The document provides an introduction to the art of bonsai, describing its history originating in areas that are now part of Pakistan, techniques used including pruning and wiring, essential materials needed, and care instructions. It also shares information about the presenter's background and involvement in bonsai as well as the Pakistan Bonsai Society.

1. INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI
Presenter and demonstrator: XIA MUJAHID

2. ABOUT THE PRESENTER
 I’m Xia Mujahid, Member Pakistan Bonsai Society.
 Associated with Pakistan Bonsai Society Since 2008.
 By profession I’m Microbiologist, working as a clinical researcher at
Aga Khan University.
 Bonsai is not just my hobby but it’s a drug of choice for me.

3. WHAT IS BONSAI?
 “Bon” is a dish or thin bowl (“a modified vessel which has been divided
or cut down from a deeper form”).
 “Sai” is a tree or other growing plant which is planted.
 “Bonsai” thus means or denotes “a tree which is planted in a shallow
container".

4. HISTORY
 The history of bonsai dates back to as far as 3000 years ago.
Evidence exists that this art may very well have evolved in areas
which now lie within the boundaries of Pakistan.
 Budhist monks living in and around Taxila and Gandhara
Civilization, used to collect samples of trees and herbs from
mountains and high grounds for their medicinal properties. Then
they started to grow them in pots or more accurately, trays.
Hence The Art of Bonsai evolved.
 Then the migrating monks carried it to China and then to Japan
with them. It was in Japan where this art truly flourished, refined
and ultimately became a part of Japanese culture.
 It is known as the only LIVING ART form in the world. And those
who practice it, are called ARTISTS.
.
This picture is the earliest illustration
of a penjing is found in the Qianling
Mausoleum murals at the Tang-
dynasty tomb of Crown Prince
Zhanghuai, dating to 706

5. OLDEST BONSAI TREES IN THE WORLD
Ficus Bonsai tree at
Crespi, Italy over a
1000 years old!
Juniper Bonsai tree
at Mansei-en, Japan -
tested and proven to
be over a 1000 years
old
An 800 year-old
Bonsai tree also at
Shunkaen

6. THE 390 YEARS OLD JAPANESE WHITE PINE
THAT SURVIVED IN HIROSHIMA

7. HOW TO GROW BONSAI TREES?
 From Seed:
It requires years of patience and dedication.
1st years 2nd years 3rd year 5th year 10th year

8. 15th year

9. HOW TO GROW BONSAI TREES?
 By cutting or pruning:
This is a shortcut method of growing bonsai in less
time.

11.  This is how it looks like today

12. TECHNIQUES USED IN BONSAI
 Pruning
 Wiring
 Root training
 Styling
After this presentation we will demonstrate you how we use these techniques.

13. BONSAI STYLES
 Bonsai styles are basically inspiration from nature.
Few of the examples are presented here.

26. COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE BONSAI
These are commercially available grafted ficus plants, but nurseries sell
them as Bonsai

27. These kind of plants are called TOPIARIES not BONSAI!

28. ESSENTIALS IN BONSAI
 Bonsai Soil
 Pots/Containers
 Tools
 Wires
 Fertilizer
 Watering
 Lighting

29. BONSAI SOIL
 There are a number of qualities that are required in a good soil mix
Good water-retention
Good drainage
Good aeration
Balanced nutrients

30. BONSAI SOIL COMPONENTS
 The most important components for Bonsai soil
mixtures are Akadama, Pumice, Lava rock, organic
potting compost and fine gravel (grit).
Organic potting compost Akadama Pumice lava rock

31. BONSAI POTS/CONTAINERS
 Many containers can serve as a pot for a Bonsai, if they meet certain
requirements.
Drainage holes
Wiring holes
Pot Legs
 They may be made out of ceramic, concrete or plastics.
 But classic Bonsai pot is that is made of ceramic or porcelain.

32. BONSAI TOOLS
 Proper equipment is very important for the training
and care of Bonsai trees. You must be able to
execute accurate cuts on the trees, with a special
profile and clean, even edges.
 Following are some basic tools for beginners:
Pruning Shears
Side branch cutter
Concave cutter
Wire cutter

33. BONSAI WIRES
 Wiring is a technique to train and style Bonsai
trees. By wrapping wire around the branches of a
tree you are able to bend and reposition the
branches.

34. BONSAI FERTILIZER
 Bonsai are planted in small pots and need to be
fertilized in order to replenish the soil's nutritional
content.
 Fertilizing regularly during the growth season is crucial
for your Bonsai to survive.
 Organic fertilizer are best for plant health.
 Inorganic fertilizers can also be use in diluted form.

35. WATERING
 A thumb rule of watering for every plant health is,
“Water well, when dry well” Khalid Suhail.
 Use a very fine spray, don’t blast the tree with the end of the garden hose.
 If the soil is damp about an inch down, then it’s time to water.
 The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely
 Rainwater is best

36. BONSAI AS INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?
 A common misconception about Bonsai trees is that
they should be kept indoors. In fact, most Bonsai
trees should be placed outside, where they are
exposed to the four seasons just like normal trees
are.
 Bonsai are kept indoor only in exhibitions or when
frost occurs outdoors.

37. ABOUT PAKISTAN BONSAI SOCIETY
 The Pakistan Bonsai Society (PBS) was formed in
August 1998 by a group of dedicated bonsai
enthusiasts in Karachi.
 Our objective is to enrich and advance the art of
Bonsai in Pakistan. Its purpose is to help people in
learning this ancient art by arranging workshops
and exhibitions.
Pakistan Bonsai Society
www.pakistanbonsai.org

38. Great Grand Bonsai Master Charles Ceronio (Late)
once said during one of his workshops
“There are no rules for creating your own bonsai,
these are just guidelines”

39. Now we will do some work on a nursery stock plant
 Prune
 Wire
 Trim
 Repot