A Glossary/Dictionary of Bonsai Terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Kansui | Kansui is a Japanese term for watering of plants, especially bonsai. It is also called mizukake, mizukure or mizuyari. Watering is an essential skill for bonsai care, as it replenishes the water that is lost from the soil and the leaves due to evaporation and transpiration. Watering also helps to flush out excess salts and fertilizers from the soil, and to maintain a healthy balance of moisture and air in the root zone. Watering bonsai requires attention to the type, size, shape and material of the pot, the type, quality and composition of the soil, the species, age and health of the tree, the season, weather and climate conditions, and the location and environment of the bonsai. There is no fixed rule or schedule for watering bonsai, as each tree and situation is different. The best way to determine when to water is to check the soil moisture by feeling it with a finger or using a moisture meter. The soil should be slightly moist, but not wet or dry. Watering bonsai should be done with a gentle spray nozzle or a watering can with a fine rose attachment. The water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer, and free of chlorine and other chemicals. The water should be applied evenly over the entire surface of the soil, until it drains out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. The excess water should be removed from the tray or saucer under the pot, to prevent root rot. Watering should be done in the morning or evening, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Watering bonsai is not only a practical task, but also an artistic one. It is a way of communicating with the tree, observing its condition and needs, and creating a harmonious relationship between the tree, the pot and the environment. Watering bonsai is also a way of expressing one's appreciation and respect for nature and its beauty. |
| Kanuma Soil | Kanuma soil is a type of soil that is mainly used for bonsai trees, especially those that prefer acidic conditions. It is derived from weathered volcanic pumice stone that is mined, processed and baked in the Kanuma region of Japan. Kanuma soil has the following characteristics:
Kanuma soil is suitable for succulents that can tolerate or benefit from acidic soil, such as azaleas, camellias, gardenias and some cacti. However, it should not be used alone, but mixed with other components such as coarse sand, gravel and potting soil to provide a more balanced and stable medium for the succulents. |
| Kanumatsuchi | A "Kanumatsuchi" is a type of soil for bonsai, which is a very light and porous rock of volcanic andesite quality. It is a substance that erupted from the central crater of Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and is found in areas from Tochigi Prefecture to the seashore of Ibaraki Prefecture. The name Kanumatsuchi comes from Kanuma, a region where thick layers of this rock are found. Kanumatsuchi has many capillary holes on the surface of the grains, which make it excellent for air permeability and drainage capabilities. It is suitable for bonsai plants that prefer acidic soil, such as azaleas and camellias. |
| Karai | Karai is a term that means the limited volume and number of times water and fertilizer are given to trees, especially bonsai. It is a technique to control the growth and shape of the bonsai by creating a balance between the nutrients and the water in the soil. Karai is also related to the concept of "wabi-sabi", which is the aesthetic appreciation of imperfection and transience in nature. By applying karai, bonsai artists can create a miniature representation of the natural beauty and harmony of trees. |
| Karamine | Karamine is a term used in bonsai art to describe roots that are intertwined with each other. It means "roots are tangled together" in Japanese. Karamine is considered undesirable for the aesthetic appearance of the bonsai, as it makes the nebari (visible roots of a tree) look messy and unnatural. Therefore, karamine roots are usually untangled or cut off during repotting. |