Choosing a gift is often a difficult task, requiring us to consider many factors. Especially when we try to ensure that this item is significant, symbolic, and memorable for the recipient. As a rule, a bonsai meets all these criteria: it is rare, original, and besides being beautiful, it often carries a symbolic meaning. A large portion of those wishing to purchase a bonsai from us [...]
Bonsai culture arrived in Georgia late. Even today, many people still lack accurate information about bonsai, but through the internet, one can find numerous reliable sources in different languages. In the early 90s, when I started working with bonsai, unfortunately, I did not have this luxury. For 10 years, I only had a few books to guide me. In Georgia, there was no one to introduce this culture...
Why is Bonsai so expensive? I would rephrase this question as: Why is it impossible for Bonsai to be cheap? First and foremost, the main reason is, of course, time. The time it takes to create a Bonsai. Usually, creating a beautiful Bonsai requires at least 5-8 years from a specialist, and for a refined work, even 10-15 years. A tree is a living...
My first bonsai trees were on the balcony of an ordinary apartment building. Since I had only a few trees, I didn’t need a special space to place them. Over the years, I worked on new and new trees. After a few years, the growing collection no longer fit on the balcony. The only solution, where I could place them, was the roof of my apartment building. Working there...
In many countries, bonsai is sold in specialized stores or periodically held exhibitions. In Georgia, bonsai can be purchased in garden stores. These are mostly small-sized ficuses or Chinese elms, commercially produced in Europe. These species are suitable only for indoor bonsai. In most cases, except for very rare exceptions, these plants are of little value to a true bonsai connoisseur (due to improper…)
The Grapevine (Lat. Vitis) belongs to the genus of plants in the Vitaceae family and includes about 70 species, primarily found in warm and temperate climate regions. There are about 4,000 known varieties of grapevine, which differ from each other in botanical, agronomic, and economic characteristics. In Georgia, there are up to 500 local varieties. Naturally growing vines are climbers, attaching themselves to supports using tendrils. Its bark is brown and […]
This chapter contains several important rules that are necessary to know when working with bonsai. Any rule or principle written for shaping cannot be considered as an absolutely mandatory and strict law. These rules can only be viewed as advice for those who are trying to grow bonsai. As for care: the care of the plant should always be given special attention. The location [...]
From the beginning. When I started working with bonsai, I had only one book, and I often say that during that period, due to the lack of the internet, I wasted a lot of time figuring out how to create a bonsai. I didn’t expect instant results; I just needed the right direction. Properly transplanting deciduous plants, pruning branches, trimming, and wiring were relatively...
A different way of life, traditional art, horticulture, philosophy, and perhaps many other factors have formed the foundation for the development of bonsai as one of the art forms in Japanese culture. The centuries-old tradition of growing miniature trees in pots exists in China, from where bonsai culture likely originates, and a similar art form also exists in Korea. However, the contemporary aesthetics and popularization of bonsai are undoubtedly on the rise in Japan...
Very often, due to the influence of natural phenomena, part of the tree gets damaged. This can happen from lightning strikes, prolonged droughts, heavy snow, strong winds, or from diseases and pests causing certain areas of the tree to dry out. To create the illusion of trees that have survived harsh climatic conditions, one of the techniques used in bonsai formation is…
If you observe trees grown in nature, you'll notice that those particularly striking and beautiful are often several decades old. The goal of bonsai creation is to give a young seedling the same charm and appeal as mature trees. However, the actual age of a bonsai doesn't hold particular importance. In most cases, the impression of age and maturity...
After completing the first stage of shaping (when all unnecessary main and secondary branches are trimmed and branches are fixed in the desired position with wire), attention must be given to perfecting the canopy and maintaining the miniature size. The pruning to maintain shape and size is required throughout the bonsai's life. No seedling will take on the desired shape after the first pruning and wire framework…
After completing the first stage of shaping (removing all unnecessary primary and secondary branches, fixing the branches in the desired position with wire), it is important to focus on perfecting the crown and maintaining the miniature size. Pruning to maintain shape and size is required throughout the life of the bonsai. No seedling will achieve the desired form after the first pruning and wiring...
Yose-ue (寄せ植え): The Yose-ue style is a miniature model of a small forest, which can be found in any climate zone. One of the benefits of this style is that it can be created using 2-3-year-old seedlings. For beginners who are eager to see the results of their work, this is a good starting point. Even seedlings with well-developed branches can be used for this style...
Saikei involves creating a miniature landscape using stones, soil, water, grasses, moss, and small trees. The goal is to evoke a harmonious illusion of nature. All components must be placed in the container in a way that maintains proportional balance, ensuring the composition appears natural. In Saikei, the arrangement of earth, stones, and plants aims to create a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing miniature landscape...
The composition on stone can be divided into two different species: Ishizuki (石付) – when the roots are fully inside the stone, and Sekijieju (石上樹) – when the plant's roots are wrapped around the stone from the outside. Like all styles, the composition on stone should appear natural. When selecting a plant, note that the first branch should be close to the roots. In other styles, the lower branch...
The main function of roots is to supply the plant with water and nutrients, as well as anchor it in the soil. In the case of bonsai, roots also have a decorative purpose. A bonsai looks more attractive when a certain amount of well-developed, thick roots are visible above the soil surface. Such a bonsai gives the impression of a strong, firmly grounded tree. If the thick roots are not visible, even a beautifully formed bonsai...
In the summer, when the air temperature is very high, if no special measures are taken to protect the bonsai, the plant can be damaged or even dry out. The cooling of the plant occurs through the evaporation of water from the leaves. During high temperatures, the plant quickly loses moisture. When insufficient water is supplied to the bonsai in the heat, the leaf temperature can reach a critical level. The wilting of the leaves...
Diseases and pests like any garden or indoor plant, bonsai can be affected by diseases and attacked by harmful insects. Monitoring the plant's condition is a daily responsibility for bonsai enthusiasts, especially during spring and summer when pests become more active and the risk of disease increases. Constant attention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage caused by pests or diseases...
A Tanuki Bonsai is a live tree attached to deadwood. To create it, a piece of dry wood is chosen (naturally damaged for effect), and a channel is made in it where a young tree is firmly attached. Bonsai specialists typically use junipers for Tanuki bonsais due to their flexible and durable bark...
After finishing the initial pruning, you should start changing the direction of the branches and trunk growth using wire. Some species, like conifers, easily respond to wire shaping, while others with harder wood can only be shaped with wire on newly sprouted branches. Some plants have bark that...
The large branches should be cut as close to the trunk as possible, ensuring no stubs are left. Special pruning shears designed for this purpose ensure clean cuts without leaving any leftover bits on the trunk. If such shears aren't available, regular pruning scissors can be used, but the cutting surface should be carefully managed...
There are several guidelines for pruning branches that could hinder the future shape of the bonsai. For example, only one branch should remain from branches growing from a single point. The front branch, directed toward the observer, should be pruned. Also, a bent branch needs to be cut as part of shaping the tree properly...
Seedlings grown from seeds require careful pruning. From late autumn to early spring, cut the apex, leaving 3-4 well-developed buds. New shoots will grow from these buds. Let the shoots develop freely for one growth season. In the following season, repeat by cutting the apex and the ends of the most elongated branches. This cyclical approach promotes balanced growth and prepares the seedling for shaping...
A well-developed and healthy bonsai depends on a properly chosen soil mix. The soil must contain enough nutrients, have good water drainage (without pooling on the surface), retain moisture, and allow the roots to receive adequate oxygen. One of the most debated topics among bonsai enthusiasts and specialists is the ideal soil mix for bonsai cultivation...
Pine is an evergreen conifer that can grow up to 50 meters tall and live between 300 to 1000 years. It has deeply ridged bark and shed leaves every 2-3 years. Pine thrives in sunny environments and is highly resistant to drought and cold. It can grow on both rich and poor, rocky soils, and is found even in peat bogs. Pines have a strong root system and require full sunlight, tolerating little shade...
The Barberry (Bérberis) is an evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous shrub, rarely a tree, with about 450 species that thrive in various climates. It prefers rocky, stony soils and is light-loving. It grows up to 2 meters tall and is widely used in gardening. Despite not being considered a "classic" bonsai plant, Barberry can be shaped into beautiful miniature trees, making it an interesting choice for bonsai enthusiasts...
Japanese Maple (Latin: Acer palmatum) This species of maple is very popular in horticulture due to its leaf shape, color, and the beauty of its branches. The Japanese maple is a small tree or shrub, growing to a maximum height of 10 meters. Hundreds of varieties of Japanese maple have been cultivated by breeders, each with different leaves and growth characteristics. It grows quite slowly. The Japanese maple is one of the most popular plants for bonsai...
Spruce (Picea). Spruce is a tall, evergreen tree (20–30 meters) from the pine family. In Georgia, only one species is native: the Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis). Other species, such as the European Spruce (Picea excelsa) and Himalayan Spruce (Picea morinda), have also been introduced. Spruce grows slowly for the first 15–20 years and then accelerates its growth. It is shade-tolerant, frost-resistant, and has a lifespan of 250–300 years. For bonsai cultivation, spruce…
Oak trees, belonging to the beech family, can be evergreen or deciduous. In Georgia, seven species are found: Hartwiss Oak, Imeretian Oak (Quercus imeretina), Lowland Oak, Pontic Oak (Quercus pontica), Georgian Oak, Highland Oak, and Chorokhi Oak. Oaks grow very slowly, continuing to increase in height even after 80–100 years. Their roots grow deeply into the soil. Oaks can live for up to 800 years and are sunlight- and warmth-loving trees...
Mulberry (Latin: Morus). Mulberry is a deciduous tree or, rarely, a shrub. In Georgia, there are two species of mulberry: White Mulberry (Morus alba) and Black Mulberry (Morus nigra). It is a light-loving plant, drought-resistant, and grows well in fertile soil. It lives for 200-300 years. A young tree grows quickly, but as it matures, its growth rate slows down, and it rarely exceeds 10-15 meters in height...
Hornbeam (Carpinus) is a deciduous tree or tall shrub. It has smooth, gray bark. In Georgia, two species are found: the Caucasian Hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica) and the Jagged Hornbeam. Hornbeam is a shade-tolerant, warmth-loving plant that is not affected by frost. Except for Bunjing (文人木), all other bonsai styles from hornbeam are medium to large-sized bonsai. Location: A sunny place or partial shade.
To give the bonsai its finished shape, it is necessary to choose an appropriate container for it. The container and the plant should harmoniously complement each other. The container should be simple and plain. A brightly colored or overly beautiful antique pot is too eye-catching and less suitable for bonsai. In bonsai culture, the focus should primarily be on the plant, with the container being of secondary importance...
When someone decides to create a bonsai, their ultimate goal should not just be to maintain a miniature size of the tree. To prevent a tree from growing and keeping it small, not much needs to be done. Simply put, you can plant a small plant in a pot, trim all the overgrown branches, and you'll have a "dwarf" tree. However, bonsai is much more than that. Bonsai is not just about size control but involves shaping and guiding the tree to achieve a miniature version of a full-sized tree, while still maintaining natural proportions, balance, and beauty. It's a process that requires patience, artistry, and knowledge of various techniques like pruning, wiring, root management, and soil selection. The goal is to create a living piece of art that embodies the essence of nature, capturing its beauty in a way that can be appreciated in the form of a small tree...
In order to perform quite specific tasks for growing bonsai, certain types of tools are necessary. All around the world, enthusiasts and specialists prefer tools specifically designed for bonsai. These tools do not differ much from the regular gardening tools, but they are more convenient for working on miniature trees and significantly ease the work on shaping or transplanting...
For normal growth and development, in addition to carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), which plants obtain from air and water, it is essential for plants to absorb nutrients, both macro and micro elements, from the soil. The macro elements include: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and also the various microelements in very small doses: magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), and other elements. All these elements are crucial for the proper health and growth of the plant...
Bonsai requires care throughout all four seasons. It demands time and attention, more so than regular garden or indoor plants. You must select an appropriate location where the bonsai will stay for most of the year. Ensure regular watering and fertilization at the right times, protect it from diseases and pests, shield it from intense sun and frost, and periodically...
First planting in a container The first transplanting from a large vessel or ground into a container is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, but we are dealing with a miniature plant, where even every small detail is of decisive importance. Before starting the transplant, we must select a suitable container and know how much of the roots we will need to prune so that the seedling fits exactly into the container […]
You might hear or read somewhere: “Watering promotes plant growth, so if you water the bonsai rarely, it won't grow big, and we’ll reach the desired result more easily.” This is absolutely wrong. If you do not water the bonsai properly, the plant will be weak and unattractive, and due to lack of water, it may even dry out completely. The bonsai […]
In winter, the tree is in a dormant state, and its active development is temporarily halted until spring. The dormancy period is as essential for the plant's survival as the active growth period. Therefore, bringing a bonsai indoors during winter simply because it "might get cold" is detrimental to the plant. Of course, if we bring it inside for 1-2 days to decorate the interior, it won’t cause harm. However, if it stays in warmth for the entire winter, it will eventually dry out.
Is the plant "suitable" for bonsai? I can't say it's a frequent question, but it has been asked of me before. A little while ago, this question was raised here as well. Wiring, pruning the roots and branches, small pots—this is torture for the plant. "Would it be good if I cut off your arms and legs?", "Are you a comprachicos?", I've heard such questions too. [...]
In a traditional Japanese house, there is a special area, a small niche, called tokonoma. The tokonoma is a key feature of the Japanese aristocratic home. This area is dedicated to displaying traditional engravings, calligraphic sayings, or ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements). Additionally, it has become a tradition to place a bonsai in the tokonoma. An ideal place for displaying a bonsai: a secluded, almost empty spot where the bonsai can be placed...
This is one of the difficult ones, one of five plants in a large pot, known as a cassette. Its height was one meter. The plant has come a long way, it was brought here from a nursery in Italy. About a month after arrival, the plants started drying out. Only one of them kept a few green branches. Five years ago, at the end of February, I decided to save the plant by[…]
“What should be the height of a Bonsai?” There is no precise, mathematically defined answer to this question. A Bonsai can be as small as 5 centimeters or as “giant” as 2 meters tall. There is a traditional classification of Bonsai sizes with corresponding Japanese terminology:
Location: Hornbeam is not an indoor plant, so it should be outdoors for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, but protect it from the scorching midday sun in summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting from September, it must be moved back outside. Watering: Bonsai requires regular and diligent watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep into the ground […]
Mulberry is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, but protect it from the scorching midday sun, especially in the summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit location. However, starting from September, be sure to move it outside again. Bonsai requires regular and diligent watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep into the soil...
Location: Barberry is not an indoor plant, so it should be outdoors for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, but protect it from the scorching midday sun in summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting from September, it must be moved back outside. Watering: Bonsai requires regular and diligent watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep into the ground […]
The Canadian Spruce (Picea glauca conica) is not an indoor plant, so it should be outdoors for most of the year. Place it in a well-lit area, but in the shade; it does not like direct sunlight, especially in the summer. For better effectiveness, the bonsai should be placed separately. Choose a spot where the miniature plant will be clearly visible and not "shaded" by other items. First, the bonsai should be positioned in such a way that the observer can clearly view the front, which is the most effective side of the plant...
Location: Hornbeam is not an indoor plant, so it should spend most of the year outdoors. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area but shield it from the intense midday sun during summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting from September, it must be taken back outside. Watering Bonsai requires regular and careful watering. In nature, the plant’s roots grow deep into the soil. [...]
Boxwood is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside most of the year. It is a shade-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit location, but avoid direct sunlight, especially in the summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. Starting from September, make sure to place it outside again. Bonsai requires regular and attentive watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep in the soil...
Location: The olive is not an indoor plant and should be kept outside for most of the year. It is a shade-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area but avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting in September, it must be returned outdoors. The olive adapts well to Tbilisi's climate. Watering: Bonsai requires regular...
Location: Holly is not an indoor plant, so it should be outdoors for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, but protect it from direct sunlight, especially in summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting from September, it must be moved back outside. Holly tolerates the climate of Tbilisi well. Watering: Bonsai requires regular […]
I first became interested in miniature trees at the age of 13 or 14, after watching a brief television report. It seemed quite strange and fascinating how an ordinary tree could be grown in a small pot to be just a few centimeters tall, naturally beautiful, and, most intriguingly, bear regular fruit. After graduating from the institute, I decided to seriously […]
Bonsai (盆栽) is a Japanese word, where "bon" means a small pot, and "sai" means plant (a plant grown in a small container). Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees using special techniques. Through this technique, the tree remains small in size while acquiring the natural, perfected appearance of an aged tree. Bonsai is not just gardening. Working with bonsai requires great attention, time, knowledge of care, and […]
Location: The maple is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, and in summer, protect it from the midday scorching sun. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting in September, it should definitely be placed back outside. Watering: Bonsai requires regular and diligent watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep into the soil...
The spruce is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside for most of the year. Place it in a well-lit sunny spot, but protect it from the intense summer sun. For better effect, the bonsai should be positioned separately. Choose a place where the miniature tree can stand out and won’t be “overshadowed” by other objects. First and foremost, the bonsai should be placed in a way that allows the observer to clearly view the front...
The elm is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside for most of the year. Place it in a well-lit area, but in the shade, as it doesn’t like direct sunlight, especially during the summer. For better effect, the bonsai should be positioned separately. Choose a spot where the miniature tree can stand out and won’t be “overshadowed” by other objects. First and foremost, the bonsai should[…]
Juniper is not an indoor plant and should be outdoors most of the year. It thrives in sunlight but also grows well in partial shade. Place it in a well-lit spot, avoiding direct midday sun during summer. From June to August, it can be kept indoors in a well-lit area, but it must be moved back outdoors by September. Juniper bonsai requires regular and careful watering to ensure healthy growth...
Location: Cypress is not an indoor plant, so it should be kept outside for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant, but it also grows well in partial shade. Place it in a well-lit area, but in the summer, keep it away from the harsh midday sun. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. From September onwards, be sure to move it back outside. Watering: Regular and careful watering is essential for bonsai...
Juniper is not an indoor plant and should be outdoors most of the year. It thrives in sunlight but also grows well in partial shade. Place it in a well-lit spot, avoiding direct midday sun during summer. From June to August, it can be kept indoors in a well-lit area, but it must be moved back outdoors by September. Juniper bonsai requires regular and careful watering to ensure healthy growth...
There is a belief that growing miniature trees in pots began in ancient Egypt. It is possible that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon could also be considered the foundation of bonsai creation. However, the modern, classical bonsai is undoubtedly rooted in China. The exact date when miniature trees began being grown in pots is unknown. In China, the tomb of Prince Zang Huai was discovered in 1972 (who passed away in 706), […]
Location: Cotoneaster is not an indoor plant, so it should be outdoors for most of the year. It is a light-loving plant. Place it in a well-lit area, but protect it from the scorching midday sun during summer. From June to August, you can keep it indoors in a well-lit spot. However, starting from September, it must be moved back outside. Watering: Bonsai requires regular and diligent watering. In nature, the plant's roots grow deep into the ground […]
The pomegranate is not a houseplant and should stay outdoors for most of the year. It thrives in sunlight but should be shielded from the midday summer sun. Between June and August, it can be kept indoors in a bright spot, but it must return outdoors by September. Bonsai requires consistent and attentive watering. In nature, deep roots allow trees to access water and nutrients during dry spells, making this care crucial for bonsai...
Location: It is also important to note that during hot summer days, the movement of water and its evaporation through the leaves help regulate the plant’s temperature and protect it from overheating. While the soil is moist, the plant can continue to develop normally even under very high temperatures. However, in the case of water shortage, 'burn' spots appear on the leaves and shoots, which eventually lead to the plant's drying out...
The natural conditions where trees grow can vary greatly. Some trees enjoy nearly ideal conditions for their development: ample light, sufficient water, necessary nutrients, and enough space for their canopy to grow normally. Other plants, however, lack such "luxuries." For instance, some trees grow on steep cliffs, forcing their roots to search for stable ground to "cling" tightly...
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