Understanding the Art of Growing Bonsai Trees

The art of growing a bonsai tree is an ancient and peaceful activity originating in Japan. Most people, when they think of a bonsai tree, just think about it being about growing very little trees, but it’s more than that. Bonsai tree growing isn’t something that can be just done on a whim. It is a rather complex, but relaxing method of growing a tree, taking care of it, and pruning it in an artful way to create a beautiful piece of living art that you are proud of.

Taking care of a bonsai tree is similar to how a sculptor or a painter creates art with their medium, taking time to learn the craft, then perfecting it through practice and finding focus and inner peace. Beautiful bonsai trees can be the culmination of a few years of work, or even generations of hands working together. Learning the art of bonsai trees requires much research, about the pruning techniques, species of trees and even the type of pot, like buying a ceramic bonsai pot for excellent moisture control.

What is a Bonsai Tree?

Bonsai trees are miniature versions of various full sized species of trees. The original bonsai trees were in Japan, so most of the oldest bonsai trees are species of trees from Japan. Buying a ceramic bonsai pot is an important aspect of the bonsai tree, as it gives a great base for the tree to grow in.

The History of Bonsai

Bonsai originated in Japan in the 6th century, borrowed from a similar technique in China called penjing. The earliest depiction of a bonsai tree in written Japanese history was in 1195 in the scroll Saigyo Monogatari Emaki. The art of bonsai was often performed by Buddhist monks and students, as part of their training for finding inner peace, and in turn taught the technique to political leaders. Buying a ceramic bonsai pot is the most common way to have a safe base for a bonsai tree, where original bonsai trees were grown in wooden trays and dish-like pots.

Appropriate Tree Species for the Art of Bonsai

The proper tree species for the art of bonsai in your area is going to depend on where you are in the world. Tropical trees for example, may not be suitable for more northern climates if you are choosing to have it outdoors all the time, or if you can’t get enough sunlight during the day indoors. Research which kind of trees flourish most in your area, and you may be able to find a bonsai version of that tree online, or from local plant nurseries when you are buying a ceramic bonsai pot. You can also attempt to bonsai a regular tree, although it may take more patience.

Choosing Between Indoor and Outdoor

One of the most important choices for bonsai is deciding whether you are going to plant your bonsai tree indoors or outdoors. If you are in a cold climate, the tree you choose may not be suited for snowy winters; conversely, if your home doesn’t have south facing windows, you may not have enough natural sunlight for certain species of indoor bonsai trees.

Finding the Perfect Pot

The base of your bonsai tree is the pot. Whether you have an indoor or an outdoor bonsai tree, buying a ceramic bonsai pot is likely to be the best choice for you. Ceramic bonsai pots with proper design, can give your bonsai tree the drainage it needs for moisture control, as well as being frost proof for outdoor trees.

Leaves & Soul offers a great selection of stylist ceramic bonsai pots, as well as other accessories for your bonsai tree care.