Growing Bonsai
Bonsai can drop seed and germinate just like any tree in nature, but bonsai enthusiasts most often start with a young established bonsai tree. Bonsai can also be grown from cuttings, and this is a popular way to begin cultivating bonsai. Bonsai require nutrient rich soil that contains potash, nitrogen, and phosphoric acid rich fertilizer at least twice annually. Bonsai also must be watered frequently since soil can dry out easily and bonsai are very moisture dependent as they grow. As bonsai grow, they can be pruned as often as daily to enhance shaping. The goal with bonsai shaping is to separate branches from the trunk, enhance width and thickness of the branches while controlling for height. The more height is controlled the thicker and wider the width will become. Eventually, even a young bonsai can resemble an ancient bonsai on a hillside in the orient.
Caring For Bonsai
Bonsai require humidity in order to thrive. It is recommended by bonsai experts to place a growing bonsai in a shallow dish of water to enhance moisture and humidity. As the water evaporates the surrounding air becomes humidity rich. Care should be taken to monitor the tray for the growth of algae. Choosing a flatter tray will allow more water to evaporate daily and reduce tray maintenance. Bonsai also require plenty of sunlight to grow well. Certain varietals require more sunlight than other varietals and this should be investigated when selecting the varietal to grow. Bonsai are quite movable and if the indoor location does not provide adequate sunlight bonsai can be transported outdoors to a sunny location to get the required amount of daily sunlight. The exception to sunlight needs is when bonsai has been pruned or transplanted. Here, they are in shock and require more shade and rest to recover.