Bonsai trees

What's Bonsai trees?

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in small containers, which replicates the natural beauty and scale of full-size trees found in nature. Derived from the Chinese art of penjing, bonsai developed unique characteristics in Japan, emphasizing simplicity, patience, and harmony with nature. The word "bonsai" comes from the Japanese words "bon" (tray or pot) and "sai" (planting), symbolizing a tree’s journey over time and the careful attention it receives. Caring for bonsai requires detailed techniques, skill, and understanding of tree species, making it both an art form and a horticultural practice. Here’s an overview of the characteristics of bonsai, its maintenance, and price range.

Characteristics of Japanese Bonsai

Bonsai is more than just gardening; it’s a disciplined art form that uses techniques to shape and train trees to grow in specific ways. Bonsai artists replicate the appearance of aged trees and natural landscapes by shaping trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. Styles of bonsai, each inspired by natural tree forms, include the following:

・Formal Upright (Chokkan):
A single, straight trunk with evenly spaced branches, representing stability and strength.
・Informal Upright (Moyogi):
A curving trunk that gives a more natural look, symbolizing flexibility and resilience.
・Cascade (Kengai):
A tree that grows downward, resembling trees that cling to cliffs or slopes, representing endurance.
・Slanting (Shakan):
A style where the trunk grows at an angle, symbolizing a tree that has been shaped by wind or weight.
・Forest or Group Planting (Yose-ue):
Multiple trees are planted together, creating the effect of a miniature forest.

Japanese bonsai is distinguished by its minimalism, avoiding excessive decoration to let the natural shape of the tree shine. The container also plays a critical role in bonsai art, as the pot must complement the tree’s appearance and style.

Care and Maintenance of Bonsai

Maintaining bonsai is both a technical and creative process. Unlike traditional plants, bonsai trees require frequent attention, especially for pruning, watering, and repotting. Here’s an overview of the key maintenance steps:

1. Pruning
Pruning is fundamental to maintaining the shape and scale of bonsai trees. Branches and leaves are trimmed regularly to create and preserve the desired silhouette and to encourage smaller leaf growth. Pruning is typically done at least once a year, with certain species needing more frequent shaping. The roots are also pruned during repotting to prevent the tree from outgrowing its container.

2. Watering
Bonsai trees need frequent and precise watering since the small amount of soil in the pot dries out more quickly. Watering frequency depends on the tree species, pot size, and environmental conditions, but most bonsai trees need to be watered every day during the growing season. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

3. Fertilizing
Because bonsai trees are grown in limited soil, regular fertilization is essential to provide the nutrients they need. Fertilizer is typically applied every two weeks during the growing season, with adjustments based on the specific needs of the tree species. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium help promote healthy growth.

4. Repotting
Bonsai trees are repotted every two to five years to refresh the soil and control the root system’s growth. Repotting allows for root pruning, which keeps the tree small and maintains the balance between the tree and its container. Repotting is usually done in early spring before new growth begins.

5. Wiring
Wiring is a technique used to shape the tree's branches and trunk by wrapping them with aluminum or copper wire. By carefully bending the branches, artists can direct growth and create the desired shape. Wires are typically left on for a few months and removed once the branch holds the new position. Wiring requires experience and attention to avoid damaging the tree.

Price Range of Bonsai

The cost of bonsai trees varies widely based on factors such as the tree species, age, size, and style. Generally, younger or smaller bonsai trees are more affordable, while older, larger, or more intricate trees can be very expensive.

(1) Young Starter Bonsai:
Beginners can find starter bonsai trees in garden stores or nurseries for around ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 (about $20 to $70 USD). These are often younger trees, suitable for learning basic care and shaping techniques.
(2) Mid-range Bonsai:
Mid-range bonsai, often between 5-10 years old with some refinement, typically cost between ¥10,000 and ¥50,000 ($70-$350 USD). These bonsai have been shaped and pruned to some degree, offering a good balance of quality and affordability.
(3) High-End Bonsai:
Mature bonsai trees over 20 years old, especially those with intricate styling, can range from ¥50,000 to ¥300,000 ($350-$2,000 USD) or more. These bonsai are usually crafted by experienced artists and are displayed in exhibitions or sold in specialty bonsai nurseries.
(4) Collector’s Bonsai:
Some rare bonsai, such as century-old trees with historical significance or those exhibited in competitions, can sell for millions of yen (tens of thousands of USD). These are usually treasured by collectors and are symbols of dedication and artistry.