Bonsai plants have gained massive popularity recently. “bonsai” is Japanese, meaning “a plant in a container or vessel.” These plants are delightful to have in your house since they add a whimsical element to the indoor spaces where they are displayed. And even though cultivating these plants usually requires a lot of time and dedication, many people still enjoy investing in them. In fact, it has become so popular that there is an entire bonsai culture with conventions and gatherings. So, what makes these plants so popular in different parts of the world? Let us find out.
What are bonsai good for? Bonsai plants generally bring much peace and calm into your life, making it almost impossible to get frustrated or agitated around them. They are known to be great stress relievers and will make you patient since they require proper care to thrive. They give you a massive chance to learn life’s most important lesson – working hard and being patient. Bonsai trees also purify the air, maintain humidity, and promote healthy living.
This blog post highlights some benefits of bonsai plants in your home. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What Are Bonsai Trees
Let us first understand what bonsai trees are before we discuss some of the benefits that they offer. Bonsai is a unique art discovered many years ago in Japan and China.
However, the authentic bonsai culture is mostly associated with Japan. The practice is known as “penzai” or “penjing” in China.
Penjing is a Chinese term for potted plants that form a beautiful scenery and landscape. Penjing is a symbol of prestige and pride in China.
Even though Penjing was originally practiced in China, it grabbed the attention of the Japanese and became an essential Japanese art for many years.
The Japanese adopted bonsai art in the 12th century, and it became a significant part of their culture.
The term “bonsai” refers to a small presentation of a tree in Japanese culture. Unlike the Chinese art “Penzai,” which is mainly reserved for the elite, bonsai is a practice that can be done by anyone who has the patience and dedication to do it.
Recently, bonsai trees have gained immense popularity worldwide, and numerous people enjoy cultivating these plants indoors. They offer several benefits, such as stress reduction and air purification.
What Makes Bonsai Trees Different?
The truth is that bonsai is an ancient living art. It is unique and different from the traditional houseplants culture.
The atmosphere required for bonsai trees to survive and thrive is created and controlled 24/7.
You can create bonsai trees by finding a way to control the growth of certain trees by applying several techniques. These techniques include root pruning, wiring, and heavy crown pruning.
Unlike other houseplants, bonsai trees require constant effort and maintenance to maintain their miniature status.
These trees are slow growers, but their seeds are similar to regular trees. It is only that they are forced to remain small.
While bonsai trees are no different from conventional houseplants, they have been miniaturized by heavy pruning and restricting their roots.
Therefore, any woody or perennial tree capable of producing normal branches can be trained into a bonsai. However, some tree species are naturally bonsai.
Their relatively small leaves and needle-like structures make them a great option for creating a bonsai scenery and landscape.
Nearly all plant trees can be converted into beautiful bonsai trees, but the most recommended species include boxwood, maple, juniper, and ficus.
Bonsai trees are unique and appear beautiful because they combine human art and nature.
Every bonsai tree created represents the skill and art of patient humans willing to channel their inner creativity into making small trees with unique and stunning shapes.
What Are Bonsai Good For?
The beauty and elegance of having a small tree in your house are massive. Here are some reasons why more and more people opt for this miniature landscape art:
1. Air Purification
The truth is that all plants are a gift from nature to us. Plants produce their food through photosynthesis, consuming carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen.
The air we breathe may contain harmful toxins that can’t be seen. However, plants are known to eliminate a massive number of toxins present in the air.
Therefore, keeping bonsai plants indoors can help purify the air and maintain a healthy environment.
Furthermore, keeping these plants in offices or living spaces is critical in reducing volatile organic compounds, also known as toxins. The presence of toxins in the air can damage your internal body organs.
One of the most common and dangerous toxins in the air is formaldehyde in rugs, grocery bags, smoke, and even new furniture.
Bonsai plants are known to reduce formaldehyde’s presence in the air, making them an essential part of all indoor settings.
2. Stress Reduction
Every person experiences stress in their life due to various reasons. Fortunately, bonsai trees can help reduce stress levels by creating an aesthetically pleasing ambiance.
They are known to be very calming for the eyes and mind as they bring tranquility and peace.
Studies have shown that simply looking at bonsai trees can significantly change the mental state of individuals suffering from stress.
They are known to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, ease muscle tension and contribute to relaxation.
It is important to note that these plants do not help cure any form of mental illness but help reduce stress.
3. Maintains Humidity
Air humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. Generally, high humidity levels are beneficial for our body since it helps in keeping the skin and hair nourished.
It also provides a suitable environment for other indoor plants.
Bonsai trees come with well-structured tiny leaves that help maintain the humidity in closed environments like offices or homes. The more bonsai trees you keep indoors, the higher the relative humidity.
Furthermore, people suffering from respiratory ailments like asthma can benefit greatly from bonsai trees as they must ensure their environment has a higher humidity level to avoid further complications.
4. General Well-being
Staying close to nature makes a person happy. While caring for your bonsai plants, you will naturally feel good because you dedicate your time, care, and love to the plants. And you get what you provide.
As your plant grows and forms beautiful scenery, you will naturally fall in love with your passion and effort.
In fact, a full-grown bonsai plant teaches you never to give up in life. Instead, you should always be open to new lessons and experiences. Bonsai trees will lead you to make a healthy relationship with every situation you face in life.
Every time you examine and remove a damaged part of your bonsai plant, you learn how to let go of negative thoughts and traits that may be dragging you down.
5. Decoration
Are you looking to add life and vibrancy to your home’s indoor area? Bonsai trees are a perfect choice as they can act as an excellent décor piece. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile.
You can customize the bonsai tree’s shapes and positions per your home’s environment. All you need to do is learn the basics of bonsai gardening, buy a plant suited to your needs, and get creative with it.
6. Breeds Patience
Every bonsai tree is a result of hard work and patience. Typically, bonsai trees have a relatively long lifespan but will only thrive if you constantly take good care of them.
Bonsai trees require constant pruning, fertilization, and watering to thrive. You must invest much time and effort in every bonsai plant to get the best results. Whether you buy or grow the plant yourself, you need much patience.
It takes time for bonsai trees to grow compared to other houseplants. These plants will teach you patience and hard work. Plus, caring for them will harness a sense of spirit within you.
Remember that good things take time; having a beautiful bonsai landscape should be your long-term goal.
To achieve this, you need daily proactive and patience. So, keep doing what you do, and the results will eventually come.
7. Bonsai Trees Make You Creative
Lastly, bonsai trees open up a world of possibilities for creativity. You can experiment with various ideas and creative techniques to form different shapes, sizes, and styles.
This allows you to use your imagination and skills to find the right shape or design suitable for a specific tree species. The more you practice, the better you become.
So, start exploring the wonderful world of bonsai gardening and unleash your creativity. You can even find thousands of ideas on the internet with amazing images to inspire and motivate you.
Final Thoughts
Bonsai trees are a combination of human art and natural beauty. Keeping these plants indoors offers many advantages, including air purification, stress reduction, and general well-being.
Bonsai trees can be a great choice for those looking for an aesthetic way to bring nature to their homes.
However, it is important to remember that bonsai plants require careful and regular maintenance. Keeping the plant healthy requires patience and dedication, but the rewards are worth it!
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
