What is Bonsai Gardening and How Can You Get in on It?

Bonsai gardening entails nothing more complicated than growing miniature trees in pots. The name itself for these small trees simply means “tree in a pot”. The practice of Bonsai gardening dates back to the ancient Chinese, when the rich in that country would grow these tiny wonders as a novelty. Soon the practice caught on with those of all economic classes and traveled to Japan, where it caught on as a gardening practice for everyone and then spread throughout Asia.

As eastern practices influenced the west, Bonsai gardening was quickly adopted all over the globe. Bonsai trees are easy to grow, economical, and can be maintained indoors or outdoors. Whether you want to grow a Bonsai tree on your patio and have one in your cubicle at the office, some factors need to be considered to find one that will thrive in your chosen environment. By the 1960s everything from Zen Buddhism to IChing was in vogue, so naturally everyday folks wanted to bring some far eastern style into their homes.

Tips for Growing a Bonsai Plant

Like growing any plant, climate is the first consideration. There are two types of Bonsai trees, deciduous bonsais and evergreen bonsais. Both types of Bonsai trees go dormant during the winter months; however, evergreen bonsai trees keep their leaves like a Christmas Tree. It is best to leave both types of trees outside for their dormant period, as the colder weather rejuvenates them and helps them stay strong.

Growing a Bonsai tree indoors is more of a challenge, according to BonsaiMary, and gardeners need to be aware of the type of tree that will do best with limited sunlight and lack of exposure to natural elements. A couple of Bonsai plants that will do well indoors include the Ficus and The Dwarf Hawaiian Umbrella Tree.

The Juniper Bonsai is the most popular evergreen Bonsai due to its pine like needles and intricate shape designs. Deciduous Bonsai trees can be elms, maples, apricot trees or ginkos. Elms are a favorite for beginner Bonsai gardeners as they are relatively easy to prune. Bonsai maples turn glorious shades of gold and red, just like giant maples do, and can survive dormant in harsh weather. Ginkos last the longest, as they can live to be over one hundred years old.

There are a plethora of “how to” videos about bonsai gardening, particularly for the novice who needs step by step instructions for pruning. Some videos are type specific; however some like one from Bonsai Direct,  show the basics of shaping and tapering a Bonsai, no matter what their type or age:

Bonsai trees are available from specialty dealers online, as well as from your local gardening nursery. For best presentation, it’s best to imagine how tall you want your tree to grow (yes, they comes in sizes) and match the shallow pot they will grow in to size proportion. No matter how ornate the decorative pot, if it dwarfs your dwarf tree it won’t look balanced.

Costs to Grow a Bonsai Garden

It doesn’t cost a lot to start your own Bonsai garden. The most common types of Bonsai plants run from $30 to $100 a piece according to How Much Is It. There are some rare Bonsai tree plants that are sold at auction that can cost much more, according to age and species. Bonsai Ginseng says that the most expensive Bonsai tree is a Ficus Ginseng, that weighs 500 pounds and was sold for $60,000. Others claim to have Bonsais that are worth much more, however, some of these claims have not been verified.

Bonsai gardening is big business, where growers from all over the globe cultivate and ship all kinds of Bonsai trees. When buying online or from a catalog, be sure to ask about the price of shipping the tree, as it can not only cost more, but your tree may not arrive in peak condition if not sold by an experienced grower who knows how to pack and deliver. Before buying an overpriced plant, ask for verification of its age, and watch out for eBay deals that seem too good to be true. Check the ratings and customer satisfaction of purchasers, or you may end up with a dead or withering tree for your money.

Additional Tips

Wherever you buy your plant, it is imperative that you trim the roots and get it potted immediately. It is not a package to leave out on the porch or a plant to lay by the wayside. Bonsai plants don’t need much attention, but will not tolerate neglect. Simply lift the plant and inspect the underside. Once you trim some of the straggling roots, put the plant in water immediately. Save the trimming and shaping until your little tree has recovered from transport and has acclimated to its new home.

When trimming, keep in mind a little can go a long way. Instead of hacking off large pieces, prune it back a bit at a time until you get it to conform to the shape you imagine. Be careful to keep it moist but not overwatered, although most Bonsai trees can handle outdoor rain conditions that exclude flooding.

For absolute beginners, a $60,000 tree is not the place to start. A good Juniper Bonsai tree can be obtained for $100 or less and just like getting a pet, it’s best to get one at a time until you get the hang of caring for your small tree.

The size of your tree depends on your available space. If you have a large patio or yard garden area, you can accommodate a larger plant. If you will be Bonsai gardening on your desktop or windowsill, the smaller the better. You can still get that same “moment of Zen” from a large or small tree.

Bonsai gardening is relaxing as it requires no ladders, chainsaws or property permits. It just take a pair of clippers, some patience and a sense of artistic style. Bonsai plants are considered sacred, not only by those of Eastern cultures, but westerners who view them as a symbol of peace, tranquility and sustained life.