The Art of Bonsai

How to grow a Bonsai tree in your home

We have already learned about doing a rooftop garden in the previous post. Now, what if you want to bring the plants indoors! Plants and the greenery around can bring about a lively feeling in any corner of your home. And when added by a breeze they soothe you so much so that you can get transported to your good old days. Such is the magical power of plants. Moreover having plants indoor is very much in trend these days. Adding to that if you want to have a bonsai, that's just like adding a feather to your garden. Haha, Bonsai is an art that has been studied for years but you don't have to fret much as I bring to you a tutorial now how to grow a Bonsai in your home.

You can put up a bonsai in your living area, bedroom, kitchen or maybe outdoors. I love to have plants indoor as well because they add a lively spirit to the ambience. You must follow the following steps to grow a bonsai in your house-

1. The first step is choosing the right bonsai tree

Choosing the correct bonsai plant is the first step in your journey towards growing a Bonsai. The plant should be able to survive in your climate. For this, if you aren't sure about which species should you select, you can take help from people in the nursery where you buy the plant from. They will help you out with the same.

Juniper is one of the beginner-friendly variety of Bonsai. These survive all across the northern hemisphere and even in the more temperate regions of the southern hemisphere. You should also decide whether you want to keep the tree indoors or outdoors. Ficus, Hawaiian umbrella, Serissa, Gardenia, Camellia, Kingsville and Boxwood are some of the varieties that can be grown indoors, On the other hand, when it comes to outdoor trees you can choose from Juniper, Cedar, Birch, Larch and Ginkgo.

2. Bonsai pot is the hallmark of any Bonsai tree. 

So the next step is choosing the correct pot for your tree. It should complement the tree aesthetically and be also unobtrusive at the same time. It should be small enough to restrict the plant growth and be also large enough to hold sufficient soil and moisture for tree roots to survive. Some people also adopt the practice of transferring the full-grown trees to prettier containers.

3. Prepare the tree

Once you have bought the Bonsai from the store you need to transplant it into your pot. For this, you will need to prepare the tree. First, ensure that the tree has been pruned to the shape you desire. If you want the tree to grow a certain way after you re-pot it, wrap a sturdy wire around the tree branches to direct it's growth. 

4. Remove it from current pot

Next, carefully remove the plant from its current pot, make sure that the main stem is not damaged during the process. You may want to use a potting shovel to help you pry the plant out. Cut most of the roots before repotting it, for this you may clean the roots by brushing away dirt so as to have a clear view. Chopsticks, tweezers, root rakes may help you with the process. 

5. Clean the roots

After that, you have to prune the roots. If their growth is not adequately controlled, Bonsai trees can easily outgrow their containers. To ensure your bonsai tree remains manageable and tidy, prune its roots when you pot it. Many thin root strands are generally better than a single large deep one.

6. Prepare the pot

Before placing the plant in the pot you have to prepare the pot. At the bottom of your empty pot, add a layer of coarse-grain soil as a base. Then, add a finer, looser growing soil above it. Make sure the medium you choose drains well and your pot has a hole or two. If your plant comes with a recommended soil texture use that.

7. Plant your tree

Now you have to position the tree in your new pot. Finish adding your fine, well-draining soil or growing medium to the pot. You may add a final layer of moss or gravel. 

You may also want to install mesh screens over the pot's drain holes to prevent soil erosion which may occur when there is excess water.

8. Take care of the plant

Once your tree is potted it is now time to take care. Give your tree proper sunlight and water as and when required. If it is indoors,  make sure to give it proper sunlight after a week or so. Also, keep checking with the pot size and make sure they get enough nutrients from the soil.

You now have a plant to flaunt to your friends! I won't call it very easy, but it's not tough to grow a bonsai lest you are unpassionate for plants. So goahead and plant some beautiful trees in your home and share your experiences.

See you next time.

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