Vocabulary
- Cultivating
- Pruning
- Resembling
- Cuttings
- Neglecting
Article
“Bonsai” refers to the artistic practice of cultivating small trees in containers to make them resemble fully-grown, mature trees. Most bonsai trees are usually under 1 meter in height, and some can be only a few centimetres tall. There isn’t a specific “type” of bonsai tree; rather, many different species can be made into bonsai with the right care and pruning techniques.
Bonsai trees can live for a very long time—sometimes even hundreds of years. Historical records suggest that tree species resembling bonsai were cultivated in China as early as 700 AD. It is believed that the practice of growing bonsai was introduced in Japan between the 12th and 14th centuries.
You can purchase a young bonsai tree from a garden centre for as little as $20, but prices can vary significantly, with some bonsai trees selling for as much as $2 million in 1981.
For a more affordable choice, bonsai trees can also be grown from seeds or cuttings from existing plants.
When choosing a bonsai tree, think about the climate where you live and whether you want to keep it inside or outside. For example, ficus and jade trees like to be indoors, while juniper and elm trees prefer to be outdoors. Junipers are often recommended for beginners since they are easy to care for and retain their leaves year-round.
It is also important to think about how frequently to water your bonsai. This will depend on several factors, including the size and species of the tree, the current temperature, and the type of soil being used. Many beginners accidentally harm their bonsai trees by neglecting to water them properly. Therefore, many experts advise checking that the soil remains damp at least once a day to promote healthy growth.
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Speaking
- How interesting do you think bonsai trees are?
- Are you surprised how expensive they can be?
- Do you have any plants in your home? What are they?
- Are hobbies related to nature popular in your country?
- Are there any new hobbies you would like to try?
Writing
- What areas of your country would you recommend to nature lovers?
Listening
- Describe what happened in this video. How important is it to respect nature?
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