Here are 8 steps on how to create a bonsai tree from seed. bonsai you do not have to be an expert, it is a matter of starting it. Whenever I visit the gardening area at any of my favorite stores, I always look for bonsai. For some reason, these little trees transport me to another time or another part of the world. It is as if you are visiting an enchanted forest where goblins, fairies, and other mythological beings live.
I remember the first time I bought one. I took it home and placed it on the coffee table in the living room. It looked terrific. It was the most commented piece on all visits. Of course, while he stayed alive.
After some time inside the house, the decay could be noticed with the naked eye. It ended up with almost no leaves and was visually not very attractive. But once I took it out to the patio, and it began to receive rain, sun, and serene water, the little tree was once again the spectacle that it was at first.
1) Bonsai grows best outdoors
The first thing to know is that these tiny titans grow best in the sun. You can bring them into the house occasionally when you have guests or dinner. But to work plants under this technique, good sunlight is usually needed. Trying to keep them indoors can be a frustrating task.
2) Choose the type of tree or shrub
Although the most common plants to work with this technique are ficus, juniper, or “juniper,” and maple, many other species can be performed from a chef to a gardenia plant.
When choosing plants, look for fast-growing ones that produce lots of branches and leaves. Also, plants like pruning, since to keep them in shape, you will have to prune them often.
3) Use a suitable pot
One of the classic elements of bonsai is the type of pot. This one should be wider than it is high; that is, it should be shallow. The goal is to restrict root growth. In addition, the pot must have suitable holes at the bottom to drain excess water.
4) Soil for bonsai
Bonsai needs a specific type of soil. It should be loose, and grainy, and maintain good drainage. One of the easiest ways to kill a bonsai is with excess water or when the soil is compacted since this does not allow oxygen to pass to the roots. If you have doubts, it is best to go to the store and ask for ready-made bonsai substrate.
5) Grates for drainage holes
Once you have the pot, place a small mesh or grid over the drainage holes. This will prevent the soil or substrate from coming out of the holes. You can anchor the grid inside the bottom of the pot with a small wire that crosses between the holes.
6) Wire for support (optional)
You can place another piece of fine wire, inserting the end tips through the drainage holes, from bottom to top. So also tie the roots or the trunk of the plant. This will keep it from moving around when you are adding dirt to it.
5) Bare the roots of the plant
When we buy plants, their roots are covered with soil. This is not ideal for creating bonsai. So it is important to remove this soil and leave the roots clean gently. You may have to cut the excess roots to accommodate your plant inside the bonsai pot.
6) Place the plant inside the pot and add soil
For beginners, the idea is to place the plant in the center of the pot. This will ensure better visual balance, and you will be able to fill the pot better. Make sure you fill in the spaces well so that there are no empty pockets between the roots.
Once the pot is well filled with soil, you can find a pencil or a small rod to puncture the soil gently. This will ensure that the soil is spread out and there are no air pockets between the roots.
7) Trim excess branches and shape
Remove excess branches with scissors, and shape the plant to resemble that of an adult-growing tree. They are perhaps leaving more frond at the top. The most used frond shapes are triangular.
8) Time to hydrate your new bonsai
Place your new bonsai with everything and pot in a large container with water, like a water bath. Allow the water to rise to more than half the height of the bonsai pot. The idea is that the water enters through the drainage holes until the soil reaches its saturation point. Then take it out after soaking it in water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once well hydrated, place your new bonsai outside in a place that receives good sun and is well-ventilated. Give him time to recover and adjust to his new home. As it unfolds and you see the results, I assure you, that you can’t wait to create the next one.
Final Thought
So I studied a little more about this bonsai technique, where it came from, and how these little trees were treated. It was so long until I managed to master the basis of this ancient art.