The story of bonsai started in China around 1000 years ago but it was not until bonsai was exported to Japan 500 years ago it became an art form in itself. The word Bonsai simply means “tree in a pot” and comes from the Chinese words “pun sai”.  Bonsai gardening is now popular in many countries around the world. The art of Bonsai is expanding in an exciting way as people from different cultures bring their native plants and trees, and their culture’s aesthetics to bonsai gardening.

Beginners starting out in the world of bonsai usually think that the plants used for bonsai are special bonsai trees or mini plants; however bonsai trees are just normal trees or plants kept small through regular pruning. Bonsai trees go through the normal seasonal changes, flowering, fruiting and shedding leaves like any other tree.

Since all trees have evolved during thousands of years outdoors, keeping a bonsai tree indoors without the natural light, rain, wind and seasonal changes can be very challenging and usually results in death of the bonsai tree. This is usually due too not enough light and low humidity; I found that out after killing my first tree. However there are a few tropical species of bonsai that are more suitable for indoors than others, but in general it is good if you can keep your bonsai tree outdoors most of the time… but with proper bonsai care it can be possible to keep a bonsai indoors.

When you are starting out with your first bonsai trees, and maybe start to read and learn more of the subject you will find that there are many bonsai “rules”. My tip to you is to not let these guidelines limit you in your bonsai journey. The art of bonsai should be a fun, creative and very rewarding journey! Enjoy.

California Juniper bonsai tree
C photo credit: ragesoss

Japanese white pine bonsai tree

photo credit: ragesoss

Goshin Bonsai Tree

photo credit: ragesoss

Posted under Bonsai Culture