GALLERY: Introduction to the art of Bonsai

“Many gardeners think Bonsai is difficult. It isn’t, but remember patience is extremely important. Good luck!”

January 24, 2019

Julie Maule 3 minutes read

NOT TOO CHALLENGING: Steffan Pretorius chats to the garden club members about his Bonsai.

GUEST speakers at Johannnesburg South Garden Club on January 19 were Hannes Fritz and Stefann Pretorius from Heidelburg Suikerbos Bonsai Kai.

Chairman of the garden club, Dennis Boddington, welcomed the guest speakers to the club, adding more club members would be wonderful.

“We need some new members to the club and we welcome anyone who is interested in gardening and things associated with it. Visitors are encouraged to come along and see what we are all about. We meet twice a month, once on a Saturday morning and once a month on a Tuesday morning from 10am at The Geelhout Room, Kliprirviersberg Recreation Centre, Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park.

Hannes took the floor and said, “Start by growing species which are easy to grow and the right species for your surroundings. Remember bonsai should not be grown in the house, this is a death sentence. They must be outside or in a greenhouse in the colder months.

“The best way to grow a fiscus (wild fig) bonsai is to take a cutting and plant in soil (50/50 river sand and compost). Don’t start it in a small pot but a big one, where it will grow quicker and the trunk will become thicker. Once it’s fully grown you can cut it back and plant it into a smaller pot. Water every day when it is hot and less in winter,” Hannes said. Hannes explained indigenous tree species are good to begin with.

Hannes said one of his favourite Bonsai is from a privet, but this has to be re-potted every year and another favourite is the chinese maple.

“You can collect trees from nature, especially if a friend has a tree in their garden they say you can have. Otherwise, you’ll have to get permission before removing a fully grown tree from the veld or forest area.

“The elm tree is common in South Africa and it can handle light frost. You can cultivate this from seed. Elms are very thirsty trees though and need watering every day during summer.

“Bonsai is easy but you have to be patient as it will normally take around three to five years before your tree can be styled. Pruning is crucial to keep the tree miniaturised and to shape them. The aim is to keep your Bonsai to resemble nature as much as possible. Sometimes branches need to be removed completely, especially if there are two at the same height, keep one, remove the other. Also, remove branches with unnatural twists.” Hannes added.

“Wiring is also important but we won’t touch on this at this meeting,” he added.

Take care with watering

“Depending on the tree and pot size, overwatering can result in root-rot. Because Bonsai are planted in mall pots they do dry up quickly. The best way to check if it needs water is by sticking your finger in the soil. If it’s still damp, don’t water.

“Also fertilise regularly to keep the tree healthy. Whether you choose fluid or solid fertiliser it doesn’t matter, just make sure to give smaller quantities than normal plants,” he said.

Stefann spoke about the Juniper tree and said there are about five different species in South Africa and they are very hardy. He also mentioned the Acacia, “There are around 20 different species in SA but they are not all suited to Bonsai. They grow naturally in the bushveld and have flat tops which create shade for their roots. A Bonsai acacia can look beautiful,” he said.

Hannes showed the club members the tools he uses for cutting and shaping his Bonsai.

“Quality tools are your best bet, although they are rather expensive but should last a lifetime if looked after properly. You must keep your tools sharp as blunt tools will damage the tree.”

In closing both Hannes and Steffan agreed, “Many gardeners think Bonsai is difficult. It isn’t, but remember, patience is extremely important. Good luck!”

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