Bonsai Pots and Containers
By David Jones
BONSAI CONTAINERS
Which Kind Of Container Should You Use? - The answer to this question depends upon the
use of the container itself. Fundamentally, there are two kinds of bonsai pots:
training pots and display pots. If your bonsai is in the training stage, then the pot you
need to use is a functional training pot. Training pots are available made of plastic, mica,
and even wood. Mica training pots are my personal favorite, as they are available in very
big sizes at very reasonable prices. At this critical stage in the development of your
bonsai, the most essential thing is that you use a pot that is practical. It must reasonably
and safely hold all of the soil or growing material that is essential to supply the space for a
healthy and stable root system to develop, good branching and the desired trunk thickness.
It is vital that any bonsai pots have large drainage holes to assure no water gets
caught at the bottom of the pot, because waterlogged roots will rot and be disastrous for your
bonsai.
Your bonsai will never really be ready for a display pot without all of these fundamental
development stages having already taken place in a training pot.
What Types Of Containers Are Most Appropriate? - If your bonsai is fully developed to your
absolute satisfaction and you are preparing to show it, then it is definitely time to choose
a display pot. Display pots are usually ceramic, because they must be frost proof, and are
available with either a glaze or an unglazed finish. The most fitting display pot is one
that amplifies and not overshadows the beauty of your prized bonsai.
The most appropriate type of pot is an aesthetic, as well as, an able consideration and
depends largely on the ilk of bonsai you are displaying and its horticultural requirements.
The excellence of a deciduous or flowering bonsai is greatly improved when matched with a glazed
pot of a soft, attractive color, such as: light blue, cream, or green. Conifer and evergreen
bonsai when paired with an unglazed pot of an stern color, such as: brown, gray or reddish
clay, are seen in a way that reflects the rough environment of their natural habitat.
The length of your bonsai pot should be in direct relation to the height of your bonsai. A
tall bonsai,usually, requires a long pot. In conjunction, the depth of your pot should
be relative to the thickness of your bonsai's trunk. A thick trunk usually needs a deeper
pot.
Of course, size guidelines are just that - guidelines. The needs of your specific variety of
bonsai will dictate, for the most part, the size of the display pot you can safely utilize.
How Are Pots Pertinent? - The most pertinent feature of pots is that their form must follow
their function. If a pot cannot sustain your bonsai, then it really doesn't matter how good
it looks, because it will soon be empty.
For more information and care tips please visit Alfie's Bonsai Garden.
About the
Author:
David Jones writes regularly about gardening related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.
If you're interested in
more bonsai articles, click here -
Bonsai Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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