The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

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The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

The art of cultivating Bonsai Trees is a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years. Translating literally to “tray planting,” growing a bonsai tree involves actively shaping a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself. A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically identical to their much bigger relatives. It’s the Careful cultivation that keeps these trees small. Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however. In fact, given the proper Care, the bonsai version of a tree can live longer than the same tree if it was allowed to grow in the wild.

Bonsai trees can either be grown from seeds or from cuttings of trees, and they normally range in height from two inches to three feet. Through pruning both roots and branches bonsai trees are kept small. They’re also repotted periodically, and new growth is often pinched off.

There is a much about art as there is about horticulture in the growing and cultivating of bonsai trees. Bonsai trees are not only kept small, they are also formed into pleasing shapes. They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens. The shapes are usually a result of both the pruning of the tree and through the use of wrapping the branches and trunk with wire, shaping the tree into its desired form. Chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself, the pots are also part of the art of bonsai. Rocks and mosses are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal.

Taking care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining most housePlants. Since the bonsai, by definition, has has a smaller root system than most Plants, it needs water and fertilizer more often than most garden-variety houseplants. Pruining is also essential occasionally, since the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal big tree without pruning. Also, if wire is used to help mold and form the tree, it is important to take care that the wire doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree, scarring the branches permanently. Depending on the type of bonsai tree and your climate, you may be able to keep some bonsai trees outside year round, while others will need to be kept inside for at least part of the year. Moisture is also important, not only in the soil but in the branches and leaves of the bonsai. They need to be misted occasionally for the bonsai to remain healthy.

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