There are many misconceptions about bonsai trees.
If you're serious about giving it a try, please consider the following before you decide.
Top Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Bonsai 10.
There's and empty spot on the bookshelf.
9.
The kids want one.
8.
You thought your dead cactus never needed water.
7.
Your vacations are frequent and lengthy.
6.
You have no "luck" with plants.
5.
You would never commit to having a pet, not even a goldfish.
4.
It seems like the perfect gift.
3.
You're interested in Oriental culture.
2.
You've always loved Karate Kid.
And the #1 reason not to buy a bonsai: you think they're cute! If you said "That's me!" to any of the above, think twice -- no, make that three times -- before you buy a bonsai tree.
If you're still determined, here are some things you should know.
These beautiful plants are not a species.
Bonsai is what we do to many different kinds of plants.
The goal is to make them look like small old trees in a container.
Each type of bonsai plant requires somewhat different care.
Some like lots of water, some like to dry out a little.
Others, especially those in small pots, may need water every day.
Many like sun, others prefer shade.
Some will grow indoors, others will not.
None will grow indoors in a dark room or on a bookshelf without good light.
There is not magic, they are just plants! Where they grow and how much water they need are only two considerations.
Since they are live plants, they will also need to be fertilized and trimmed.
Bonsai trees need to be checked daily.
Is it too dry? Does it have insects? Did the cat knock it over? For your first bonsai, consider easier varieties such as Ficus for indoors and juniper for outdoors.
Ask for advice.
Get thorough care instructions.
Read books, join a bonsai group.
It could be many, many years before a 'starter' bonsai looks like the ones in books and magazines.
The most beautiful bonsai trees are grown outdoors and have taken many years to acquire their exotic appearance.
Is this starting to sound like work? Maybe you need a little patience.
However, there's an old Japanese saying "You only need patience for things you do not love.
" Growing bonsai may not be as easy as it first sounds; it is a commitment.
With a willingness to learn from mistakes, a sincere effort and lots of passion, bonsai can become an enjoyable lifelong hobby.
If you're serious about giving it a try, please consider the following before you decide.
Top Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Bonsai 10.
There's and empty spot on the bookshelf.
9.
The kids want one.
8.
You thought your dead cactus never needed water.
7.
Your vacations are frequent and lengthy.
6.
You have no "luck" with plants.
5.
You would never commit to having a pet, not even a goldfish.
4.
It seems like the perfect gift.
3.
You're interested in Oriental culture.
2.
You've always loved Karate Kid.
And the #1 reason not to buy a bonsai: you think they're cute! If you said "That's me!" to any of the above, think twice -- no, make that three times -- before you buy a bonsai tree.
If you're still determined, here are some things you should know.
These beautiful plants are not a species.
Bonsai is what we do to many different kinds of plants.
The goal is to make them look like small old trees in a container.
Each type of bonsai plant requires somewhat different care.
Some like lots of water, some like to dry out a little.
Others, especially those in small pots, may need water every day.
Many like sun, others prefer shade.
Some will grow indoors, others will not.
None will grow indoors in a dark room or on a bookshelf without good light.
There is not magic, they are just plants! Where they grow and how much water they need are only two considerations.
Since they are live plants, they will also need to be fertilized and trimmed.
Bonsai trees need to be checked daily.
Is it too dry? Does it have insects? Did the cat knock it over? For your first bonsai, consider easier varieties such as Ficus for indoors and juniper for outdoors.
Ask for advice.
Get thorough care instructions.
Read books, join a bonsai group.
It could be many, many years before a 'starter' bonsai looks like the ones in books and magazines.
The most beautiful bonsai trees are grown outdoors and have taken many years to acquire their exotic appearance.
Is this starting to sound like work? Maybe you need a little patience.
However, there's an old Japanese saying "You only need patience for things you do not love.
" Growing bonsai may not be as easy as it first sounds; it is a commitment.
With a willingness to learn from mistakes, a sincere effort and lots of passion, bonsai can become an enjoyable lifelong hobby.