Bonsai Trees: Beautiful Living Sculptures

Penzai is an ancient Chinese practice of growing small plants in pots. Penzai literally translates to "tray scenery", but loosely means potted landscape. The practice moved through Asia and eventually into Japan. Bonsai trees, a Japanese pronunciation of Penzai, became popular during the Heian period in 794 to 1185.

The tree is of no use other than decorative. It is supposed to be contemplative for the viewer and an exercise in effort and ingenuity for the grower. There is no food or medicinal purposes for these plants. There are also no large-scale landscapes. As a result, the practice of Bonsai is very narrow and focused on one or a few plants in a pot.

One of the oldest known living examples is a National Treasure of Japan. It is a five needled pine considered to be at least five hundred years old. It can be seen in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection.

They can be made with nearly any material. As long as it is perennial and has woody growth, it can be made into one. It also should branch and remain small in containment with root and crown pruning.

Even though practically anything can be used in this craft, there are some favorite species. Plants with small leaves or needles make good fodder because they are visually appealing on the small scale. Ficus is also a good choice because it is easy for beginners and responds well to trimming and bounces back relatively easily.

Source material is the first question in any project. This can come from many different sources. Since an aged and weathered appearance is desired, starting from seed is usually not a viable option. Usually source material comes from partially grown and even mature plants.

Many techniques are involved in creating these living sculptures. Pruning is the first step to creating one. This involves cutting small pieces of branch, root, or trunk to achieve the desired effect. Leaf trimming is the most commonly used technique throughout the life of the tree. Wrapping wire around the branches will help hold the desired shape until the wood lignifies and can hold itself up. Clamping is an alternative to wiring when a tree is too tough. Grafting allows the grower to place new growing material in a place without foliage. Defoliation involves removing all the leaves off part of the tree. This forces new, tiny leaves to grow back in their place. Dead wooding is a technique in which all the bark is removed from a branch or the trunk to give the appearance of dead wood.

Bonsai trees can be beautiful sculpture to contemplate, a lifelong hobby, or both. The rich history and cultural significance make them a lovely addition to any home or garden.

It does not matter what type of bonsai tree species you have in your house. They are all beautiful; they all make excellent gifts and all of them require more or less the same type of care. Plant care is important whether you have an indoor bonsai tree or a bonsai ficus tree. Please visit our website for all the free information you'll need to get started.