filled pot after pruning the roots angularly.

Selection of Soil

While trying the basics of making bonsai, one must put in special interest to select the apt variety of soil. It should not be too soak or too dry. Naturally fertile soil will be more useful comparing to that of varieties prepared by mixing number of fertilizers together. Prepare the soil by mixing 3 parts of a half burnt clay, 3 parts of leaf mould with two parts of coarse sand. Adding a handful of vermin compost or organic compost will be more fruitful. Applying a spoonful of fertilizer twice a month would be enough for easy growth. Cow manure can also be used during the process of nurturing.

Beware of pests

The attack of pests is common on the Bonsai variety of plants. However, proper care can thwart the attackers effectively. Pay special attention on spider mites which positively enjoy the low humidity indoor environment and spoiling your plant. Spider mites cannot be seen with the naked eye but their presence can be noticed by the appearance of cobwebs between the leaves. It can be solved by using ordinary insecticides. Fungus gnats are also found in and around the compost of bonsai. If the compost of the bonsai is found to be too wet all the time, consider a change in your watering practices. Fungus gnats are nearly always brought indoors when moss growing on the surface of the compost is not removed beforehand. Ensure sufficient fall of sunlight on the plant where ever you place it for attracting people.

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