How to Create Bonsai on Rock
Some of the most dramatic bonsai styles use rocks to create a rugged natural landscape. Sometimes the bonsai trees and shrubs have roots trailing over rocks, and sometimes trees and plants are manipulated to appear to be growing out of the rocks themselves (Ishitsuki). These bonsai styles are part of an ancient art, and with some time and patience you can re-create these planted rock designs.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Rock
- Small plants
- Anchorage wire
- Waterproof adhesive (bonsai adhesive)
- Peat
- Moss
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- Clay
- Pot
- Spray mister
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Creating Bonsai on Rock
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1
Use volcanic conglomerate rock to make the most dramatic bonsai designs. This type of rock is an amalgamated mass of different rocks that have been pressed and bonded through volcanic activity. Other good choices are non-sedimentary rock that has hollows that can work as natural pots. If you will need to create your own depressions, choose rocks that are relatively soft but don't shatter easily.
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2
Imagine the scene you are trying to create and select the rock accordingly. A craggy rock would be effective in a mountain scene, for instance. The unique features of the rock will be important because they provide interest to the arrangement.
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3
Select a front and back for the rock, and design your scene with that orientation in mind.
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4
Choose a pot that is large enough to balance the rock you've chosen. You aren't limited to placing dirt in the pot. With a smooth rock, you can create a water scene, filling the pot with water instead of dirt.
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5
Create anchorage wires by cutting a 12 inch to 14 inch length of 2.5mm copper wire and wrapping it once around a chopstick or other circular object in order to make a ¼ inch loop. Hold the loop firmly with a pair of pliers and pull both ends straight up. The loop will be glued to the rock and the ends will be used to wire each plant in place.
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6
Select plants for your scene that are consistent with the landscape you are creating. They should be small and help maintain a sense of scale. Good choices are cotoneaster, dwarf thyme and rosemary.
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7
Create depressions in the rock if needed. This may require a hammer and chisel.
Preparing for and Adding Plants
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1
Glue anchorage wires in the depressions where you will be placing plants. They will be holding each plant's roots in place. Use a bonsai or waterproof, permanent adhesive. Place two or more anchorage wires in each depression.
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2
Mix equal parts clay and water-soaked peat to make a base for each plant's roots. Place a layer into each depression. Set each plant in place, positioning the roots onto the peat mix.
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3
Cover the roots with more peat mix.
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4
Using pliers, anchor the plant in place with the wire.
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5
Repeat for all the plants.
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6
Cover the roots and wire base of all plants with water-soaked moss.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When wiring plant roots, use caution. Roots are delicate and tear easily.
