So, one of the common questions beginners have when they start with bonsai growing is “What is the meaning of bonsai?”. Bonsai is Japanese word that means –roughly translated- ‘a tree in a pot’. This makes perfect sense and is a straightforward description of the art of bonsai trees. Despite the Japanese bonsai tree meaning, this is an art that had its origins in ancient China, where people grew ‘pun-sai’ trees in an art that was named penjing.

The Chinese culture is permeated with different mythological figures, such as dragons, serpents, birds, and other animals that had their significance. It is believed that bonsai gardeners from that time, were interested in reproducing the shape of them through these trees.

With a change in location, art intention also changed. In Japan, rather than seeking to represent figures, bonsai growing was seen as a symbol of nature’s harmony and was practiced a lot by Buddhist monks. This was the end for bonsai trees looking like figures and were appreciatedby their true nature, leading to the development of bonsai gardening as we know it these days. Bonsai nowadays is linked to zen and meditation thanks to the monks that brought it to the ‘western civilizations’. However as it was brought to this new World, the bonsai tree meaning inevitably changed.

Yes, some people still link bonsai trees to harmony and zen meditation. But if you look at today’s bonsai interest, you’ll see that it is used as a decoration in spaces that want an Asian inspiration or as part of a growing decoration trend.

However, the meaning also changes from person to person. For some, even without knowing anything about zen meditation, bonsai is something that they can enjoy at peace free of stress and worries, and so it becomes a very important part of their lives. Some might even grow bonsais just because they look great and find a way to be creative along with nature.

As you can see there is a whole ‘liquid aspect’ to the meaning of bonsai trees, and this is something you’ll discover only when you get started with this art through beginner bonsai trees.

Growing bonsai trees is an art that deals with organic life, plant life; this activity needs our total care and attention if we want to see a beautiful tree blossom.  Dedication pays off when it comes to plants, choosing a good beginner bonsai tree is very important and also getting to know the differences between bonsais and other types of trees.

There are different ways in which we can grow our bonsai tree, and keep them miniature.  This is an art that has its origins in China, and then was slowly introduced in the Japanese and Korean cultures. As people from the Western world came to know this art, they quickly became in love with bonsai trees and its unique beauty.

If you are planning to enter the World of Bonsai trees, you must spend some time learning about the different varieties of trees. This will allow you to have more control over the tree growing process and will in turn show. Later on, as an experienced gardener, you will have greater knowledge and intuition when it comes to different bonsai trees.

A small number of trees will end up being small and healthy as you intend them to grow in small pots.  You will get more successful as you learn to differentiate and select the best trees for this purpose. If you work on achieving a great method and have care and patience, you’ll be surprised at how many years this miniature plant can live!

Care makes a big difference, and that’s the difference we have to get accustomed when dedicating ourselves to bonsai trees.  We need small containers, as they will restrict the growth of roots and the tree itself. This in the other hand means that the plants will have a limited supply of nutrient.  Persistent moistening of the soil is needed, or else the tree will die, but if it is too much, we leave the way open to fungus infection that will rot the plant.

Bonsai tree pruning must also be done with care and attention. We must do it at the right time and in the right proportion.