Bonsai Article

The Essentials for a Bonsai Kit

A bonsai kit is a perfect gift for any loved one born with a green thumb. You can either make your own bonsai kit or purchase one from any gardening shop.

Tips for Making and Designing Bonsai Kits
Here’s a list of what your bonsai kit should include:

Bonsai Tree – Before giving away your bonsai kit, do try to determine whether your recipient would wish to have an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree. Secondly, determine which bonsai tree specie you believe your recipient would have the greatest affinity to. As some bonsai tree species are more difficult to grow than others, make sure that you choose the appropriate specie if you’re giving a bonsai kit to a child.

You can make things more interesting however by attaching a note to your bonsai kit about any of the various legends and superstitions associated with bonsai trees.

Pot – You can either design one by yourself or purchase one from the store. As there are various styles, colors, and shapes to choose from, you’re sure to find something that will fit your recipient’s taste without hurting your pockets too much. Make sure of course that you consider the size of your bonsai tree when shopping for a pot.

Soil – Unlike other types of plants, bonsai trees will only grow when a certain type of soil is used. As such, make sure that you not only fill the pot with the specific type of soil for bonsai trees but include one extra package of soil as well in the bonsai kit.

Decorative Supplies – Bonsai trees, pots, and gardens can be decorated in numerous ways. Make sure that you include a bunch of decorative supplies in your bonsai kit to allow your recipient to have more fun with growing their bonsai trees.

Training Wire – This is a must for any novice in bonsai growing. Make sure that you provide an ample supply of them as they’re liable to get it wrong the first few times.

Fertilizer – Again, bonsai trees are unique in the sense that they require occasional fertilizing. Make sure that you provide your recipient with at least a year’s supply of this so they won’t have to make frequent trips to the grocery or gardening shop.

Watering Pot – Bonsai plants need frequent watering so it’s essential that you include a watering pot in your bonsai kit as well. If the budget allows, include a humidity tray as well so they have options to choose from for watering their bonsai plants.

Lastly, place them all inside a gift box together with a detailed instruction sheet. Voila! You’ve just built a complete bonsai kit.

Basic Bonsai Tools for Beginners

Proper tools are indispensable when caring for bonsai. But buying a whole new set of bonsai tools isn't needed for beginners. If you are just starting to develop an interest in the art of bonsai, you only need a few basic tools to do the majority of the tasks involved to generate a simple and well-maintained bonsai to an award winning bonsai collection.

Here are some of the bonsai tools that you may need if you are seriously considering to grow bonsai.

Concave Pruner

This is the primary and probably the most essential bonsai tool that you should have. Its chief function is to cut branches in such a manner that it promotes a quick and leveled healing of the wound.

Bud Scissors

This short bladed tool with finger holes is an excellent handy tool that is best used to trim leaves, small branches, and buds. Because of its stout blades and unobtrusive handle, it has the advantage to do delicate work without compromising its cutting power and damaging some adjacent parts of the plant.

Bonsai Wire Cutters

Styling the bonsai generally makes use of wire in positioning and shaping the branches and trunk. Although wire cutters available from hardware stores can be used to cut the wire prior to putting it to the bonsai, you can't use it to cut the wire when removing it for it will surely damage the branch or truck where the wire is closely attached. Bonsai wire cutters should be used because their short and small blades have the advantage of doing the job done without doing any harm to the plant.

Knob Cutter

Also known as the melon ball cutter, the knob cutter is another useful addition to your tool kit, though it isn't as frequently used like the concave pruners and bud scissors. Shaped into two crescent moons coming together, it can easily and aggressively cut protruding stubs. It is efficient to quickly remove lots of unwanted wood but precise enough to contour the trunk or branch to it final shape.

Root Hooks

Removing soil and untangling roots are part of maintaining the bonsai. Depending on the size of the bonsai, the bonsai artist may need a greater variety of efficient tools. There are various root hooks available from single point that can do a good job with the least damage to multiple point tools that can do better but has greater probability of damaging fine roots.

If you are a novice bonsai artist, you may want to begin with a concave pruner and a pair of bud scissors. As your expertise improves, you then have to consider adding more tools in your bonsai kit.