The basic requirements of bonsai careBonsai is the Japanese word for tree in a pot. However, the bonsai tree did not originate in Japan. It was actually first grown thousands of years ago in China. Many years later the Zen Buddhists established the bonsai tree in Japan. Originally, these trees were grown from one specific species, but today a bonsai tree can be grown in miniature from any genus of tree. The introduction of the tree to Japanese culture created a metamorphosis in the spiritual meaning that is now reflected by the bonsai tree. The great attention and care given to these miniature trees has become a symbolic expression that represents the spiritual connection between mankind and creation. The care of bonsai trees is now seen by many as a spiritual, centring and meditative exercise. Bonsai care has to date become a very popular hobby for those people who maintain a spiritual connection with nature. If that appeals to you, then here are the basic techniques for providing bonsai care. Bonsai trees are planted in a limited quantity of a unique type of soil. This is not without its difficulties, as it necessitates frequent watering to care for a bonsai. There are two ways that the soil can be checked to determine its dampness. The first method makes use of a water meter, which when placed in the soil will determine whether the soil is damp enough. The second, and more simple method, is to insert a finger in the soil up to the first knuckle to feel whether the soil is moist or dry. If the soil is dry then enough water needs to be added until it escapes from the drainage hole in the pot. Effective bonsai care will require an increase in the watering schedule during the summer months, but clearly less in the winter. It is important to remember that the roots of the tree must be kept dry. Bonsai care also requires that the soil be nurtured during both the spring and autumn periods. During this time it will be necessary to introduce nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid into the soil. From this you should appreciate that the health of an indoor bonsai tree is very much dependent on effective fertilisation of of its soil. Bonsai care should include a fertilisation schedule twice a month during the spring season and once a month in the late autumn and through winter. One final point of note relates to sunlight. To care effectively for your bonsai it will need to be placed in some direct sunlight, depending on the needs of your specific species of tree. If this is not possible, you should choose a species based on the limited amount of light available. Alternatively, the bonsai tree could be placed outdoors each day in the sunlight to receive its daily dose of vitamin D. On a cautionary note however, you should limit the exposure of your tree to sunlight if it has recently been heavily trimmed or placed in new soil. This is a Snippet Click here to read more
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