Bonsai trees are examples of an ancient art form, begun in China and further developed in Japan. In 1829, a definitive book on the subject was published in Japan and the whole nation became more involved in this practice of shaping nature to an artistic ideal. After World War II, many in the western world became bonsai enthusiasts also. There are now clubs, magazines, newsletters, training video, and many bonsai supply stores to serve the millions who enjoy these miniature trees.

Any tree or woody shrub can be used as a dwarf potted plant, but certain species are more suited to the purpose. Certain species are most easily adapted to the pruning of roots and branches necessary to restrain a mature plant to a size that can fit into a pot, and to provide the desired appearance. Plants with smaller leaves or fine needles, for instance, are better than a broad-leaved tree or shrub.

While any tree or woody plant can be trained to grow in a dwarfed and precisely shaped manner, there are species that are most readily adapted to the technique. In the United States, western species of juniper are used, and some forms of mountain cedar. For house plants, tropical and sub-tropical plants work best, while choosing a tree or bush that grows well in your particular zone and climate is wise for a garden accent.

Nurseries and online suppliers offer plants either already trained or suitable for the purpose. Seeds are also available, but the need for a strong trunk structure and woody growth make using a more mature plant easier. Some plants are more hardy, with growth vigorous enough to withstand the pruning of branch and root, and the occasional defoliation and bark stripping that some art forms require, while others are too easily damaged to make good subjects.

The first step is to educate yourself on the conventions of this way of miniaturizing and shaping plants. There are simple explanations that give the basics of the art on line, and many books on the subject. Conventional shapes range from upright growth to violent contortions. Creativity has resulted in many variations on the basic themes, but the tradition to be followed is part of the art.

The techniques of shaping, pruning, root pruning, and defoliation are part of the absorbing hobby. There are many techniques, such as starting a plant in a large container to achieve vigorous growth at first, and then later trimming all of it to fit into the traditional shallow bowl that is the classic bonsai container. A daring move is to remove all the leaves from a healthy miniature tree; the tree will put out new, generally much smaller leaves. The effect can be very pleasing, but the process seriously stresses the tree and cannot be done often.

There are many tools, training guides, exhibitions, and gardens where bonsai may be seen. Nurseries often sell them and they can be ordered online. The real fans of the dwarfed plants will want to create their own, seeing if they can achieve what their inner eye sees, and then hoping to keep the tree alive and conformed to the original vision year after year. There is a bonsai tree over 500 years old, revered as one of Japan’s great treasures.

Bonsai trees require dedication and commitment, since the tree is stressed and must be carefully watered, fertilized, and trimmed on a regular schedule. The rewards are great, however, both in beauty and in inner satisfaction.

Doc Number: 38573026583

If you’re interested in bonsai, then visit Gabriel Meriwether’s site and find out all about the ficus retusa.