Bonsai Trees, Tools and Pots
Popular in many countries, the art of Bonsai revolves around growing trees in containers. To be true to the art, the trees should be container grown from a very early age. They are grown in shallow bowls and trained, pruned and root pruned into a number of recognised styles.
It is possible to take lessons in the art of bonsai and grow your own trees, or you can purchase advanced trees. In Japan you will find examples of trees that are 100s of years old, some said to be nearly 1000 years old.
The choice of pots, and the tools in basic care used are important and can also be purchased from specialist nurseries.
Bonsai Types, Style and Growing Bonsai
What is Bonsai?
Bonsai, in Japanese means tree and pot, originating in China in the 1600s bonsai has developed into a world wide artform.
Can any tree grown in a pot be considered a Bonsai? Not if we take into account the Japanese concept of mochikomi, broadly translated to mean the process of the tree ageing in the pot for 10 years or more.
Bonsai Tree Styles
Bonsai trees have 5 major styles:
- Moyo-gi, an informal but upright style.
- Shakan, a leaning trunk or slanting style which gives a feeling of a natural windswept tree.
- Kengai, in this style the trunk bends down sometimes even over the side of the pot, as if weighed down by snow, or grown on a cliff.
- Hokidachi, a fan like style, often symmetrical.
- Bunjin-ji, a style that is a representation of the ideal form of a tree.
What Plants and trees are suitable for Bonsai ?
Technically any plant that will withstand root pruning and and cutting back, and then can cope with a very small growing space (a bonsai pot) can be turned into a bonsai. Pictured (right) is a Bonsai from a Wisteria.
- Most popular plants used for bonsai are conifers and ficus.
- Some Australian Native trees make great Bonsai specimens, Baeckea virgata (dwarf form) makes a nice bonsai.
Repotting Bonsai Trees and Plants
Two types of repotting are required.
- The first to refresh the growing medium, the plant can be repotted in the same pot after it is washed and cleaned.
- The second is if the plant is getting to big for the pot, it starts to look out of proportion, or even gets top heavy, reach for a larger pot.
- Look for a specialist Bonsai Potting Mix.
Is Bonsai an indoor plant or an outdoor plant?
Well no plants are really indoor plants, some just cope better than others. Provided good ventilation, light and proper care Bonsai do well inside. However they also benefit from some time outdoors. Your local Bonsai club is a great source of information on this.
Bonsai Tools and Pots
Tools range from bonsai shears and branch cutters to bonsai pots and wire for training branches. Both Japanese and Chinese Bonsai tools are available for sale online in Australia. See suppliers listed below.
Basic Tools .
Caring and pruning bonsai is specialist work and does require specific tools, here we list the basic tool set.
- Pronged Rake with shovel – Used for clearing soil from root systems. The shovel is used for tamping down the soil.
- Miniature broom – Used to clean up after pruning and repotting.
- Leaf Tweezers – Used for removing dead leaves.
- Wire Cutter Scissors – Used for cutting wires.
- Pruning shears – Used for light pruning and leaf pruning.
- Bonsai Jin Pliers – Used for applying or removing wire from trunks and branches
- Butterfly shears – Used to prune prune leaves, small branches and even roots of your bonsai trees.
Bonsai Trees, Pots and tools for sale online.
238 Currumbin Creek Rd. Currumbin Gold Coast, 4223
We carry a full range of bonsai trees, finished and pre bonsai, as well as bonsai pots, tools, and also run classes in bonsai pruning and bonsai care once a month.
www.reddragonbonsai.com
More Bonsai Nurseries
B for BONSAI – phone 0426 210 771
Craigieburn, VIC
Bonsai trees, Japanese Black Pines, handmade bonsai and accent plant pots.
BONSAI ISLAND – phone: 03 5956 6388 fax: 03 5956 6388
32 Phillip Island Road Newhaven Vic 3925
Gallery & Sales Open every Sat & Sun 10am-5pm also by appointment
BALCONY BONSAI – phone: 0415 148678
Cudgen Rd Cudgen NSW 2487
Courses, resources, tools and general information on all things bonsai.
ROCKY PEAK BONSAI phone: 0404098089
Gold Coast Queensland QLD: 4213
Trees, tools, pots, wire, accessories etc
BONSAI AT THE BAY – phone: 0244418005
Streamside St Woollamia NSW 2540
We specialise in styling large specimens. Servicing , starters, pots, tools and moss all available.
THE DEFINED GARDEN BONSAI STUDIO – phone: 07 5531 7772 fax: 07 5531 7772
66 Thomas Drive Chevron Island : Qld 4217
Bonsai stock, finished plants, pots, tools, wire, soil, figurines and workshops.
LEDANTA BONSAI NURSERY – phone: 0419185818
24 Beltana Road Pialligo ACT 2609
Canberra’s Home Of Award Winning Bonsai. Retail and Wholesale Nursery. Sales, Service, Classes, Hire.
BUYABONSAI.COM.AU phone: 07 5576 1705
2061 Gold Coast Hwy Miami Gold Coast QLD 4220
Trees up to 50% of retail.Purchase ready to go trees, shaped, potted and wired.
BONSAI AUSTRALIAN GROWER – PH/Fax (07) 38033060
190 Hubner Rd Park Ridge QLD 4125
Stock, Pots, B Tools, Workshops & Classes
BONSAI KINGDOM
e-mail: sales@bonsaikingdom.com.au
Range of Glazed and Unglazed Pots, Chinese and Japanese Tools, excellent selection of Books.
BONSAI WORLD – phone: (07)5530 5425 fax: (07)5530 5425
28 Tyalgum Street Mudgeeraba,Gold Coast QLD 4213
Nursery, sales, care and maintenance, repotting, materials,lessons .