Chinese Bonsai Tree
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History and Care of the Beautiful Bonsai Tree
The Chinese used the words penzai (tray plant) and penjing (tray scenery) to describe the art of crafting tiny, natural landscapes with small trees, rocks, water and other small sculptures. The Japanese pronounced the word as bonsai and it became the term used today to describe the art of pruning trees to keep them in miniature.
A true bonsaist might correct my use of the phrase Chinese bonsai tree, however, the practice does date back to China over 2000 years ago. Japan, however, became famous for these small trees and showcases some of the most beautiful bonsai and zen gardens in the world. It might even surprise you to know that the practice goes even further back than China and Japan. There's evidence the Pharaohs of Egypt also practiced the art of bonsai as many as 4000 years ago.
The art of growing bonsai trees was soon adopted in the Western cultures and the United States sports a large number of bonsai clubs and groups. These clubs provide a learning and knowledge network for new or experienced bonsai artists.
Regardless of where the term originated, the practice of making small landscapes and practicing the art of bonsai will soon have you realizing it's not an issue of control. Instead, it's an art form where you quickly realize you are more a fascinated support system for your small tree. It's an activity that is both rewarding and relaxing and a great way to spend some time.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Dave-F.
Chinese Bonsai Tree History
Bonsai and the Penzai
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/ / CC BY 2.0
You can trace the root of the bonsai back to ancient Chinese history where the Chinese practiced the art of "penjing" (also known as "penzai") which was the act of creating and pruning miniature landscapes. The Japanese art of bonsai derives from penjing. (source: Wikipedia)
There are dozens of styles of Chinese bonsai tree, each named after it's originating region in China. Different trees were used by the various regions based on the trees that were local to the area. Different trees also require different types of care and pruning to evoke the desired shape and smallness of the bonsai.
Chinese Bonsai Tree Landscape
Tree, water, and stone
To create a Chinese bonsai tree with the elements originally used in the plant tray, the Chinese combined the tree with water and stone to create a scene depicting certain aspects of life. The landscape may depict a view of a forest, a pond, or large rocks along a stream bed.
The trunks of bonsai trees are often noticeably different. They may be straight or slanted, gnarled, or thick and it is the play of the trunk against the tree and the other tray elements that makes the tree appear so much a work of art.
Bonsai artists find treasures for their landscape in forest walks, riverbeds, and along roadsides. Your eye will begin to find bits of nature that you can incorporate into your landscape as you design your own panorama.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kallu/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
Caring for Bonsai Trees
Free video demonstrations
Caring for a bonsai tree has long been an exercise in meditation - man (or woman!) bonding with nature, forced to think about their existence in relation to the tree itself. Creating a small landscape or bonsai tray requires dedication, commitment, and knowledge but it is a rewarding experience.
Bonsai trees can live very long lives - over a hundred years, in fact - with proper care and they are no less healthy or whole than their larger counterparts. Many kinds of trees and bushes lend themselves well to the art of bonsai and a tree can be started from seed, seedling, a very young tree or from a cutting.
Training the bonsai into the desired shape requires you become skilled in the art of wiring the tree with copper or aluminum wire to guide the shape of the tree, pruning the branches and new growth in order to maintain the desired size and shape, and periodically repotting the bonsai to keep it healthy.
Traditionally, there are five types of bonsai shape, referring to the trunk size and position and the shape of the tree top. However, as the practice has developed into a more expressive form of art and as a hobby, the beginner can take time to learn about these types and practice to develop their own style. Starting with an aged tree gives the beginner a more manageable experience.
These helpful, easy-to-follow videos will guide you in the skills required to care for your bonsai tree.
Where to Buy a Bonsai Tree
Best online selection
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uberculture/ / CC BY 2.0
Ficus 'midnight' - Large (ficus benjamina 'midnight')
$ 39.95 - New miniature cultivar of the popular ficus benjamina with very small leaves with very dark green foliage and compact growth habit. Great for indoors with low, moderate or high lighting conditions. 6 years old 11" - 13" tall Suitable 6" x 8" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $3.50. shipped UPS 2-3 days - $12.95.
Chinese Flowering White Serissa -Large Broom Style Tree of a Thousand Stars (Serissa Japonica)
$ 48.95 - Tree of a Thousand Stars. The Japonica has somewhat elongated spoon shaped shiny green leaves. It is a twiggy tree that grows tighter with shearing. This Northern Chinese Serissa has small white trumpet shaped blossoms and is trained into the traditional broom style with a full canopy. Easy indoor care. 12 years old. 7" - 10" tall Suitable 6" x 8" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $3.50. Shipped in 2-3 business days - $11.95.
Ficus Twist (Ficus Compacta)
$ 49.95 - This impressive broad leaf, trouble-free evergreen has much smaller leaves than the "Ficus Benjamina" and a full compact canopy - multiple trees fused together to form the trunk of this unique Ficus tree. Recommended for home office or dorm in low to high lighting conditions. Very easy care. 8 years old 10"-14" tall Suitable 6" x 8" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $3.50. Shipped UPS 2-3 days - $11.95.
Baby Jade/Water Pot Portulacaria Afra
$ 49.95 - This succulent bonsai, also known as the "Elephant Bush", is native to South Africa and has pale green leaves that are almost round and about one-third the size of the common Jade plant. The fleshy trunk, branches, and leaves are used to store water. An excellent bonsai tree for the home or office. 6 years old. 9" - 11" tall. Suitable 8" x 10" humidity tray is recommended for. To purchase add $4.95. Shipped via UPS 2-3 days - $12.95.
Green Emerald Ficus-Root over Rock (ficus microcarpa)
$ 59.95 - Also known as Green Island Ficus. Has oval to roundish dark green shiny leaves. Easily forms rosettes at the end of its branches if kept trimmed. Branches and fruits well and easily develops aerial roots when kept humid. Different than other Ficus varieties in that the leaves are much thicker. Does well in lower, medium or high lighting conditions. Ours has exposed roots growing over a textured rock and down into the soil. One of our favorites. Very easy indoor maintenance. 7 years old. 7"-8" tall. Suitable 8"x6" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase add $3.50. Shipped via UPS 2-3 days - $14.95.
Mount Fuji Serissa (serissa foetida)
$ 64.95 - Beautiful white, star-shaped, miniature flowers. This sub-tropical variegated evergreen, which is imported from Japan blooms profusely with delicate white miniature flowers. Trained raised root system gives the appearance of great age. Easy indoor maintenance. Excellent for beginners. 7 years old. 8" tall. Suitable 8" x 10" humidity tray is recommended. To purchase, add $4.95.Shipped via UPS 2-3 days - $13.95.
Bonsai Tree Delivery
Safe shipping guidelines
Bonsai trees have been available online for years and delivery is successful with a practice of fresh shipping procedures. A bonsai tree is usually kept fresh by the grower and, upon receiving an order, the grower will plan when to pick and package the tree so that it will arrive on your doorstep without having sat waiting for a delivery phase over a weekend.
The tree should arrive potted and will have been kept protected in its box during shipping so that no damage occurs to the trunk, branches or soil. A good grower will include instructions for how to unpack and prepare your tree for its new home.
Bonsai Tree Pictures
Serene and relaxing bonsai images
Photo used under Creative Commons from h.koppdelaney.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomsaint/ / CC BY 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36108419@N05/ / CC BY 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nimbupani/ / CC BY 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unforth/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/openeye/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clurr/ / CC BY 2.0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundazed/ / CC BY-SA 2.0
Bonsai Tree Forums
Finding other hobbyists
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The Bonsai Site Forums
This site has been in existence for quite a few years and the members continue to post frequently and are very supportive. There's a lot of useful information for beginners to enthusiasts and questions are generally answered very quickly. This is a great place to learn about growing Chinese bonsai tree very quickly.
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Bonsai Study Group
This is a very new bonsai forum that started less than a month ago but already has a strong following and good deal of information. This forum was started by an the current president of the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society and author of the blog entitled Matsu Bonsai. The blog rounds out the forum with additional information and study groups.
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Art of Bonsai
The galleries of bonsai trees on this site is worth a visit alone, however, it's also a great resource for bonsai enthusiasts and includes a community forum. Members include serious bonsai artists who have years of experience and a willingness to share their knowledge with others.
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Knowledge of Bonsai
This is another great site that combines galleries, a forum, bonsai articles, and a wealth of information to all topics related to growing and caring for bonsai trees.
Chinese Garden
Bonsai on Display
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Huntington Library
The Huntington Library in Southern California boasts over 200 acres of botanical gardens including a Chinese garden which has been under expansion since 2008. The gardens are immensely popular and visited by thousands of tourists on a regular basis.
Admission is free the first Thursday of every month.
Bonsai Tree Gardens
Huntington Library
This video shows a variety of the bonsai trees available for viewing at the Huntington Library Japanese Gardens in Southern California.
Bonsai Umbrella Tree
Visitor Comments
Stop and say hi!
Do you have a bonsai tree or a Chinese bonsai tree display and, if so, how old is your bonsai?
Share any bonsai tips you've learned along the way with future visitors to this site in the comments section below or just let me know you were here.
Thanks!
Credit to GR Sites for the borders.
Umbrella tree photo used from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/ / CC BY 2.0
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Steve_Kaye
Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:20 am | delete
- I've seen the bonsai trees at the Huntington, and they're absolutely fascinating. Thank you for publishing this lens.
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Calliope
May 19, 2011 @ 9:07 pm | delete
- What a lovely lens, inspiring me to consider a new hobby. Blessed
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Spook
Mar 7, 2011 @ 5:00 pm | delete
- One of my favourite things, love them and what an Art form.
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daisybeam Sep 26, 2010 @ 12:41 am | delete
- A great pleasure and a feast to eyes - that's how you can explain Bonsai. Very useful information on this lens.
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d-artist Jul 21, 2010 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- great lens...a ~"Squid Angel Blessing"~ and lensrolled to my Moss Garden lens
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Me? I'm just a busy mom with a hectic, full-time job who often procrastinates on her other home responsibilities by spending countless hours on the web... more »
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