每日吃瓜

So I've been reading a lot of books, articles, etc on the art of bonsai and they all seen to lack one thing. What I should grow the bonsai tree in. Should I grow it in a bonsai pot or a regular everyday pot? I appreciate any help any of you have to offer. There are a couple grey areas in my beginner understanding of this hobby so any advice/information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

What you grow it in depends on what you want to do with it. If you are wanting to grow the tree, as in make it larger, use a big container or plant it in the ground. Once you put it into a small pot, you will not get much change in size. If you wish to start refining a tree, as in taking pre-bonsai material & creating a bonsai, any kind of pot will do. I have trees in bonsai pots, terra cotta pots, cut-off nursery cans, wooden boxes, and plastic tubs. What type of container doesn't matter as long as you meet the needs of the tree. A bonsai pot, for all intents & purposes, is for just for bonsai display.

Agree to brkirkland, another important point is your medium, make sure it drains well!

Thank you! Is there anything i should do regarding the roots so they don't get too big while my tree is growing into the pre-bonsai stage? I read a couple times to put a tile or something down so they grow out not down?

You prune them every now and again if that's what you mean...
The slate thing is for making good surface roots (nebari) as it forces the roots to grow outwards.

Ed

So I shouldn't worry about how big the roots will get planting it in a pot or ground?

Bhawk wrote: So I shouldn't worry about how big the roots will get planting it in a pot or ground?

Might help to know what you are planting

I have 2, A Chinese Elm and a Green Mound Juniper

I also live in USDA Zone 8a( 10 to 15 degree Farenheight) if that makes any difference!

Bhawk wrote: I have 2, A Chinese Elm and a Green Mound Juniper

Seedlings, young trees, fully developed bonsai or...?