Bonsai Secrets

A bonsai is a microcosm containing within it, 
unchanged in everything but size, 
the mystery of the universe.
- Colin Lewis

The Japanese word ‘bonsai’ refers not only to a dwarf tree, but also to the art of growing miniature trees in a tray or low pot-saucer. Originated in China many centuries ago, this art was eventually adopted and named ‘bonsai’ by the Japanese. It soon gained popularity and didn’t take long to become known all over the world.

A bonsai is heavy with symbolism. A self-contained little world, some practitioners believe that a bonsai holds the entire Universe: The world is symbolized by a ‘miniature mountain, ’ the bowl represents ‘learning’ and the trunk with its branches shows “the whole” and “a part of the whole.”

The bonsai has also been linked to various deities: Trees with split or forked trunks are usually chosen for worship. Therefore, trees with those distinctive elements are used by Japanese masters of bonsai in their works as a form-building. 

One of the most important elements of a bonsai is its shape. Pruned into a triangle, it symbolizes:

• The life-giving forces of the Earth
• The sacred Buddhist mountain of Sumer
• The triad of Heaven – Earth – Man.
• The trikayya, or three bodies of Buddha (sambhogakaya, nirmanakaya, dharmakaya) 
• Birth – Life – Death
• Body – Mind – Soul

This elegant plant also fits beautifully into any interior. A meaningful gift, a bonsai is considered by many to bring positive energy and good fortune to those who receive it.

ALISSAR® bonsai is available from:

The Flower House, Amman, Jordan 

The InterContinential Flowershop by ALISSAR® (Dubai Festival City)

Galleries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall

Looking for bonsai care tips? Click here!

How to Care for Your Bonsai

Though they are a little more delicate than your average indoor plant, caring for a bonsai is actually fairly simple if you follow a few basic guidelines for watering, fertilizing, positioning and repotting your tree. 

Watering. Water thoroughly once the soil gets slightly dry; never allow it to become completely dry. 

Fertilizing. As Bonsai trees are generally placed in small pots, regular fertilization is required in order to replenish nutrients that are essential to the tree. Using a special ‘bonsai fertilizer’ can be convenient, but any fertilizer will do (be careful not to use too much, though). Follow the instructions as stated on the fertilizer’s packaging regarding quantity and timing. 

Positioning, temperature and sunlight. Deciding on the right location for your tree is crucial for its well-being. First make sure that indoor trees are placed in a warm environment; outdoor trees generally require much lower temperatures and should be placed outside (depending on tree species, of course). Either way, most species prefer a bright spot, with at least some direct sunlight. 

Re-potting. Re-potting your bonsai will not keep it small; instead it will supply the tree with new nutrients that it needs to grow and flourish. How frequently you will need to repot your bonsai depends on the size of container/pot and tree species. Fast-growing trees need to be repotted every two years (sometimes even every year), while older, more mature trees need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years. Re-potting work normally needs to be done during the early spring when the tree is still in dormancy. Repotting in early spring will also ensure that any damage done to the root system will be repaired soon, when the tree starts growing. Choosing the right soil mixture is crucial for the health of your trees; it should drain enough to prevent the roots from rotting, while absorbing enough water to supply the tree.