The Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

Bonsai tree cultivation has been a Japanese tradition stretching back 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 much larger relatives.  It’s the careful cultivation that keeps these trees small.  However, the trees are not sick or damaged.  In fact, given the proper 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 normally range from two inches to three feet in height.  Through pruning both roots and branches bonsai trees are kept miniture in size.  They’re also repotted periodically, and new growth is frequently pinched off. 

There is a much about art as there is about horticulture in the cultivating of bonsai trees.  Bonsai trees are not only kept miniture, they are also shaped into pleasing forms.  They often follow a number of different growth patterns, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens.  The various shapes are usually a product of both the pruning of the tree and by 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 often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than taking care 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.  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.  Since moisture in the soil, leaves, and branches of the bonsai is important, they need to be misted occasionally to remain healthy.