A Quick Guide: How to Make a Japanese Maple Bonsai
A bonsai is the little version of a tree and usually planted in a pot. One specific example is the Japanese Maple Bonsai. Since this has been very popular nowadays because of its beautiful changing colors, you might want to consider some steps on how to make a Japanese Maple Bonsai.
- Gather information. This is the first and the best thing to do before engaging into bonsai-making activities. Research on how to take care of your bonsai in the future. You must also know what types of oil they are going to thrive, how often watering should be done, and other environmental factors that may affect the growth of the bonsai.
- Materials. Materials needed should be listed and always ready. These include a Japanese maple limb, knife, moss, string & mesh screens.
- Species, Size, Plant Selection. Choose the best tree species that you like. It is also recommended that you choose the tree species that grows well in your area considering the environmental conditions. Before selecting the actual plant from the species chosen, decide what size of bonsai you would like to have. Then you will have to go to a nursery garden to select the actual plant. Make sure the plant is healthy through its fresh leaf color.
- Pot Selection. The selected pot will enhance the beauty of the bonsai. Make sure that it somehow matched the bonsai. The size of the pot also affects the growth of the bonsai. So, you must choose a pot that can hold the roots of the bonsai well and that can hold enough moisture for the plant.
- Tree Pruning. Trim the tree to the desired shape. Take out the plant from its pot. Water the roots. Cut the roots and place it in a new pot with an adequate amount of soil.
- Tree Potting & Watering. Put mesh screens over the drainage holes to prevent soil erosion. Add some well draining soil to the pot and then place the tree into the pot. Regular potting soil for your bonsai may hold too much water and may drown the tree. If the weather is warm, water the tree from time to time until its roots get stable.
Then, you have your little tree!