Growing Bonsai Trees

The art of cultivating bonsai trees has been a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Bonsai literally translates to "tray planting," and involves actively cultivating 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 taller 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 dwarfed version of a tree can exceed the life expectancy of the same tree if it were grown 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.  They are kept small through pruning both branches and roots.  Additionally, new growth is often removed when they are periodically repotted. 

There is a much about art as there is about horticulture in the growing and cultivating of bonsai trees.  Not only are bonsai trees kept small, they are also shaped into pleasing forms.  They often follow a number of different growth patterns, 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 through the use of wrapping the trunk and branches with wire, pushing the tree into its desired shape.  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 often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining 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.  Pruining is also essential occasionally, 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.  Moisture is also important, not only in the soil but in the leaves and branches of the bonsai.  They need to be misted occasionally for the bonsai to develop healthily.