Bonsai is the art of miniaturizing the trees aesthetically, or developing the tree shaped plants in the small containers. The cultivation of bonsai plant includes watering, shaping and repotting in different styles of containers. Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art, and the term has been derived from the Chinese term Penzai. Bonsai can be created from any perennial woody-stemmed shrub species or tree that produces the branches and stays small through pot confinement. Some plants have the special characteristics, making them more popular for bonsai, and such plants give the required compact visual scope of bonsai. Bonsai plants are not used for growing medicines, food or for creating the large landscapes.

Bonsai Techniques

Developing bonsai incorporates various techniques, some of which are unique to bonsai. Leaf trimming is used in the bonsai plants, and it involves selectively removing the leaves or needles from the trunk and branches of the plant. The common technique for bonsai plant is to expose the branches of the tree below the group of pads, or leaves.

Pruning is a common practice in bonsai plants, but it must be done with care. If done incorrectly, pruning can weaken, or even kill the trees. Bonsai plants require careful pruning throughout their lifespan to maintain the basic design, else the growth can become uncontrolled.

Bonsai designer can create the required form of the bonsai plant by wrapping the aluminum or copper wires around bonsai plant branches. Wires hold the branches in place till they convert into wood, or lignify, which usually takes almost 6-9 months. Wires are also used to apply force to each branch by connecting it to any other object. The wires and the pressure must be applied as per the species.

For the species that have stiffer woods, mechanical devices are used to shape the trunks and branches. Screw-based clamps are most commonly used to straighten or bend any part of the bonsai plant, and much greater force can be applied this way. To avoid damage to bonsai plants, tightening is done a little at a time, and changes are made over the period of several months.

Short term dwarfing of bonsai plants can be done by partial or total defoliation of the plant during the growth season. But, it must be done on the healthy tree of the suitable species.

Bonsai plant care includes watering, repotting, use of special tools for maintenance, using right soil and fertilization, and keeping them in the suitable location. Most bonsai plants are outdoor by nature and require humidity, temperature, and appropriate sunlight conditions. However, Mediterranean and Tropical species require consistent temperature close to room temperature, along with correct humidity and lighting.