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Home bonsai tree
The art of bonsai is a technique of forming miniature trees at home. Owning a living bonsai requires mastering the intricate methods of pruning and caring for it. For this reason, many people give up the desire to have their own tree at home. Fortunately, there is an alternative in the form of an artificial bonsai tree.
In this article, I will tell you about the methods of creating it. You will also learn why artificial bonsai far surpasses your idea of its appearance.
Is artificial bonsai plastic?
Unfortunately, such an image became imprinted in the collective imagination. Of course, these types of products can still be found on sale. Their quality varies, depending on the level of detail refinement. Up close, however, even the most expensive plastic bonsai will look unnatural. In addition, such trees are not ecological, which, due to the growing awareness of consumers, puts them in a losing position. An artificial bonsai tree is an ideal solution, but made only of natural materials. Although it is not alive and does not grow, it looks like a living plant. In Japan, the technique of making artificial bonsai even has a name - bonsai zokei. For this purpose, wood, bark fragments, stones, stabilized moss, artificial leaves or needles, as well as plastic mass, wires and rice paper are used. You can find trees of various sizes and shapes for sale, deciduous, coniferous and covered with flowers. Due to the great attention to detail, the process of creating one specimen takes up to a week for Japanese craftsmen.
Paprotarium bonsai trees
I pay the same attention to my trees. I am of the opinion that the elaborate details build a realistic picture of the whole. My aim is that the artificial bonsai trees made by me will surprise you with their natural appearance and are difficult to distinguish from living specimens, even up close. Unlike Japanese masters, I don't use any artificial components, especially no plastic needles or leaves. To create trees, I use only natural materials, such as moss, leaves or flowers, which have undergone a stabilization process. It consists in replacing plant juices with a glycerin-based solution that has preservative properties. Stabilized plants are no longer alive and do not grow, but they retain their attractive appearance for up to 10 years. The trees made with them are therefore characterized by the same durability.
Bonsai tree care
Artificial bonsai made of natural materials is completely maintenance-free. This means that you don't need (and shouldn't even) water it or trim it. You can also place them in a place completely devoid of sunlight. Due to the possibility of discoloration or drying out of moss and other stabilized plants from which the tree is made, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, near the hot or cold air outlet and right next to the radiator. In the article on moss in pots (you can find it here), I wrote about the myth that grew around stabilized moss. It is about its alleged anti-static nature, i.e. the lack of attracting dust. Unfortunately, no species of moss or stabilized plants have such magical properties. Therefore, artificial bonsai trees made of stabilized plants can also get dusty, just like any living potted plant standing in an apartment. However, this is not a major problem, because my trees are made in such a way that you can touch them and gently wipe them. However, remember to always do it without water. For cleaning amaranth and juniper trees, a duster is the best solution.