Growing Bonsai's eBook

Bonsai first appeared in China over a thousand years ago on a very basic scale, known as pun-sai, where it was the practice of growing single specimen trees in pots. These early specimens displayed sparse foliage and rugged, gnarled trunks which often looked like animals, dragons and birds. There are a great number of myths and legends surrounding Chinese bonsai, and the grotesque or animal-like trunks and root formations are still highly prized today. Chinese bonsai come from the landscape of the imagination and images of fiery dragons and coiled serpents take far greater precedence over images of trees- so the two forms of this art are quite far apart.

Bonsai are miniature trees grown in pots. The aim of bonsai culture is to develop a tiny tree that has all the

elements of a large tree growing in a natural setting. This look is achieved, principally, by branch and root

pruning and shaping, but other factors are also important. The texture of the trunk, its look of age, the moss

and the under plantings in the container — all contribute to the illusion of a miniature tree as it is seen in

nature.

A presentable bonsai can be created in a few seasons. Cultivating these miniature potted trees is both an

intriguing hobby, and a means of adapting a wide range of plants to specialized and decorative uses. Bonsai

require daily watering during their growing season, and, because the plants are rooted in shallow pots,

careful pruning.

Bonsai are kept outdoors most of the year, but — from time to time — these miniaturized versions of nature

are brought indoors for display. Only certain tropical trees, shrubs, and vines can be continually kept indoors

full time as bonsai. 

Bonsai, as an art form, stems from ancient oriental culture. It originated in China and was developed by the

Japanese. In the 13th century, the Japanese collected and potted wild trees that had been dwarfed by nature.

These naturally formed miniatures were the first bonsai.

When demand for the small trees outstripped the supply, Japanese gardeners began to train bonsai from

native trees. They shaped the trees to give them the illusion of age and naturalness. Over the years, the

Japanese devised standards of shape and form, which gradually began the classic bonsai styles.

American bonsai are much freer in concept and style than Japanese bonsai. American bonsai growers

have recognized that the horticultural and aesthetic rules are important, but are specifically aimed at

Japanese culture. Because of this, Americans have taken oriental styles and applied them to plants never

grown by the Japanese. Therefore, the rigid procedures and names used by the Japanese are not used in

this bulletin.