Let's explore the profound world of bonsai pots.

In the previous journal, we mainly discussed the definition of bonsai and compared it to similar terms, briefly touching on bonsai pots at the end.

 

As mentioned last time, the pot supporting the bonsai also plays a crucial role in bonsai.

Regarding these bonsai pots, there are various types differing in shape, color, firing technique, and size.

Selecting a pot while considering its balance with the tree and envisioning the desired form of the bonsai is one of the joys of the art.

The choice of bonsai pot significantly alters the overall impression of the bonsai.

Even if the tree is grown magnificently, if it lacks harmony with the pot, it can hardly be considered a successful bonsai.

Bonsai is not just about the tree; the compatibility with the pot is crucial.

Bonsai is characterized by capturing not only the form of the plant but also its background, presenting a miniature landscape of nature on the tray.

And in bonsai, where the harmony of natural and artificial beauty is the highlight, the point where the tree and pot become one is also a key feature.

 

Now let's delve deeper into bonsai pots.

First, there are two types of bonsai pots.

Training pots for cultivating young trees, and display pots (appreciation pots) for mature trees to grow in.

 

Training pots are inexpensive and readily available at home improvement stores and garden centers. They are often unglazed and have a reddish hue. They offer excellent ventilation, drainage, and heat retention, promoting healthy root development and rapid tree growth. They are generally sized as No. 3 pots, No. 4 pots, and so on. They are ideal for propagating cuttings, layering, and growing young trees. You can also repurpose common containers like fruit or vegetable packaging, Styrofoam, or wooden crates by drilling drainage holes.

 

And then there's the display pot. Typically, when we talk about bonsai pots, we mean display pots (appreciation pots). The charm of bonsai can vary greatly depending on this display pot. Think of the display pot as a costume that enhances the tree. Don't focus solely on shape; consider the firing quality and type of clay as well, selecting one that suits the tree species and form. A decorative pot that harmonizes well with the tree will greatly enhance its charm, making the tree appear even more splendid.

 

Next, let's take a closer look at what makes a pot suitable for bonsai.

First, choose one that meets the functional requirements for growing plants and the aesthetic requirements for appreciation.

It's also essential to determine if it visually complements the tree.

When checking the balance between tree and pot, view it from a position where your line of sight is level with the pot's rim.

 

1. Good ventilation
Plant roots obtain nutrients and water underground and also breathe. Therefore, good ventilation in the pot is an essential requirement. Good ventilation also provides excellent heat dissipation, making it easier to regulate the temperature inside the pot. Please note that if the pot is glazed on the inside, it reduces ventilation and can negatively impact root growth.

2. Adequate drainage and water retention
If the pot dries out too easily, plant growth will suffer. Conversely, if water cannot drain properly, it causes root rot and negatively impacts growth. Therefore, adequate drainage and water retention are essential. The pot's material and firing method significantly influence drainage and water retention. The presence or absence of glaze also affects this, with glazed pots generally retaining more water. The size and position of the drainage holes at the bottom also play a role.

3. Absorbs heat easily
Plants have optimal temperature conditions for growth, and the temperature inside the pot is crucial for root development. Since pots affect soil temperature, using pots that retain solar heat well aids growth. Generally, terracotta pots absorb solar heat well and have good heat retention, making them suitable for bonsai growth. During midsummer, water can pool in the pot, causing temperatures to rise and potentially hindering plant growth. This can be mitigated by the pot's drainage properties.

4. Suiting the Tree
Beyond functionality, it's crucial that the pot complements the tree species and branch structure aesthetically. Furthermore, the appropriate pot varies depending on the tree's shape and size. It's no exaggeration to say that the value of a bonsai is determined by the balance between the tree and its pot. While there are general guidelines for pot selection based on tree shape—such as whether a rectangular or oval pot is preferable, or how the tree appears when viewed from the side—strictly speaking, there are no fixed rules. With this in mind, enjoy selecting a pot that harmonizes with your tree.

5. The size is appropriate.
Using a pot that is too large for the tree causes the roots to spread unnecessarily, making repotting difficult. Conversely, if the pot is too small for the tree, it creates poor balance and leads to root binding. This not only hinders the tree's growth but, in the worst case, can kill the tree. Consider the tree's size and choose a pot that is just the right size. Generally, matching the pot width to the tree's height creates a harmonious balance.

6. Proper depth
Pay attention to the depth of the pot as well. Using a pot that is too shallow hinders root growth and negatively impacts the tree's development. Conversely, using a pot that is too deep reduces heat retention, lowers soil temperature, and also adversely affects the tree's growth. Consider the tree's thickness and size, and choose a pot with just the right depth.
Beginners may find it helpful to choose a pot one size smaller than what they initially think is the right size. A depth roughly equal to the diameter of the tree's trunk is generally good.

7. No warping
Pots with uneven bottoms, distorted shapes, or wobbly legs are undesirable both functionally and aesthetically. Warping can impair essential pot functions, particularly drainage, potentially causing root rot. Therefore, be mindful of any warping in pots.

 

How did you like it?

This time, we discussed the types of bonsai pots and the criteria for choosing them in detail.

At NAGINOWA, we carry a wide variety of bonsai pots, each one a top-quality Japanese product.

Please find your favorite one to match your bonsai.

 

NAGINOWA offers a wide selection of high-quality Japanese bonsai pots and gardening supplies.

This blog primarily shares information about bonsai and gardening, serving as a guide for both bonsai enthusiasts and beginners.

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If you find a bonsai pot you love, we invite you to enjoy shopping at our store, NAGINOWA.