Contents
what is a bonsai
The name Bonsai literally indicates a “potted plant”, which is a plant that stands in a low container and is of Japanese origin. The origin of the name, however, does not correspond to the origin of this art form of gardening which originated in China more than two thousand years ago. In the West, these small trees were introduced in the 20th century and did not find positive reviews until the 80s-90s. Nowadays they are very popular because, given the small size and the harmonic shapes that can be obtained, they can be grown both in apartments and on balconies. The initial choice of bonsai must start from this choice: buy an indoor or outdoor plant because, being delicate plants,
The shape and size of the bonsai pot.
The shape and size of the bonsai pot varies depending on various factors, both aesthetic and functional for the plant (larger during the growth period and smaller once the roots have developed and pruned). Indeed, the size of the pot must be proportional to your tree, follow its shape without unbalancing it (the direction of the branches is fundamental, it depends on its tendency, whether vertical or horizontal, and if it is lateral, the bonsai must be harmoniously decentralized) and is modified during the growth period until the desired result is achieved. Another important consideration is the variety of plants: some are considered male due to their vigorous stem, obvious bark and conical trunk shape (e.g. conifers), others also feminine due to their more delicate, sinuous appearance and smooth bark (for example, Japanese maple). A sharp-edged shape is more suitable for a male bonsai, a rounded shape for a female bonsai.
Information on the measurements of the pot and the choice of material.
There are many varieties of bonsai pots, varying in shape and size, both in width and depth. If, as already mentioned, a young plant needs space to take root well, after the root system has developed, it can be pruned and the tree can be planted in a smaller pot. According to the aesthetic canons, the vase should measure 2/3 of the height of the plant, if it is rectangular, and a diameter of about 1/3 of the height of the trunk if it is round. Height, on the other hand, depends on the structure of the roots themselves, or whether they tend to widen or deepen. As for the material, it is a purely aesthetic and personal choice. There are glazed and terracotta vases, decorated with bas-reliefs,
Even the color of the bonsai pot is an indication of the personality of those who chose it. It is possible to seek a harmony between the plant and the chromatic range or a clear contrast, which is however not typical of the art of bonsai, always in search of the “potted” reproduction of nature, or to highlight the particularities of the tree. the color of your vase. If the plant produces brightly colored flowers or fruit, a polished or painted enamel vase replicating the same color may be indicated; if the flowers are white, a brown one is preferable, for the delicate red maple a terracotta one of oval or round shape, blue for flowering plants like azaleas, green for trees with a light trunk and not excessively conical,