A friend of mine told me recently that he received a Bonsai tree as a Christmas gift this year. And he, like so many of us, confessed he hasn’t a clue how to look after this precious plant.

It is a new phenomenon in the gardening world– the availability of bonsai plants is growing. We can even get them in our supermarkets.

This year many of these plants were given as Christmas presents. This concerns me immensely. For you can be assured that over 99% of these plants will eventually die.

Bonsai are like pets but even more so. They need perpetual care and yet they are sold without even the basic instructions of how to care for them.

The first example of Bonsai originated in China around 2,000 years ago and later in Japan with most of these plants coming from the mountainous areas of these countries. Today, these miniature trees are very popular worldwide and there are many Bonsai societies operating internationally. Most of the growers operate in China and Japan.

Bonsai comes from the Japanese word meaning a tree or group growing in a container. In Bonsai you create a living work of art. By using a wide variety of horticultural techniques you can grow miniature trees in the form of full-size mature trees using the same varieties.

For instance Japanese maples are used extensively in Bonsai. In Bonsai the container, the tree and soil surface must certainly complement each other.

Most people acquire a ready-grown Bonsai, probably a small one in a small container. These are around four years old. You can if you wish pay more money for a good quality one as it takes many years of hard work to produce such a specimen.

But a word of advice– Bonsai can be expensive so at first it is better to begin with a cheap one and learn as you go along.

It takes a long time to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in this ancient art– growing, training environmental conditions, outdoor or indoor Bonsai– you choose.

Most Bonsai trees are hardy and kept outdoors. There are, of course, plants that can be grown and kept indoors. Make sure the environmental conditions are correct. You can use weeping fig and/ or Indian laurel.

You will need to keep the soil moist and spray the foliage on a regular basis to create a high humidity. All indoor Bonsai should be put outdoors during the summer months of June and July. It is better to grow outdoor Bonsai as these trees are more hardy.

In growing Bonsai, watering is certainly the hardest art to master. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but do not over-water either. In the summer daily watering is essential and the best time to do this is in the early evening, indeed a good daily shower would be welcome.

Keep in mind that wind can dry out the plants. Bonsai is a living art and I have barely touched on the subject. If you have a Bonsai there are many books that will help you– select one that will inform you and introduce you to this ancient art form.

In time and with practice you develop the necessary skills to care for your Bonsai– enjoy it, it’s a precious art. Good growing.