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If you’ve ever had a piece of fruit, right after it was picked from the tree, you know that it beats store-bought fruit any day of the week. However, what do you do if you don’t have enough space for a tree? The answer is the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, or growing a miniature tree in a pot. While bonsai trees produce smaller limbs and leaves, they will still produce full-sized fruits, making them a perfect solution for people who still want to enjoy the taste of fresh fruits in a confined space. |
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Before you begin It is important to remember that bonsai training is difficult, and you are more likely to succeed if you choose a tree that is native to your area, or that can handle your local weather well. It is also important to allow the seedling to grow and become strong before you start cutting and training it. Despite the fact that bonsai trees grow faster, don’t expect to be harvesting fruit in a couple of months. Some trees might need as much as five years before you can harvest anything. |
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Preparations
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Planting the tree
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Care
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Shaping Shaping is performed to give the tree a weathered look, without damaging it. Use a metal wire to control the direction of growth. The wire mustn’t be too tight and will need periodic replacement as the tree grows. Wiring is done by looping a copper wire around the top of the trunk, then slowly looping the wire around the trunk and down to the base. If you wish to have certain branches bend a certain way, use the wire to direct them to where you want them to go. |
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Ever grown Bonsai trees and have any more advice? Please share them in the comment section below. |
| H/T: themindunleashed.com |
