The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

Bonsai tree cultivation has been a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Literally translating to "tray planting," cultivating a bonsai tree involves actively working to shape a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself.  Bonsai trees are not special hybrids or dwarf species of common trees; they’re genetically the same as their taller brothers and sisters.  It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees miniture is size.  Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however.  In fact, given the correct care, the dwarfed version of a tree can exceed the life expectancy of the same tree if it were grown in the wild.

Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees usually range from two inches to three feet in height.  They are kept small through pruning both branches and roots.  Additionally, new growth is frequently removed when the bonsai plants are repotted periodically. 

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 patterns of growth, from simple triangles to waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots.  The shapes are normally a result of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the trunk and branches with wire, shaping the tree into its desired form.  Chosen to compliment the color and shape of the tree itself, the pots are also part of the art of bonsai.  Mosses and rocks are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than the growing of most houseplants.  Since the bonsai has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more often than most garden-variety houseplants.  Occasional pruning is also essential, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal size tree.  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.  Since moisture in the soil, leaves, and branches of the bonsai is important, they need to be misted occasionally if they are to develop healthily.