Choosing the Best Bonsai Pots

For the best looking bonsai, you know that the tree is only part of the equation. Choosing the best bonsai pot is essential for a healthy and attractive plant. A variety of shapes and materials are suitable for bonsai pots. The most important aspect is to find a pot that matches the bonsai tree style.

If you are just starting with growing a bonsai tree, you must first find a suitable training pot. Choosing the best bonsai pot for display will come later. Both the training pot and display pot can be made of a variety of materials, and the type of pot you choose will be based on the bonsai style you wish to achieve.

A training pot must be used at first because the long roots of most plant material for bonsai will not fit into a bonsai pot. A larger training pot must be used. This pot can hold the heavy roots that are cut back over time until the desirable smaller roots develop. You can find a suitable pot at most garden centers. The drain wholes should be at least 1/2 inch in diameter.

Plastic containers, wooden boxes, and clay saucers can all be used for training pots. Find a pot similar in shape to the one that you plan to use when you transplant your bonsai tree into its main pot.

When it is time to replace the training pot with a standard pot, you can try a garden supply store, a nursery, or an import store. There are five basic shapes of bonsai pots: oval, round, rectangular, square, and hexagonal. Choose the size that best fits your bonsai. How you trained your bonsai influences the best shape of your bonsai pot. Upright trees tend to look best in rectangular or oval pots. A cascading bonsai tree is best suited for a rectangular or round pot. When you are transplanting your tree from its training pot to its bonsai pot, remember that you do not need to center it. Allow the branches to sweep over the side.

In addition to the size and shape, also consider the color of the pot. It should contrast with the foliage of the tree. If your bonsai tree has colorful flowers or fruits, consider a neutral color pot such as white or tan.