In Bonsai we try to imitate the natural trees around us. Think about the Cascade-style, imitates from trees that carry so much snow on their leaves that the trunk bends to form a large loop.
Bonsai are planted in special Bonsai pots, usually from Japan or China. Normally Bonsai pots from Japan and China are of the highest quality, but therefore more expensive. The pots are made of high-quality clay and are baked on high temperatures so that they are hardy for very low and high temperatures. Bonsai which are still in development and not yet entirely formed are being planted in relatively large pots or growing bags, to provide room for a good root system. Trees are never planted from a large pot to a Bonsai pot in one time, because it takes time to let the tree get used to smaller pots. The value of choosing the correct pot is frequently underestimated. Only with the right pot can a Bonsai look natural, and beautiful. There are several matters concerned finding the right pot for a Bonsai, like:- Colour of the tree, and possible flowers.- The altitude and breadth of the tree.- The style in which the tree has been formed. In choosing the right pot size There are a few "rules" concerned choosing the right size of pot: The pot has to be something broader than 2/3 of the altitude of the tree. The pot must be wider than 2/3 of the breadth of the tree at trees which are wider than high. For high, slim trees the pot has to be something less broad than the breadth of the branches the depth of the pot should be equal to the thickness of the root-trunk. The cascade style is an exception concerning the depth of the pot.
When choosing the right form and colour. The colour and form of a Bonsai pot are very important. There are both glazed and unglazed pots, in several colours and sizes. The most striking colour of the tree determines the colour of the pot. This can be the colour of the trunk, but also possible flowers. A few tips: Dark green and dark blue Bonsai Pots are for Trees with a striking colour like yellow, orange or red. Conifers and some pine-trees like blue, brown and unglazed Bonsai Pots. The pot should never be to striking so all the viewer's attention goes to the tree itself. The form of the pot is very important to, but here for no special rules exist. It's mainly a matter of taste. Make sure the Bonsai pot you choose has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. Composition of your planting must be thought out. It's very important to place the trees in
the right composition during the re potting: For square and round pots: In the middle. For oval and rectangular pots the tree should be placed just off centre unless it is a formal upright. Then the centre would be the best place for it.
The shape of your Bonsai pots depends on the Tree and what feeling you are trying to exhibit.
