Episode: South Korea

Presenter: Neville Passmore

Bunjae is the Korean art of miniaturising trees and growing them in shallow containers.

If you want to take it to a higher level and create beautiful pieces of art then you do need to do a bit of study but its no grind, it just adds to the fascination of the wonderful world of Bonsai.

It is a very satisfying thing to see a potential shape in a young tree and to train it so that it takes on that special form.

Because of the shallow pots, Bonsai are prone to drying out, particularly during the summer. Every season you should apply a granulated wetting agent over the surface and then every time you water the moisture penetrates right through the mix and you don?t get those dry spots.

The mix is a critical factor in success as it needs to be gritty and free draining. The reason for this, is because you need to water your Bonsai plants more frequently than those in larger pots.

The mix has to be able to hold on to moisture well. Most Bonsai enthusiasts develop their own mix but Neville also recommends Yates Thrive Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix, which is lovely and gritty.

It is perfect for pouring straight out of the bag and into the bowl, when ever you are re-potting.

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