How To Make A Bonsai Tree

People are usually fascinated when they see bonsai trees for the first time. Some think that the trees are special dwarf varieties and that is why the trees are so small. But bonsai trees are made from standard varieties of tree.

For those who would like to learn how to make a bonsai tree there are many questions. But take heart, with the right guidance it is possible to acquire all the skills and knowledge necessary to grow beautiful bonsai trees. The techniques needed are similar to those used in general horticulture.

Here are 6 methods to acquire a bonsai tree.

1. Buy a ready-made bonsai.  Many stores sell what they describe as ‘bonsai trees’ but you should think twice before buying from a supermarket or garage. These are often not bonsai trees at all. If you want a good specimen you should go to a specialist nursery.  These bonsai trees can be expensive due to transport costs and the length of time taken to grow the tree but it will be well worth the investment.

2. Buy garden centre stock. There is a huge choice of deciduous and coniferous trees available at reasonable prices. There are a few things you should check before buying. Make sure that the tree is healthy and that it has good potential for a bonsai – examine the surface roots, trunk and branches.  For the impatient types it is possible to transform garden stock to the beginnings of a bonsai in a few hours!

3. Grow from cuttings. The advantage to this method is that the tree will look exactly like the parent plant. The right time to take cuttings will depend on the nature of the cutting (softwood, hardwood or root) and you should ensure that you carry out this work in the right season.

4. Grow from seed. This method requires patience – some seeds e.g. hawthorn can take 2 years to germinate! And after germination it will take a long time before the tree is ready to be styled as a bonsai.

5. Collect from the wild. Trees collected from the wild are called yamadori. You will need the permission of the landowner before you take this approach but remember that in some areas it is forbidden to collect trees.  Once collected, trees will need to be left for some time before starting as bonsai.

6. Air layering. This is a more advanced technique and requires some skill so may not be ideal for those starting out in bonsai. Air layering is a relatively quick method of growing a bonsai tree as you can use a mature branch as a basis for the new tree. Some of the bark is cut away and covered in sphagnum moss to encourage the growth of roots. Once these are established the branch is cut away and then forms the trunk of a new bonsai tree.

So these are 6 methods to make a bonsai tree. Decide which one you want to use and then have a go!