Bonsai Trees and Plants For Sale Online.

What is Bonsai?
Bonsai, in Japanese means tree and pot, originating in China in the 1600s bonsai has developed into a world wide artform. So 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 aging 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 Malus (Crab Apple) 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 Bonsai 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.

Bonsai Tree (Malus)

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 Bonsia club is a great source of information on this.

Bonsai Tools and Pots
Bonsai Tools range from bonsai shears and branch cutters to bonsai pots and wire for training branches. Both Japanese and Chinese Bonsai tools are availble for sale online in Australia. See suppliers listed below.