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Common Questions
Common Questions Bonsai Care

 

 

What is a Bonsai? 

It is an attempt to represent nature itself in a small pot. A Bonsai conveys the impression of an old tree, a forest, or a landscape in nature by skillful shaping, branch and root pruning.

 

When did Bonsai begin? 

Bonsai started approximately 2000 years ago in the Han Dynasty in China. It was considered too “spiritually enriching” for anyone
but those of noble birth. Legend has it that the first bonsai were created when the Emperor of the time wanted to re-create his
kingdom as a miniature landscape within his walled city.

 

How did Bonsai get from China to Japan? 

Travelling nobles returned to Japan bringing with them religion, calligraphy and penjing (bonsai). Even today the Japanese and Chinese characters remain the same for bonsai. The word Bonsai literally means potted tree.

 

When did the rest of the world learn about Bonsai? 

After the Second World War the returning serviceman introduced bonsai to the west, where the popularity has increased and continues to grow!

 

Are Bonsai readily available today? 

Today bonsai is a household word, examples can be found in markets, supermarkets and garden centers, these are an excellent starting point.

 

What is the key to creating Bonsai? 

In Japan some specimens are many hundreds of years old. Bonsai culture emphasizes the age and individuality of each plant, this is the key to the art of creating bonsai.

 

Is Bonsai an expensive hobby? 

It’s an art form that is inexpensive to develop, and endless in its possibilities. Although results are not achieved overnight, bonsai culture
is within the reach of anyone who appreciates nature and enjoys growing plants.

 

When is a Bonsai finished?

A bonsai may reach perfection many times in many subtly different forms. Bonsai is creating nature in miniature and as the tree continues to grow and evolve, it continues to need the skillful attention of the artist.

 

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Last modified: February 17, 2000