Cultivating Bonsai Trees

The art of cultivating bonsai trees is a Japanese tradition stretching back hundreds of years.  Bonsai literally translates to “tray planting,” and involves actively growing and shaping trees into an artistic dwarfed version of themselves.  A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically the same as their larger brothers and sisters.  It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees small.  Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however.  In fact, given the proper attention, 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 usually range in height from two inches to three feet.  They are kept small through pruning both branches and roots.  They’re also repotted periodically, and new growth is frequently pinched off. 

Cultivating bonsai trees is actually as much about art as it is about horticulture.  Not only are bonsai trees kept miniture, 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 various shapes are normally a result of both the pruning of the tree and by the use of wrapping the branches and trunk with wire, pushing the tree into its desired shape.  The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the color and shape of the tree itself.  Mosses and rocks are often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

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