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The Art of Bonsai Trees
The art of growing bonsais is an ancient oriental tradition, in which bonsai means "tray gardening". There are traces of bonsais (miniature trees or bushes) in Egypt, Japan, and China, and it was considered that the miniature tree would have concentrated the powers of the actual-size tree.
Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The branches, leaves, and roots need regular pruning to maintain the shape of the plant. Pinching is also required and even the use of small Bonsai wires to keep the branches growing in a certain way.
Because the root system is very small, bonsais need to be watered regularly and properly. They are also very sensitive to excessive heat (which makes water evaporate quicker), sun, and wind.
Types of Bonsai Trees
Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an art and there are different styles that apply to different types of bonsai trees. The basic five styles are formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi-cascade, and windswept.
The cascade style is probably the most interesting to display, as the branches of the tree eventually reach a level below the base of the pot.
For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic beauty and are meant to evoke the spirit of the plant being used. This may also include the use of rocks, mountains, or water features to recreate the surroundings of the actual tree in reality.
This also includes choosing the most appropriate bonsai for an environment. There are outdoor and indoor bonsai trees, and the Japanese placed them to suit a certain space with a type of spirit. Not all bonsai trees should be, according to this tradition, displayed in any place.
A bonsai is a very elegant tree to display outdoors, and it makes an interesting choice for an indoor spot. Get yourself started today with a Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (considered by some as the best bonsai for a beginner) and enhance the appearance of your chosen spot.
New with bonsai trees?
Check our Bonsai trees for beginners.