Bonsai Myths

Myth #1: Feeding bonsai a magical potion to stay small

One of the first things I get asked when discussing bonsai with someone wanting to start bonsai is: "What do you feed them to stay small?" This understanding is incorrect. There is no magical potion to feed bonsai that will automatically keep it small. There are other techniques on how to train bonsai into the shape and size you would like, but we will discuss this another time.

Myth #2: Bonsai are grown from special "bonsai seeds"

There are no special bonsai seeds either. Bonsai can be developed from any seeds bought at a nursery. Bonsai can also be developed from nursery stock, cuttings, and even plants dug up from your garden or the wild.

Myth #3: Bonsai is cruel to trees

Trees received exceptional care as bonsai. They are well fertilized and water to keep them looking their best and at the peak of their health. The technique of wire trees are not used to bind them us and restricts growth, it is used to redirect the growth to create the perception of age and beauty.

Myth#4: I am too old to start growing bonsai

You are never to old to start bonsai. We have a lady of nearly 60 that just joined our bonsai club. The art of creating a bonsai is to create an illusion of age. Within 3 years you can create a beautiful bonsai that looks much older than it really is.

Myth #5: Bonsai is indoor plants

There are a few exception on this rule, but bonsai is meant to grow outdoors. They need sunshine, air circulation and exposure to the seasonal changes to maintain good health. Some tropical species like the ficus can be grown indoors, but there are very few bonsai like this.

Myth #6: My bonsai died, bonsai is difficult to grow!

Don't give up if you don't succeed the first time. Most beginners don't succeed the first time, but it isn't always their fault either. Bonsai sold in supermarkets for example have probably grown in a greenhouse in a humid atmosphere for a long time where they receive foliar feeding, then they where relocated to the supermarket that might have a dry atmosphere. By the time you buy them, they have spend so much energy on trying to adapt that there is almost no energy left to adapt once again when you take it to your home. (In other words, be very careful where you buy a bonsai, but we will discuss that a bit later.)