I have finally decided to buy myself a bonsai. After years of fruitless hints to my family, I realized that I would have to get it myself, so I sought out a good, easily-understood reference book.In addition to good information, the photos in this book are lovely and gave me some good ideas of what to look for.
The most helpful chapter to me was the first one, "Bonsai for Beginners". The different bonsai styles are the straight trunk, the slanting trunk, the twin trunk, the triple trunk, the sinuous root, the raft, the twisted trunk,cascading, patterned, and rock-grown. I had no idea that there were so many styles!
As with most plants, sunlight, soil, and water are the most important elements for bonsai. The author suggests watering at night by sprinkling the foliage so as not to wash away the topsoil, which is minimal for these plants. Bonsai are grown in very small pots which hold little soil.
Diseases are briefly mentioned, as well as insecticides to use and how to check the tree for pests and diseases.
The merits of porcelain, china, and earthenware pots are discussed as well as shape, color, and size. I learned that one never plants a bonsai in the middle of a pot but the formula was confusing to me....so I am glad I will be buying one that is already potted!
The chapter on repotting was informative since bonsai outgrow their containers more quickly than other plants. The author tells of the signs to watch for that will indicate that a bonsai needs to be repotted. The process of repotting seems a bit tricky so I would probably elect to return my tree to the nursery where I bought it (to have it repotted).
The chapter on fertilizers - the types to use and how to apply them--was very helpful.
At the end, the author discusses decorating with bonsai and talks about the importance of the stand on which the tree is placed - its size and the height at which the tree should be placed in a room. I had not even thought that far ahead and am glad he mentioned it.
