Bonsai is a traditional Japanese art of growing miniature trees with its own philosophy. But it can also become a creative hobby, because the cultivation and formation of such a tree takes years, but the result is worth it.
It is necessary
- - plant seedling;
- - a small bowl;
- - universal soil for indoor plants;
- - copper wire;
- - a sharp knife.
Instructions
Step 1
For growing bonsai indoors, Benjamin's ficus, pomegranate, myrtle, hibiscus heptapleurum, indoor acacia, bougainvillea, gardenia, allamanda, ixora and many other plants are suitable. Traditional bonsai trees such as pine, juniper, maple, cypress do not tolerate apartment climate very well and are only suitable for garden cultivation.
Step 2
Having picked up a suitable plant, small but with a well-developed crown, remove it from the container in which it grew, and trim the roots by about one third and transplant it into a flat pot. As soon as the plant gets stronger, you can start forming the crown. Pinch its top and side shoots, remove all branches and leaves at the bottom. The shape of a bonsai can be given absolutely any that you like, but the only condition is that a miniature copy should resemble a large tree.
Step 3
To give the desired shape to the branches, wrap the branches of the plant with copper wire and fix them with a weight. Remove the wire periodically to prevent it from growing into the branches. After about three months, the branches will "remember" their new shape. For a new look, wrap the branches and trunk again. Pinch regularly as you grow, and also remove unnecessary twigs.
Step 4
To give a bizarre shape to the trunk, place a stone next to it that will prevent the plant from developing correctly and the trunk will bend.
Step 5
In order to "age" the bark of a tree, prune it, remove small areas, when the wounds heal, it will resemble the trunk of an old century-old tree.
Step 6
Transplant your bonsai every two years. Prune the roots at each transplant. At the bottom of the bowl, put drainage from expanded clay or pebbles, since stagnation of water is contraindicated for the plant, because of this, the roots can rot. In general, in order for the plant to grow slowly, keep it on a half-starved ration, water as the soil dries. Plant moss around the plant to trap moisture. Do top dressing several times per season.
