Bonsai Gardening Pots and Containers

The Japanese word for harmony is “wa.” This word refers to the harmony between individuals or between man and nature. You can refer to the elements of all the pieces of art when you say this word as well. The art of bonsai is fully immersed in this concept, coordinating species and styles of the bonsai and the tree itself.

You will need to consider a number of factors for ideal “wa” or harmony. Look to the color, material and shape and size of the tree to make sure that it receives the right pot for its needs. There are a number of preferences based on the wide variety of tastes in the world. Tradition and a sense of symmetry help to dictate which pots are best for the trees. In the end, you want balance in the overall design.

The size of the pot must balance the weight of moist soil and the tree itself. Bonsai trees are often displayed on a shelf or bench and they are easily tipped over since they are small and light. You will want a pot that steadies the tree.

Style is an important factor, but it holds a practical use as well. A kengai or cascade style or a han-kengai or semi-cascade style has a trunk and branches that go out of the box, or pot’s regions. In this case, the branches dip below the base of the tree, looking similar to a tree hung onto the side of a cliff under heavy snowfall.

A too-small pot will not be able to hold up the tree since it has too little soil to provide a strong base. Bonsai are not strong trees and one small accident can destroy years of work and effort.

The pot must also have enough soil and space to accommodate the roots for roughly two years. After that time, the bonsai tree will typically have to be re-potted in order to refresh the soil, trim the roots and maybe make the tree larger.

The pot that you choose needs to have a hole on the bottom with a mesh screen so that proper drainage is ensured. If you under or over-water the tree, it will kill it and one of the best ways to prevent that is through proper drainage now.

Depending on the species of your bonsai tree, you can find a variety of pot sizes and specifics. For example, some trees will need certain watering conditions that will not work out elsewhere. If you have a flowering or fruiting tree, you will need more water and the tree will tolerate wet conditions better than conifers, for example. Conifers will need a dry period before watering for best results.

Only through experience and in combination with your own personal aesthetics will produce the best pot for you. There are a number of great choices, fortunately, that you can use as a guideline or to help guide you in the direction of what you prefer. Since some bonsai trees can live to be 200 years old, the pot is an important part!

         

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