Choosing the Right Pot for Your Bonsai Tree

The bonsai tree is not a particular type of tree. This term refers to any tree that is grown in miniature form and is shaped to look like an aged tree. Choosing the right bonsai pot for the stage of your bonsai's development is very important.

Bonsai will start out in some type of bonsai training pot. A training pot will be larger than a regular bonsai pot. When a bonsai is first started it will have long, heavy roots, which must be cut back over a long period of time.

Many types of containers may be used as bonsai training pots. For instance, you might use plastic containers, wood containers, azalea pots, bulb pans, or even clay saucers. These types of containers are available at most garden stores. No matter what type of training pot you use, be sure you have drain holes in the bottom that are ½ inch in diameter at least. Proper drainage and air circulation is very important to a bonsai tree.

Your training pot needs to be large enough for the roots of your plant to fit easily. It is best to use a container that is the same shape as the bonsai pot you will transfer it to later. For example, if I were growing a cascading style bonsai tree, it would eventually be transferred to a high bonsai pot, so I could just use a flowerpot to train it in.

Choosing The Right Bonsai Pot

Bonsai pots come in five basic shapes: oval, round, square, hexagonal, or rectangular. Each shape comes in a variety of sizes and colors and may be glazed or unglazed. Bonsai pots can be found in most nurseries, Japanese or Chinese hardware stores, and also in some import stores.

Here are some general guidelines that may help you in choosing the right bonsai pot:

· Round or rectangular pots look best with the cascading or semi-cascading style bonsai. Plant the tree in the center of the pot with the branches sweeping over and down the side.

· When you are using oval or rectangular pots for your upright bonsai tree, plant the tree just a bit off center in the pot.

· Deep, heavy bonsai pots will work best if your bonsai has thick foliage and a heavy trunk.

· The color of your bonsai pot should be a nice contrast for the foliage on your bonsai tree. Green, tan, or white pots look great for trees with bright colored fruits or flowers. Deciduous trees and pines tend to look best in unglazed pots in earthy colors.

Your tree will be with you for many years to come. Choosing the right bonsai pot for the style and type of tree you have will make it more pleasing for both you and your visitors.