The Art of Cultivating Bonsai Trees

Bonsai tree cultivation is a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Bonsai literally translates to "tray planting," and involves actively growing and shaping trees into an artistic dwarfed version of themselves.  Bonsai trees are not special hybrids or dwarf species of common trees; they’re genetically identical to their much bigger relatives.  It’s the careful cultivation and shaping techniques that keeps these trees small.  However, the trees are not sick or damaged.  In fact, with the correct attention, 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 in height from two inches to three feet.  Through pruning both branches and roots bonsai trees are kept miniture in size.  Additionally, new growth is frequently pinched off when they are periodically repotted. 

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 frequently follow a number of different patterns of growth, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens.  The various shapes are normally a product of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the trunk and branches with wire, shaping the tree into its desired form.  The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself.  Mosses and rocks are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than cultivating most houseplants.  Since the bonsai, by definition, has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more frequently than most garden-variety houseplants.  Occasional pruning is also essential, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal large 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.