Jan
22
2012
Grow Bonsai
Questions about Bonsai Pots? by Fred Meyer
There are several questions that people often ask when starting out learning bonsai. Among them are questions about bonsai pots. What are all the different shapes for and what’s the difference between the different price levels?
As you many assume, bonsai pots are specially designed for Growing Bonsai Trees. The bonsai pot is shallow and this keeps the roots confined. As such, the tree will grow slower and its small stature can be maintained indefinitely.
The styles of a bonsai pot are mostly just for decoration; however you can pair a pot to a Bonsai Tree style. For instance, there is a special, deep, yet narrow pot just for a cascading style tree. You could also use a land water pot for a special weeping variety, or an octagon pot for fruit trees, round for flowering, and ovals for maples. The opportunities are endless. It’s completely up to you.
All bonsai pots are not created equal however. Japanese pots are far superior to all other bonsai pots because they are made for cold Japan winters. Because of this, Japanese pots are thicker and the glaze on them is thicker. They can not only withstand cold winters and snow without cracking, they can move into summer equally well. With lesser quality pots, they are likely to crack, shatter and flake under the glaze.
All pots have holes for drainage, but the Japanese, especially the higher quality Japanese Bonsai Pots from the Tokoname region of Japan, have large drainage holes and wiring holes that you can use to hold the bonsai into the pot using wire. This secures the tree to the pot, which is essential sometimes because the soil that we use for bonsai trees is so loose that a tree with limited roots cannot be firmed in. The only way to hold the tree in place is to wire it in. You can do this through the drainage holes, but they are more typically in the center of the pot and it makes it more difficult for the tree to be off to one side of the pot. Remember, the exact center of the pot should be left empty. This is hard to accomplish when wiring a tree in using the drainage holes.
While there may not seem to be much to bonsai pots, the simple truth is: you get what you pay for. If you want a pot to last one, maybe two years, then buy a cheap one. But if you want a quality bonsai pot which will last for a decade, spend two or three more dollars and get a quality Japanese bonsai pot. You really can tell a difference.
About the Author
Fred Meyer is the owner of Dallas Bonsai Garden. Dallas Bonsai Garden has a huge selection of bonsai pots for the bonsai enthusiasts. Dallas Bonsai Garden is your source for Bonsai Tools and supplies.
How to Grow Bonsai from Seed
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9GreenBox – Live Spiral 3 Style Lucky Bamboo Plant Arrangement with Ceramic Vase Brown $13.99 We’re selling one of this rare treasure! , The diameter of this plant is about 6″-8″ , 8″-10″ and 10″-12″ tall. Ceramic Vase IS 2.5″ IN LENGTH & 5 ” WIDE & 5″ IN HEIGHT. Please see the picture for the detail look for this Lucky Bamboo. Will include small amount of crystal soil to insurance you receive the top quality of the luck bamboo. We will ship with care instruction tag…. |
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Miracle-Gro 100052 Liquid Houseplant Food – 8 oz $2.02 MIRACLE GRO LIQUID HOUSEPLANT FOOD *8 oz. *Analysis: 8-7-6 *Promotes lush, healthy looking houseplants *Liquid concentrate-mix 10 to 20 drops per quart of water *Feed while you water *For all plants *Indoor/outdoor *Apply every 2 weeks for best results *Bottle… |
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Bonsai Superstar $13.98 … |
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Hydrofarm LKIT60 Dayspot 60-Watt $14.59 Hydrofarm LKIT60 60 Watt Agrosun Dayspot Grow Light Kit Hydrofarm LKIT60 60 Watt Agrosun Dayspot Grow Light Kit Features: Spotlight tropical plats, a terrarium or bonsai Over-winter plants anywhere in your home Maintain light-loving plants, including orchids Grow a herb garden right in your kitchen Kit includes full daylight spectrum incandescent grow bulb, decorative black fixture with on/off swi… |
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Claber 8053 Oasis 4-Program/20 Plant Garden Automatic Drip Watering System $57.31 Claber Oasis Self – Watering System keeps plants healthy while you’re away! Set it up to water your precious indoor greenery for 10, 20, 30 or even 40 days for up to 20 plants! No electrical connections needed and no water taps left on! Powered by a 9V battery (not included), this System dispenses water from the 6 1/2 gallon tank so you don’t have to worry on your vacation! More: Comes with 33 fee… |
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Mini Tree Growing Kit – Giant Sequoia $8.99 Contribute to the clean air and have fun growing a tree with our Mini Tree Growing Kit! Each kit comes with a mini-greenhouse that acts as a tree nursery that you can hold in your hand, soil-less growing medium that can travel safely anywhere in the world, perlite, and high germination trees. Available in a variety of tree-types. Instructions included…. |
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Humidi-Grow Bonsai Tray $17.95 The Humidi-Grow Tray allows you to use pots with drain holes without worrying about excess water pouring out and causing structural or furniture damage. The overflow will pass through this pot and collect in the tray where the settled water will evaporate and help offset the loss of transpiration which is the loss of moisture through the leaves. Designed for minimal care. Just wash the tray and grid with mild soap and water occasionally, then refill with water. Size: 13 1/2″ x 10 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ |
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Artificial Pine Bonsai Tree $149.95 This stunning and wonderfully crafted Pine tree with realistic looking artificial foliage is perfect for bookcases, entertainment centers or anywhere it may be impossible to grow a live bonsai tree. No watering, trimming or maintenance is required. With its timeless beauty evoking a feeling of nature, this accent piece accomodates any architectural setting. This is the ultimate in environmental control. |
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Italian Cypress Evergreen Bonsai Tree (cupressus sempervirens) $29.95 The Italian Cypress or Mediterranean Cypress is a great indoor bonsai tree which can be grown singularly or in groups. Originally found in the eastern Mediteranean area, this bonsai is susceptible to the cold which means that either you must bring it indoors during the winter or grow it in a fairly warm climate. These bonsai look amazing when grown in small forest groups. They feature fine green/gray foliage which actually grows in flattened sprays. They also grow “cool looking” tiny elongated brown cones during the year, something that is somewhat rare in bonsai. |
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Bonsai Tree Air Plant (epiphytic) $24.95 Epiphytic plants are among the most fascinating of all tropicals because they do not require soil to grow. Because there is no soil, watering is, in the main, via humidity. Our bonsai tree air plant is very easy to grow because it is quite able to take care of itself. Provide bright or subdued indirect sunlight, humidity, warmth, and weekly watering. |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree – Lava Rock In Bonsai Pot (arboricola schefflera luseanne) $32.95 Real Hawaiian lava rock is hand selected to provide a happy home for your Schefflera Luseanne bonsai. Schefflera Luseanne are extra special, patented trees that stay smaller and more compact than the ordinary varieties. The roots grow through and over the lava rock and down into the soil. With reasonable care, your volcano bonsai should last for years. |
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Flowering Chinese Perfume Bonsai Tree (aglaia orodata) $89.95 This aromatic tree which is native to China is classified as near threatened. The Perfume tree is a rare species and a member of the mahogany family. The Perfume tree resembles the Orange Jasmine and has highly lemon scented (sometimes called Mock Lemon) very small yellow blooms that can be enjoyed several times a year. Aglaia has many medicinal uses: orodine and ororinol obtained from this plant has cancer chemo preventative activity. Very easy to grow indoor bonsai tree. |
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Grow Light Bulb 60 Watt Replacement for e1478 $11.95 Full spectrum 60 watt replacement bulb for use in our Grow Light Kit or any standard fixture. Lasts for 3000 hours. Great for bonsai, orchids or all houseplants. |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree – 9 Tree Forest Group (arboricola schefflera) $149.95 This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful trouble-free evergreen. If you do not know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for the home, office dorm or anywhere and does well in lower or higher lighting conditions. We grow 9 trees together in a pot to give the appearance of a grove or forest scene. |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree Five Tree Forest Group (arboricola schefflera) $99.95 This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful trouble-free evergreen. If you don’t know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for the home, office, dorm or anywhere and does well in lower or higher lighting conditions. We grow 5 trees together in a pot to give the appearance of a grove or forest scene. Great for indoors. |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree – 7 Tree Forest Group (arboricola schefflera) $129.95 This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful trouble-free evergreen. If you do not know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for the home, office dorm or anywhere and does well in lower or higher lighting conditions. We grow 7 trees together in a pot to give the appearance of a grove or forest scene. Great for indoors |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree – 3 Tree Forest Group (Arboricola Schefflera) $65.95 This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful trouble-free evergreen. If you don’t know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for home, office, dorm or anywhere and does well in low to high lighting conditions. We grow three together in a pot to give the appearance of a grove or forest scene. |
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Italian Cypress Evergreen Bonsai Tree Three Tree Forest Group (cupressus sempervirens) $69.95 The Italian Cypress or Mediterranean Cypress is a great indoor bonsai tree which can be grown singularly or in groups. Originally found in the eastern Mediteranean area, this bonsai is susceptible to the cold which means that either you must bring it indoors during the winter or grow it in a fairly warm climate. These bonsai look amazing when grown in small forest groups. They feature fine green/gray foliage which actually grows in flattened sprays. They also grow “cool looking” tiny elongated brown cones during the year, something that is somewhat rare in bonsai. |
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Italian Cypress Evergreen Bonsai Tree Five Tree Forest Group (cupressus sempervirens) $79.95 The Italian Cypress or Mediterranean Cypress is a great indoor bonsai tree which can be grown singularly or in groups. Originally found in the eastern Mediteranean area, this bonsai is susceptible to the cold which means that either you must bring it indoors during the winter or grow it in a fairly warm climate. These bonsai look amazing when grown in small forest groups. They feature fine green/gray foliage which actually grows in flattened sprays. They also grow “cool looking” tiny elongated brown cones during the year, something that is somewhat rare in bonsai. |
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Ficus Bonsai Tree Banyan Style (ficus benjamina oriental) $225 Fig species which is native to south and south-east Asia. This Evergreen tree is particularly good for bonsai training as they produce sturdy trunks, a nicely branching shape and shiny leaves. Best to trim in early summer as the leaves that subsequently grow will be smaller than the ones removed. Ours is trained in the traditional Banyan style. Great for indoors. |
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Ficus Bonsai Tree – Banyan Style (ficus benjamina oriental) $225 Fig species which is native to south and south-east Asia. This Evergreen tree is particularly good for bonsai training as they produce sturdy trunks, a nicely branching shape and shiny leaves. Best to trim in early summer as the leaves that subsequently grow will be smaller than the ones removed. Ours is trained in the traditional Banyan style. Great for indoors. |
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Desktop Grow Light $54.95 This incredible computer-operated, 9-watt, 1200 lumens, full spectrum fluorescent lamp is the answer to all of your indoor gardening needs. An automatic computerized timer turns the lamp on and off, simulating the day length in cycle with the four seasons. The soil moisture sensor eliminates the guesswork about watering. To vary the light intensity or accommodate larger plants, the telescoping stem adjusts from 7″ to 14″ high. The base of the lamp that holds the pot measures 6″ x 7″. The textured pebbled base serves as both a catch basin and humidity/drip tray. A wonderful gift to keep bonsai thriving whether at home, office, hospital or classroom. Instructions included. Grow lamp bulb also included. |
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Hawaiian Umbrella Braided Twist Bonsai Tree (Arboricola Schefflera) $59.95 This is the tree that we recommend if you are inexperienced with bonsai or you do not have a green thumb. In our opinion it is one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and is a very beautiful “trouble-free” evergreen. If you don’t know which tree to purchase as a gift for someone, this is the tree to select. This versatile tree is great for home, office, dorm or anywhere and does well in lower or higher lighting conditions. We grow three trees in a pot and braid them together to form the trunk of this unique tree that features tiny umbrella shaped leaves forming a dense green canopy. Very popular and easy indoor care. |
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Grow Light Kit – 60 Watt $29.95 Grow bonsai trees, orchids or houseplants anywhere in your home or office with the Dayspot grow light kit. Just clamp the fixture anywhere your plants need extra light. Includes a specially calibrated full spectrum daylight incandescent bulb (1500-1800 lumens) with a 3000 hour lifespan. The kit comes complete with bulb, designer black fixture with on/off switch and clamp. Just fasten the easy clamp arm fixture anywhere extra light is required. The 60 watt grow bulb may also be purchased separately and fits in any standard light fixture. |
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Oriental Ficus Bonsai Tree (Coiled Trunk) – Large (benjamina ‘orientalis’) $49.95 Fig species which is native to south and southeast Asia. This evergreen tree is particularly good for bonsai training as they produce sturdy trunks, good branching characteristics and shiny leaves. Best to trim the leaves in early summer as the new leaves that subsequently grow will be smaller than the ones removed. Ours is trained in the coiled trunk style. Great for indoors. |
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White Rabbit’s Foot Fern Bonsai Tree (humata tyermanii) $21.95 The White Rabbit’s Foot Fern is native to the Canary Islands and can grow as a terrestrial or epiphyte. It has finely dissected fronds that rise up from its furry, silver rhizomes hence the name “White Rabbit’s Foot Fern”. Likes bright light but avoid direct sun. Great companion plant to display alongside your bonsai or by itself”. |
