A GREEN MINIATURE: The Bonsai

BY:- RISHABH JOSHI                                      GUIDED BY:- Dr.ANJU PAL

GBPUAT,PantnagarAssistant professor, Departmentof Horticulture

Abstract:

“Bonsai, the ancient art of growing miniature trees in containers, has been a cornerstone of Eastern culture for centuries. Its cultivation requires a deep understanding of tree biology, artistic vision, however offering a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an attractive hobby for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being.  This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, principles, and techniques of bonsai cultivation, highlighting its unique blend of horticulture, artistry and meditation.”

Introduction:

Bonsai is fascinating art and science of growing trees or shrubs in containers to create miniature or an aesthetically pleasing versions of full-sized trees. Developing a bonsai requires a lot of patience,dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt.In, recent years bonsai has transcended its original roots, becoming a global phenomenon spanning cultures and disciplines.

The word “Bonsai” comes from the Japanese words “bon” means tray and “sai” means plant. Thisarticle aims to provide a deeper understanding of these green miniatures as both an art form with scientific practice, offering valuable insights forpractitioners,enthusiasts and human-nature relationship.

A Breif History:

Originated in ancient China over 2,000years ago, where the practice of creating miniature landscapes, known as penjing, began. The art than later evolved and flourished in Japan in the 6^th century where it became bonsai we know today.

In around 13^th century,they grewculture of Japanese collecting dwarf trees naturally and by training them by various practices they reduced the size of those forest trees to fascinating pot plants having beautiful miniature form.With time, bonsai transitioned from a symbol of wealth to an accessible hobby and a profound from of self-expression to create a miniaturized but realistic representation of nature in the form of a tree.

Criteria for selection of plants:

Most important part is the selection of plants for good bonsai. As we know that size suitable for Bonsai 12-25 inches in height and for this all parts of the plant mainly trunk, branches,twigs, leaves etc.Should be in the perfect proportion with tree size.The leaves should be well managed, healthy,and dried up to or of distorted shape for maintaining good frame of the plant and its size should not exceed too much. Depth and type of container also matters due to space constraints for plant roots.

For that mature and natural appearance the lower trunk should be thicker than the top ones as well as branches having bigger diameter in lower side.During the selection of the species, one should consider the adaptability of the plant and use eco-friendly materials for development of the plant.

Plants suitable for Bonsai:

Bonsai can be developed from any of the naturally growing trees and shrub species from broad leaves evergreen to pine and conifers also the deciduous trees can be grown as per the requirement and preference of the developer.It does not require any specific type of plant whereas can be grown in the most conditions, the most popular species used for bonsai arejuniper Bonsai (Juniperus), Duranta species, Ficus species,Neem, Pine, Pomegranate, Bottle brush, Sapota, Cyperuss are some of the plants for making bonsai.

Bonsai plants can be raised by seeds, cuttings, layering etc. but should poses the charactersthat is suitable for making bonsai and it also depends majorly on the choice pf the owner or cultivator.

Styles of bonsai:

How to develop a bonsai:

Bonsai can be developed through various methods and it requires lot of patience and knowledge about the growth habit of particular plant species. Several managementpracticestake place during the bonsai development are listed ahead;

Before establishment

1. Plant selection
2. From seed: – It is the best method to develop and easier too; however, it takes most time but gives the best shaped bonsai among all methods.
3. From vegetatively propagatedplants: -It is faster and most common method for bonsai development.
4. Seedlings: –Seedlings can be appropriately style and faster comparatively.

• Potting media
• Soil having high water holding capacity and neutral pH and prevent water logging.
• High organic matter with well decomposed FYM.

• Container
• Shallow pot with drainage hole in the bottom.
• Size and shape of the container mainly depends on the choice of owner.

• Planting
• Straight bonsai should be planted at the center and cascade or bikini the side of the container.

• Pruning
• Most important part of the bonsai development; regular but light pruning is required.

• Irrigation
• Immediately after planting and then keep in shade and provide numerous waters as per the requirement of species grown.

After establishment

1. Training
2. As early as possible without any injury on the tree’s bark.
3. In some cases, wiring also done for providing desirable shape to the bonsai.

• Pruning
• It is the most important operation and fundamental process in the bonsai development for keeping plant dwarf (shoot and root pruning).
• Pruning is done for different desirable shapes by different methods.

• Irrigation
• It mainly depends on the plant type and season.
• Regular but light irrigation is required to maintain the proper moisture in the plant container.

• Fertilizer management
• Twice a year,one in spring and another in rainy season.
• Both manures and fertilizer are used in combination.

• Repotting
• Varies with plant size, shape and species to be grown.
• Once a year in fast growing species and in slow growing species it isrequired in 2-3 years.

Making a bonsai:(Beginner-guide)

Step 1: -Fill the container with media after washing it properly up to1 cm below the brim.

Step 2: -Gently take out the plant from polythene without any damage.

Step 3: -Give a V-cut & retain 1/3^rd part of the new plant.

Step 4: -Put the plant in pre-filled container having hole for drainage and place the plant as per your style.

Step 5:-After draining the pot if plant readjust then put it to original shape.

Step 6:-Put the plant in shade for 2-3 weeks

Step 7:-Do not panic if plant shades the older leaves.

Step 8:-Then shift the plant from shade to light area if newly emerged vegetative buds are developing.

Tools required:

• Dusting brush
• Gloves
• Shallow pot
• Saw
• Watering can
• Wire cutter
• Aluminum or copper wire
• Secateurs

Conclusion:

Bonsai, a harmonious blend of art and nature, offers a unique way to appreciate the beauty of miniature trees cultivated with care and precision. The art of bonsai is evolving across the world and it invites the developers and enthusiasts to explore creative expression while respecting nature’s principles. For a beginner or an experiencedgardener,bonsai provides a rewarding journey that nurtures plants as well as deeper sense of tranquility and balance. From this article you have learned some facts about bonsai and can learn just by practicing this beautifulart.

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