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The roots of the ancient art of bonsai have been traced back to ancient China, over 1,000 years ago. In Japan, bonsai took off during the Mediaeval period, with wealthy people decorating their homes with miniature trees. Ever since, bonsai trees have been appreciated as living artworks, meticulously shaped by pruning and wiring.
Because a tree can live and change for generations, caring for bonsai is a slow-moving, thoughtful process. Training and trimming bonsai is celebrated as a calming, meditative activity. Bonsai remains popular throughout the world for its sculptural forms and quirky looks.
To help grow the perfect bonsai, Angie Thomas, Horticulture consultant to Yates, has put together her top tips.
Ensure your bonsai gets the right amount of sunshine. Most outdoor bonsai plants should be placed in a sheltered position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoor bonsai plants prefer a brightly lit spot indoors that’s protected from direct sunlight.
Bonsai like to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Bonsai plants have a very small root system that can dry out quickly, so it’s important to keep plants well-watered, particularly during hot dry weather.
Bonsai can be pruned and wired into beautiful shapes. Use small sharp secateurs or scissors to remove any dead or unwanted branches and wires can be wrapped around stems to train them into living works of art.
Ensure you fertilise your bonsai with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, especially during their growing season from early spring to mid-autumn.
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