Bonsai Pots

During this video I will explain why choosing the Bonsai pot is an integral part of creating bonsai.

Bonsai Pots is a subject dear to my heart and as some of you will know the word Bonsai is made up of two separate words Bon and Sai which simply means a pot and a tree. But simply having a tree in a pot doesn’t make a bonsai. It’s the entire composition of the tree in the bonsai pot that makes the work of art.

We have a huge array of pots on the nursery ranging from the Japanese Tokoname, Yixing, Chinese, British pots, antique Japanese pots as well as plastic pots and a variety of other pots. The history of bonsai is inextricably linked with the history of Chinese ceramics and horticulture. You could probably go back 2000 years when the Chinese were making high fired cermics. Ceramics is pottery clay which is fired over 900 - 1200 centigrade. From very early on the Chinese discovered that firing at these high temperatures they would get these beautiful pots and containers. While making their ceramics they also made flower pots. The discovered that putting plants in these ceramics made the plant and the pot more beautiful so the two fused together and hence the word Bonsai. They aren’t just ordinary plants in flower pots but artistic plants in artistic pots. That is how the art of bonsai developed.

In 1967 I became very interested by studio ceramics - London and the British Art scene in the 1960’s was the be all and end all of all art (David Hockney and the Beetles in those days). London was thriving with culture and art. Around the same time there was also a movement in ceramics called Studio Ceramics which was started by Bernard Leach a lot of people were inspired by him. And I started to make ceramics in the 60’s when I didn’t know anything about Bonsai Pots. Also in 1967 I was making a lot of contemporary pots and sculptured ceramics these were my experiments with pots.

There are four key criteria in choosing a pot and these are;-

size (bigger the pots the bigger the tree)
shape (rectangle, oval, deep cascade etc)
style (ornate, plain)
colour (blue, green brown, cream, unglazed.

The basics rule of thumb is for example if the height of the tree is a meter then the length of the pot would be about half a meter but you can break the rules. It depends on the style of the bonsai you want to create. The thicker the trunk the deeper the pot you’d use.

Certain trees are called masculine and some feminine this describes some of the characteristics of the tree i.e chunky and rugged would be masculine and dainty, delicate and pretty trees would be considered feminine.

Masculine trees would generally suit rectangular pots and the more delicate or feminine bonsai would usually suit oval or circular pots. There are no hard and fast rules they are just guidelines.

As bonsai is an art form and all lining arts need to evolve you will find that there are artists that have developed new concepts of pots. So there are many different shapes and style of pots.

We make landscapes in different shaped pots some in oval some rectangle.

Think of bonsai as a picture, don’t just think of bonsai as a tree in a pot it is really a picture and the pot is the frame of the composition you are making.

Bonsai Masterclass - the best guide I can offer you is a table showing the different styles of trees and the pots that will go with them.

Don’t forget the pot style is influenced by culture and the era.

Be bold in how you choose your pots and enjoy your Bonsia!

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All you need to know about Bonsai Pots

Herons Bonsai February 8, 2019 3:19 pm

New video available: https://youtu.be/2trvnMOcHlA

Learn how to select the right Bonsai pot for your tree with this movie. For more, see:
https://www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/choosing-pots

The importance of selecting the right pot to plant your Bonsai in is often underestimated. The pot (as well additions like grasses, moss, stones, figurines and a bonsai table) are important elements of the composition, and should be chosen carefully to display the tree.

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Bonsai pots

Bonsai Empire January 2, 2014 9:28 am

Many people have asked me how I choose a pot for a bonsai. In this video I take you through the thought process of choosing a pot.

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Choosing a Bonsai Pot

Herons Bonsai November 24, 2019 8:00 am

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Bonsai pots play a crucial role in the art of bonsai. Not only do they serve as a visual aspect of the bonsai display, but they also serve a functional purpose in helping to maintain the health and vitality of the tree. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the different types of bonsai pots, the factors to consider when choosing a bonsai pot, and why the right pot is so important for the success of your bonsai tree.

Types of Bonsai Pots:

There are several types of bonsai pots available, each with its own unique benefits and characteristics.

Glazed Pots:

Glazed pots are a type of bonsai pot that is coated with a layer of glaze. This glaze helps to protect the pot from moisture, making it ideal for outdoor bonsai trees. Glazed pots come in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that will complement the color of your tree or its surroundings.

Unglazed Pots:

Unglazed pots are a type of bonsai pot that does not have a glaze. This type of pot is often used for indoor bonsai trees, as it allows moisture to evaporate from the soil more easily. Unglazed pots come in a variety of colors, from neutral earth tones to bold hues, allowing you to choose one that will complement your tree and its surroundings.

Slab Pots:

Slab pots are a type of bonsai pot that is flat and rectangular in shape. This type of pot is often used for informal upright bonsai trees, such as maple or elm. Slab pots are often made from unglazed ceramic, although they can also be made from other materials, such as stone or wood.

Round Pots:

Round pots are a type of bonsai pot that is circular in shape. This type of pot is often used for formal upright bonsai trees, such as juniper or pine. Round pots are often made from unglazed ceramic, although they can also be made from other materials, such as stone or wood.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bonsai Pot:

There are several factors to consider when choosing a bonsai pot. These include size, color, shape, material, and drainage.

Size:

The size of your bonsai pot will depend on the size of your tree. It is important to choose a pot that is proportional to the tree, with a depth and width that will allow the tree’s roots to fit comfortably. A pot that is too small will limit the growth of your tree, while a pot that is too large will make the tree look unbalanced.

Color:

The color of your bonsai pot should complement the color of your tree and its surroundings. Neutral colors, such as brown or green, are often the best choice for outdoor bonsai trees, as they blend in with the natural surroundings. Bright colors, such as red or blue, are often used for indoor bonsai trees, as they help to add a pop of color to the room.

Shape:

The shape of your bonsai pot will depend on the style of your bonsai tree. Informal upright trees, such as maple or elm, are often planted in slab pots, while formal upright trees, such as juniper or pine, are often planted in round pots.

Material:

The material of your bonsai pot will depend on where you plan to display your tree. Outdoor bonsai trees are often planted in glazed ceramic pots, as the glaze helps to protect the pot from moisture. Indoor bonsai trees are often planted in unglazed ceramic pots, as they allow for better evaporation of moisture from the soil. Other materials, such as stone or wood, can also be used for bonsai pots, but they may not be as commonly available or as easy to find as ceramic pots.

Drainage:

Proper drainage is essential for the health of your bonsai tree. Bonsai pots should have drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. It is also important to ensure that the pot has a tray or saucer to catch any excess water that drains out of the pot.

Why the Right Bonsai Pot is Important:

The right bonsai pot is important for several reasons. First, it helps to maintain the health and vitality of your bonsai tree by providing proper drainage and allowing for proper evaporation of moisture from the soil. Second, it helps to create a visually appealing display by complementing the color of your tree and its surroundings. Third, it helps to balance the tree and maintain its proportions, allowing it to look its best.

In conclusion, choosing the right bonsai pot is a crucial aspect of the art of bonsai. Consider the size, color, shape, material, and drainage when choosing a pot for your bonsai tree, and make sure to choose a pot that is proportional to the tree and that will allow for proper drainage. With the right bonsai pot, you can help to ensure the health and longevity of your bonsai tree, while also creating a visually appealing display.