Japanese Traditional

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 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 the same as their bigger relatives.  It’s the careful cultivation that keeps these trees small.  Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however.  In fact, with the correct attention, the dwarfed version of a tree can live longer than the same tree if it was allowed to grow in the wild.

Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees usually grow from two inches to three feet in height.  They are kept miniture through pruning both branches and roots.  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 growing and cultivating of bonsai trees.  Bonsai trees are not only kept miniture, they are also formed into pleasing shapes.  They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from simple triangles to waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots.  The various shapes are usually a result of both the pruning of the tree and through 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.  Mosses and rocks are often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Taking care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than the growing of most houseplants.  Since the bonsai, by definition, has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs water and fertilizer more frequently than most garden-variety houseplants.  Pruining is also essential occasionally, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal size 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 to remain healthy. 

Koto & Shakuhachi – Japanese Traditional Music