WHAT IS BONSAI?
Bonsai is a Japanese art form that has originated from the Chinese art of penjing over a thousand years ago. The term bonsai roughly translates to "tray planting." It utilizes horticultural techniques along with artistic applications to cultivate miniature-scale trees that resemble older trees found in nature. The tradition has been refined over the last millennium to reflect the aesthetic qualities found in nature through balance, simplicity and harmony. A common misconception is that bonsai is a particular species of plant like the common juniper. You can bonsai almost any species of plant that forms a trunk and grows leaves.
WHY PORTULACARIA AFRA
MAKE THE PERFECT BONSAI
Portulacaria afra (aka dwarf jade or little jade) actually thrive on neglect as well as too much care. This amazing plant should not even be considered in the same category as a true succulents. Not only can you shape it into almost any style of bonsai, it also has the amazing ability to adapt to a dry desert climate or tropical rainforest. This makes it extremely versatile in it's growing environment. If you watered it daily, granted it's in a warmer climate in well draining soil, it will respond by growing very rapidly. But if you only water it once a month, it will conserve the water inside the plant and slow it's growth. You can go on vacation for weeks and not have to worry about having someone come and water your trees for you. This makes it an ideal species for bonsai.
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