Where does Bonsai originate from? The first known mention of a Bonsai was in an 800-year-old picture, discovered in an ancient temple in China, so it's very likely that the Chinese started growing Bonsai. The Japanese learned the Bonsai-art later on and discovered new ways to grow Bonsai. The first Bonsai trees were brought to the United States in the 20th century. Ever since Bonsai has grown increasingly popular. The literal translation of bonsai is "plant in a tray". Many people think Bonsai is a species of tree, but it really is a way of growing a tree in a way that it's small in size but still has all the characteristics of a full-grown tree.
There are many styles to choose from, any of the ten Japanese styles or why not choose free form to suit your personal taste. In Bonsai we try to imitate the natural tree around us Think about the Cascade-style, imitated from trees that carry so much snow on their leaves that the trunk bends to form a large loop.
Bonsai are planted in special Bonsai pots, usually from Japan or China. Normally Bonsai pots from Japan and China are of the highest quality, but therefore more expensive. The pots are made of high-quality clay and are baked on high temperatures so that they are hardy for very low and high temperatures. Trees which are still in development and not yet entirely formed are being planted in relatively large pots to provide room for a good root system. Trees are never planted from a large pot to a Bonsai pot in one time, because it takes time to let the tree get used to smaller pots. The value of choosing the correct pot is frequently underestimated. Only with the right pot can a Bonsai look natural, and beautiful. There are several matters concerned with finding the right pot for a Bonsai, like:- color of the tree, and possible flowers. The altitude and breadth of the tree.- The style in which the tree has been formed. In choosing the right pot size there are a few "rules" concerning choosing the right size of pot: the pot has to be something broader than 2/3 of the altitude of the tree. The pot must be wider than 2/3 of the breadth of the tree at trees which are wider than high. For high, slim trees the pot has to be something less broad than the breadth of the branches, the depth of the pot should be equal to the thickness of the root-trunk. The cascade style is an exception concerning the depth of the pot. When choosing the right form and color: the color and form of a Bonsai pot are very important. There are both glazed and unglazed pots, in several colors and sizes. The most striking color of the tree determines the color of the pot. This can be the color of the trunk, but also possibly flowers. A few tips: dark green and dark blue Bonsai Pots are for trees with a striking color like yellow, orange or red. Conifers and some pine-trees like blue, brown and unglazed Bonsai Pots. The pot should never be to striking so all the viewer's attention goes to the tree itself. The form of the pot is very important too, but herefore no special rules exist. It's mainly a matter of taste. Make sure the Bonsai pot you choose has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. Composition of your planting must be thought out. It's very important to place the trees in the right composition during the repotting: For square and round pots: in the middle. For oval and rectangular pots the tree should be placed just off center unless it is a formal upright, then the center would be the best place for it. The shape of your Bonsai pots depends on the tree and what feeling you are trying to exhibit.
Always remember Bonsai is for your enjoyment so design the tree to please you.