The charm of Chinese bonsai resides in the artistry of growing a plant that reflects those intricate and aged trees we can find in nature but in a scale size, often determined by the depth and size of its container. Although there are genuine bonsai trees which capricious structure date from hundred years, these are very costly for most of us.
However, anyone can cultivate a bonsai tree by manipulating its structure in a way it looks like formed by time and nature. Fortunately the technique to cultivate Chinese bonsai trees is not that hard if compared with Japanese techniques. First of all, in China the appropriate term to call a bonsai tree is Penjing.
Because the idea behind this form of bonsai is emulating at home the nature in the wild, choosing a tree or shrub with a tick trunk at the bottom and slightly thinner in its top creates the illusion of a small, aged tree. The art of bonsai is all about miniature landscape, thus make sure to find an original but natural shape for yours.
The tree roots are also important because they are a common factor observed in natural-sized old trees. A Chinese bonsai is not an exception to this rule. Once you start cultivating your tree, leave part of its roots exposed whether above or under the soil simulating erosion. Depthless pots are best to force horizontal grow from the stem improving tree endurance that develops gracious and elegant lines.
Chinese bonsai art does not force intricate shapes by using ties as seen on the Japanese technique, but shaping manually the bonsai branches and leaves to mirror trees in nature. Because this is a continual process through a tree’s lifetime, sometimes pruning and wiring of the branches help controlling symmetry.
Bear in mind that your bonsai is only a part of a whole, therefore pay attention to its global landscape including the structure and shape of the tree, its container and the tray where the set lies along with other decorative pieces that you may like to add. Make sure to find your tree’s best view angle. This is as important as selecting the right material, color, and design of your container. Pots can also reflect or complement the bonsai personality.
By following these simple steps the novice Chinese bonsai fan can cultivate a miniature tree of millenary appearance in the same fashion master artists have done for centuries to date.
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