Trees that Work Well for Bonsai Growing

Bonsai growing has Asian roots that go back hundreds of years in history. Bonsai, when translated, literally means two words: tray and growing. In a bonsai garden you can have specific trees, but many other plants can be made bonsai as well, with a little bit of work. There is some skill involved in bonsai growing. Many consider it an art form because of the work and care involved in transforming a tree or plant into a bonsai plant. Bonsai plants are sensitive and need to be repotted every few years. They also need to have their foliage and roots trimmed regularly.

The Best Type of Tree for Bonsai Growing

With a considerable amount of work, almost every type of plant or tree can be made into a bonsai plant. Some trees work better in this type of garden mostly because their roots and foliage can be easily manipulated, and they look attractive in pots and trays. In bonsai growing the gardener is required to regularly prune and shape a tree or plant. The majority of trees used are coniferous because they shape nicely, but other species such as the bamboo shrub are also acceptable.

The main criteria for a gardener when their choosing plants for their gardens is selecting one that can easily be trimmed and manipulated into a variety of unique designs and shapes. Very few fruit trees work well in bonsai growing, although it’s not impossible to get them to grow in this type of garden. Some people have had success making fruit trees into bonsai mostly because the types of fruits these trees produce are miniature.

The Art Of Bonsai Growing

Pot confinement and regular pruning of the crown and roots is crucial to the art of bonsai growing. These are the ways that a gardener can maintain the size of the bonsai-turned plant. While cutting and trimming must be done to bonsai plants, the plants also need a break from this. Pruning usually does not happen during the winter when the trees and plants are dormant or hibernating.

To help discourage rapid plant and tree growth, they are confined to a pot that allows for only limited growth.

Bonsai growing can begin from a seed. Plants and trees are also cut, grafted and air layered. There are almost as many bonsai growing styles as there are plants in this type of garden. Designed get their names from the way the trees and plants are manipulated. Some garden styles have been around for centuries and many can be found in Japan or China. Typically bonsai gardens in China and Japan are old because they’ve been well maintained for a very long time.