Started by the Chinese and perfected over the centuries, bonsai is the art of growing miniature plants that look like they would in nature. In fact, 'bon' means pot and 'sai' means tree. Traditionally only used with trees, today the art of bonsai has been applied to many types of plants. The beauty and elegance of bonsai has proven very successful with many indoor plants. As our lives become busier and we have less time to spend outdoors, being able to have plants indoors becomes more satisfying. Bonsai techniques enable us to make some of our indoor plants look just like their natural counterparts. While we need to be respectful of those who practice the traditional art form, we can borrow some of their techniques and adapt them to our lives.

How do I pronounce bonsai?
The correct way to pronounce it is bone-sigh.

What makes the bonsai plants so small?
These plants are miniaturized through years of careful pruning of both the top growth and the roots. They are grown in special containers that help by restricting the root mass.

Aren't bonsai really hard to take care of?
They have some special requirements and aren't care free, but if you are someone who likes to work with your plants a few minutes every day or so, it really isn't hard. It is important to know what they need to thrive before you bring one into your life, or you might be disappointed.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor bonsai?
Plants that are naturally tropical or subtropical are indoor bonsai. They can be treated almost the same year around. Outdoor bonsai are hardy plants that need a winter rest period at a specific temperature each year in order to survive. They cannot be kept indoors continually · after about 18 months, no matter what you do, they are exhausted and go into decline.

Can I make any plant into a bonsai?
You need to choose plants that have smaller leaves and branches that are pliable when young. Keep proportion in mind. While you will be able to miniaturize the overall appearance of the plant, you cannot control the size of the flowers or fruit.

What are some good species for indoor bonsai?
Natal plum, ficus, myrtle, jade and aralia all work well for indoor bonsai.

What are some good species for outdoor bonsai?
Japanese holly, many junipers, camellia, azalea, boxwood, dwarf spruce, Japanese maple, elm and many other varieties of hardy plants can be used in bonsai.

How can I find out the exact needs of a plant?
Ask when you are in Bachman's and we will be glad to find out for you the ideal temperatures, light, humidity and water requirements.

How critical are temperatures with bonsai?
Tropical plants are stressed by any temperature below 60ºF. Sub-tropicals prefer to go through a period in winter where they are cool (40-50º). Hardy plants will adapt to most temperatures in the summer and need to spend 6-8 weeks in near freezing conditions in the winter.

How can I provide the winter needed by outdoor bonsai here in Minnesota?
It is a challenge in our climate to find a place cool enough to provide the necessary rest period, but not so cold that it damages or kills your plants. Some people are fortunate enough to have an old-fashioned cold-cellar that stays in the low 30ºs for several months in the winter. Others have to build a coldframe attached to the house and monitor the temperature. Light is optional during this rest period. A few bonsai growers even use a refrigerator (but you would have to watch that your bonsai doesn't dry out if you have a frost-free unit).

Is there a way to provide enough light without putting the plants in the direct sun?
For most bonsai plants, direct sunlight is usually too much, but they require lots of light. Artificial light works well, especially if it is fluorescent. Ideally they would like a minimum of 12 hours light each day.

Do I need the tray with pebbles under my bonsai?
Using a tray full of pebbles that you keep moist is a great way to provide the needed humidity for bonsai plants. Most bonsai likes to be misted, but not while in the direct sun and not in the evening.

What is the best way to water?
As with most plants, either too much or too little water causes lots of problems and disappointment. Make sure your pot has good drainage and the tray is full of pebbles so the bottom of the pot doesn't touch the excess water. Always water the soil, not the plant. Apply the water slowly so that it can be absorbed. If the soil ever gets dry enough to pull away from the sides of the pot, soak it for an hour.

Do they need to be fertilized often?
Since bonsai have almost no soil from which to draw its nutrients, it is important that you fertilize them on a regular basis. Water based fertilizers are most readily used and easily applied. Liquid fertilizers, such as Bachman's Excel Gro™ Plant Food, provide the needed nutrients.

Why are most bonsai in such shallow pots? Won't any pot work?
Much of the dwarfing of bonsai plants come from providing limited space for the roots. The traditional styles of bonsai containers also act like a frame around a picture, enhancing and complementing the beauty of the plant.

If I'm planting or repotting my bonsai, what type of soil should I use?
Bonsai needs a well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Avoid the mixtures without soil,, since they don't support the microbial action needed to keep a plant healthy over a long period of time. Special bonsai soils are available.

Are there any special steps I need to take when I repot my bonsai?
If possible, check out a book on bonsai and read over the steps to repot. When you repot, you usually root prune and doing this right will greatly influence how your plant grows.

I'd like to work with shaping my bonsai plant. Can I do that myself or do I have to buy one already shaped?
With a little instruction, everyone can work on making a plant into a bonsai. While it would take years to become a master, there are several simple steps you can enjoy using with your plants. Select pruning and using wire to direct the plant's growth will help you develop the style of your bonsai.

How can I care for my bonsai when I go on vacation?
If you are going to be gone for more than a week, it is best if you have someone else care for your bonsai. If you are only going to be gone a week or less, try watering it thoroughly then placing it into a dishpan or box filled with damp sphagnum moss, pulling some of the moss up over the pot and top of the soil. You may want to use a wick system that will help provide moisture as it is needed.