About Bonsai Trees

The word bonsai is Japanese and means miniature tree. These dwarfed trees have been around for more than two centuries and have been used as decoration throughout Asia.
Bonsai trees are not a specific kind of tree, but rather any tree that has been made miniature through pruning of the branches and roots.

History

People first started growing bonsai trees in China about 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. After its origination, the practice spread and developed throughout Asia, with each country creating its own techniques. The Japanese especially became involved in using bonsai trees to decorate both the inside and outside of their homes.

Types

In the United States, there are eight common types of bonsai trees. Each style is named for the type of planting that is used and the tree's position relative to the soil. The most popular styles are the formal upright style, informal upright style, slant style, cascade style, semi-cascade style, raft, literati, and group/forest. Other less popular styles include the root-over-rock style, broom style, multi-trunk style, and the growing-in-a-rock style.

Considerations

Bonsai trees require constant care and attention. Bonsai trees require pruning of both the roots and the branches in order to maintain its appearance. They also require constant attention to the amount of water and sunlight they are receiving. Bonsai trees can dry out very quickly if they are exposed to drought or wind. It is important to ensure that they have an adequate water supply and are not exposed to too much direct sunlight.

Misconceptions

Bonsai trees are not genetically small trees, but regular trees that are kept small through the pruning process. A bonsai tree is not an official type of tree, but can be created out of a number of different types of trees. Copper wires are often used to assist in the process of creating the dwarfed look of the tree. Methods of stripping the bark from the branches and trunk are used to make young trees look much older.

Expert Insight

Bonsai trees require a long dormancy period in which they do not grow. This attribute was developed to help protect the tree from harsh winter conditions. Even bonsai trees that are cared for indoors will go through this dormancy period. This is because this attribute is part of the tree's genetic code. Most trees require at least one thousand hours of cold weather before they become active again. Without this minimum amount of cold weather, the tree will grow for about two years, then die.

Resources

• Dormancy and Indoor Bonsai
• How to Grow and Care for Bonsai Trees