Growing Bonsai Trees

Bonsai tree cultivation has been a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Bonsai literally translates to "tray planting," and involves actively cultivating trees into a dwarfed, artistic versions of themselves.  Bonsai trees are not special hybrids or dwarf species of common trees; they’re genetically the same as their much bigger brothers and sisters.  It’s the careful cultivation that keeps these trees small.  Surprisingly, the trees are not damaged by this process, however.  In fact, with 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.

Grown from seeds or cuttings, Bonsai trees usually grow in height from two inches to three feet.  Through pruning both roots and branches bonsai trees are kept miniture in size.  Additionally, new growth is often removed when they are repotted periodically. 

There is a much about art as there is about horticulture in the cultivating of bonsai trees.  Not only are bonsai trees kept small, they are also formed into pleasing shapes.  They frequently follow a number of different growth patterns, from elaborate waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots to simple triangular pattens.  The shapes are normally a product of both the pruning of the tree and by the wrapping the branches and trunk 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.  Rocks and mosses are often added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Taking care of a bonsai tree is more complicated than maintaining most houseplants.  Since the bonsai, by definition, has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more often than the majority of garden-variety houseplants.  Occasional pruning is also essential, since the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal big tree without pruning.  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.