Bonsai - Styles, Plants and Containers | Bonsai plant | bonsai tree | plants| gardening | bonsai tree for beginners | bonsai techniques | characteristics of plant suitable for bonsai | pots or containers for bonsai

Bonsai - Styles, Plants and Containers

Styles of bonsai

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■ The word Bonsai comes from the Chinese Penjing and in Japanese "bon" means "shallow pot" and "sai" means "plant", which translates to "plant in a tray".

■ Bonsai is the art of growing trees, proportionately in small containers, occasionally combined with rocks of many shapes, treating them with certain techniques to reproduce in miniature the majestic appearance of large old trees or landscapes found in nature.

■ In recent days, the demand for bonsa has been growing rapidly by leaps and bounds and has achieved exclusive sector status in the landscape gardening industry.

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Bonsai styles

There are many styles of bonsai which have developed over the centuries. The following are the main classic styles of bonsai.

1. Formal upright style (Chokkan): in this style the branches grow symmetrically and horizontally around the straight upright trunk.

2. Rolled Trunk Style or Kyokkum / Curved (Moyogi): In this style the plants maintain a very natural look with the help of the curved nature of the trunk. The branches decrease in size upwards, also growing at the edges of the curves.

3. Tilted / inclined trunk (Shakakn): the trunk tilts to one side, the branches are arranged horizontally, shooting in all directions. Superficial roots clearly visible on the opposite side to the lean.

4. Windswept style (Fukinagashi): differs from the previous style in that the branches grow only on one side of the trunk. This gives the impression of continuously blowing from the direction.

5. Broom Style (Hokidachi): This style has the broom-like appearance without flipping. Spread the branches in a fan shape, being able to occupy half of the total height of the tree. The trunk is erect.

6. Cascading Style (Kengai): Branches that grow beyond the edge of the container chosen for this style are tall enough to best show the cascading effect.

7. Multiple trunk or cluster style (Kadudaki): Trunks are allowed to grow a single root, to which several shoots have been attached. The result of this is a small group of trees. Generally, they should form an odd number, but if only trunks appear, they must be of different sizes.

8. Raft Style (Ikuabuchi): This style creates a drooping trunk effect, which has its roots downwards and branches upwards. The final impression, quite original, is that of groups of single plants emerging from a horizontal trunk.

9. Bosco (Yose ue): In this fascinating style, in a single container, many of the individual plants of the same species are placed in the right proportions.

10. Twisted trunk: the trunk decreases in size towards the top and gives the impression of twisting on itself; the branches sprout in all directions.

11. On the rock: the piece of rock is suitably positioned in the container to be finally embraced by the roots of the bonsai. However, this sinks to the ground below. Once the sapling begins to grow and take root in small cavities in the rock, what is known as a "rock plantation" can be achieved.

12. Memo bonsai / Mini bonsai / Disc bonsai - Plants often are no taller than 8-15 cm (3 to 6 inches) and grow in containers no larger than a trunk.

Characteristics of plants suitable for bonsai.

The suitability of plants to develop a bonsai plant depends on several factors.

1. The plant must be hardy so that it can be grown in a small container for many years with all the manifestations of a living plant.

2. The trunk must develop a natural appearance.

3. Branches should grow naturally but artistically.

4. The growth and appearance of the plant must be in harmony with the shape of the container.

5. The miniature plant showing seasonal variations in growth and flowering is a very interesting feature of bonsai.

6. Plants of low height and strong trunk, often at the base, do well as bonsai.

Bonsai pots or containers

● The pots and containers used for bonsai vary in material, shape and size.

  ● Small ceramic or earthenware pots and containers that are square, rectangular, oval or round are best for bonsai.

 ● Small concrete containers are also sometimes used for this purpose, but are not comfortable to handle due to their heavy weight.

●  The choice of the shape and color of the container depends on the style and type of plant used for bonsai.

●  Terracotta and light colors are generally preferable. Rectangular and oval containers are ideal for most bonsai styles.

●  The round or square container is suitable for growing a single plant in the center unlike the other ways in which the plant is placed on one side of the container.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS:-

Cinnamon (Daalchinni)

Mustard

coriander

Plants suitable for indoor bonsai

Ficus retusa

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 ● Ficus retusa (fig)

● Ligustrum nitida (Chinese privet)

 ● Nandina domestica (sacred bamboo)

 ● Chinese yew Podocarpus (Buddhist pine)

 ● Sageretia theezans (Chinese plum)

 ● Serissa foetida (Tree of a thousand stars)

 ● Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm)

Ficus bengalensis

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Tropical plants

Members of the genus Ficus are among the most versatile, while many succulents can be grown in a similar way.

■  Ficus benjamina: the weeping fig is a popular indoor tree that lends itself to the classic upright form. It is one of the few tropicals that is accepted as a "true" bonsai. Miniature cultivars such as "Too Little" are very suitable for bonsai. It forms aerial roots and can be shaped like a banyan tree. The ficus are intolerant to the pruning of the branches; start with a small tree and keep it small. They are sensitive to stress.

Ficus benhamina

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■  Ficus neriifolia: according to Jerry Meislik, "The most useful fig for bonsai is the willow-leaved fig. The small leaf has excellent scale for bonsai and the tree has good branching branches, good base root and excellent root. formation. Of aerial roots

Ficus neriifolia

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■  Schefflera arboricola - The Hawaiian umbrella tree is a popular and hardy houseplant that is ideal for irregular shapes, banyan or rock roots. Because it can sprout on old wood, an older specimen can be pruned to a more robust shape with a thick trunk and roots. It tolerates root exposure very well, is drought tolerant and requires a moderate amount of light. In conditions of high humidity it produces aerial roots and can therefore take the form of a banyan tree.

Schefflera arboricola

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■ Crassula ovata: The jade plant is a very robust and drought resistant houseplant. Miniature cultivars such as the baby jade plant (C. ovata arborescens) are considered the best plant for a first bonsai. This plant will sprout on old wood. Therefore, an older specimen can be pruned to a more robust shape and thick trunk. It stays dry in winter, outdoors in summer to fully grow Its roots are thin and cannot be exposed.

Crassula ovata

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■ Portulacaria afra - Dwarf jade looks a lot like a small jade plant and is used in a similar way.

Portulacaria afra

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■ Dracaena marginata: The dragon plant has an interesting palm shape. It can sprout on old wood. It does not tolerate exposure to the roots.

Dracaena marginata

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■ Schlumbergera - The Christmas cactus doesn't have a real trunk, but it easily lends itself to the shape of a cascading bonsai. Tolerates shade, not drought. Small succulents can be used as an accent plant.

Rhipsalis (Hatiora) salicornioides.

Plants of other climatic origins With proper care, even various non-tropical plants can thrive as indoor bonsai.

■  Carmona microphylla: the robust trunk and bright green leaves of the Fukien.

Tea is a nice indoor bonsai.

■ Boxwood: Found on almost every continent, boxwood varieties are hardy but attractive bonsai.

■ Serissa: is a delicate flowering plant with tiny leaves that can grow indoors all year round.

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