Bonsai is an art form enjoyed by all. It’s an inspiring way to connect with nature and nurture a thriving tree.
There are plenty of places online where you can purchase bonsai trees for sale. Popular destinations include:
What Is a Bonsai Tree?
Bonsai trees are miniature replicas of real trees that can be grown in a pot. This ancient Japanese art form, called penjing, was redeveloped in Japan under the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Bonsai trees come from a range of species and can be trained to take on many forms. Popular options include junipers, pines and maples.
Bonsai trees often grow in containers that replicate the environment they were inspired by. They may also be arranged in rows to evoke a forest or mountainous terrain.
In general, select a plant that is hardy and malleable so you can work with it while styling your bonsai. Furthermore, selecting an area suitable for growing the plant correctly will affect how it grows.
As a general guideline, try your best to keep your bonsai as natural-looking as possible. To do this, remove any leaves or branches with blemishes and any insects or other pests that could cause harm.
If you want your bonsai tree to appear more realistic, you can trim its foliage and wire its branches. Although this step can be costly, the end results will be worth the expense in the end.
Some bonsai artists are even capable of growing their own trees from seeds. While this can be an excellent starting point, keep in mind that results may take five or more years before you see any tangible progress.
Before beginning your own bonsai garden, there are a few essential things to know: how to care for the tree and decide on which plant type works best with your style of gardening. You can learn more about these vital topics on our bonsai techniques page.
Bonsai art requires both horticultural knowledge and artistic vision. You’ll need patience and determination as you nurture and train your tree into an exquisite masterpiece. It can be a labor-intensive pursuit, as you must contend against natural forces such as temperature changes that will come your way; but in the end you will have an impressive piece to proudly display in your home for years to come!
Bonsai Techniques
Bonsai is an art form that originated in China and has gained global acceptance. People love this art form for many reasons, the main one being that it helps people connect to nature more meaningfully. Furthermore, experts believe it to stimulate creative thought.
Create a successful bonsai by following good design principles, such as proportion, symmetry and natural appearance. Adopting these rules will help make your tree appear more realistic and believable.
When selecting your bonsai tree, the size should be taken into consideration. Ideally, your bonsai will stand under four feet tall for greater freedom when selecting its shape and style.
Although it may seem impossible, you can make your tree appear small and realistic by employing proper growing techniques. These include restricting container size, pinching buds, pruning/wiring branches and carefully restricting fertilizers. Additionally, severe root pruning helps retain the tree’s size and shape.
There are various styles of bonsai to choose from, each suitable for use with various plants and trees.
For instance, moyogi style evergreens are an excellent choice due to its bent and curving trunk. This style works best with junipers and other plants with more open shapes.
Bunjingi style is a more complex option that uses the shape of a tree to create dramatic effects. The trunk of this style resembles a forest, with the apex placed centrally. While this type of style may present beginners with some fun challenges, those with more skill and experience should find success creating it.
Another popular style is literati, which mimics the contours of a natural landscape. This makes it an excellent option for beginners since you can use various plants and materials.
For optimal results, remember that it is best to prune no more than one-third of a healthy tree’s foliage at once. This will minimize damage to the tree’s roots and promote growth.
Bonsai Styles
Bonsai trees near me for sale come in an array of styles and shapes, each representing the unique characteristic of the tree. Five basic styles exist: informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, group settings and multi-tree. You can combine these to create even more complex designs by layering different styles on top of one another.
Informal Upright: A straightforward style that’s simple to master. The trunk should taper from base to apex, with each branch starting about one-fourth of the way up. The branches should grow outward and away from the trunk for added visual interest.
This style is an organic way for trees to shape themselves naturally and can be incorporated into a variety of aesthetics. The trunk is thicker at the bottom than at the top, giving the illusion that the tree has more development.
On one side of a tree’s slanting trunk, its roots are well developed to support its weight; on the other side however, these roots are weaker to prevent it from leaning too far toward the sun.
Slanting: This style of bonsai mirrors the natural phenomenon when trees’ roots become bent to one side or lean due to wind pressure. It can be combined with other styles to create a multi-tree bonsai.
Slanting roots of this style may be buried beneath soil or wrapped around a rock, similar to Sekijoj or Ishituki styles. Unfortunately, it takes an extended period of time for this effect to develop as the tree’s roots need time to take hold of the rock.
Slanting branches of the style can also be angled to one side and wired for added effect. This style is popular due to its natural beauty as well as its adaptability.
Slanting styles can also be combined with other techniques to create slender, elegant trees. It is a great choice for both experienced gardeners and those seeking to experiment with various looks.
Trees may not be for everyone, but if you have the space and patience to care for them, they can make a stunning addition to your home or office. With an array of sizes and price points available, there’s sure to be the perfect tree for your space or garden. Plus, with standard or expedited shipping options available on most items, these trees can even be delivered right to your door!
Bonsai Care
Bonsai trees are miniature living plants that require the same level of care as an actual tree, yet can be enjoyed for years on end with stunning visuals and deep satisfaction. While this art form requires patience and time to perfect, the rewards of owning one will be immense – you’ll have your very own beautiful display for years to come!
Most bonsai trees require regular watering. You can check to see if your tree needs water by pressing down on the soil or moss around its trunk. If it feels moist or cool, then it’s time for a drink!
Never allow your tree to become bone dry, as this could damage its roots and put undue stress on it. To hydrate the soil, set it in a basin of water to saturate it; this will create air bubbles which indicate adequate hydration is taking place.
Bonsai are highly sensitive to temperature changes, so it’s best to keep them in an area with plenty of direct sunlight. You can also protect them from sudden freezes by moving them indoors when they start breaking dormancy.
Fertilizing your Bonsai regularly is essential. You can do this with either a specially formulated Bonsai fertilizer or general houseplant fertilizer, but be mindful not to over-fertilize as this could burn the roots and cause stress.
During the growing season, your Bonsai requires nitrogen to create new cells and grow healthy leaves. Fertilizers containing this are usually available at many gardening centers and can easily be applied with a watering can.
In addition to fertilizing, make sure your Bonsai tree receives adequate lighting. Most bonsai trees thrive with 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, both inside and outdoors.
Many major home improvement stores and online retailers carry an extensive selection of bonsai trees for purchase. Some retailers even offer same-day or specified-day shipping so you can get your tree planted promptly.
When shopping for Bonsai trees, it is essential that you choose one that reflects your aesthetic and lifestyle. Furthermore, consider how much space will be needed in the future for your new Bonsai.