Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 09/05/2007 01:57:12

Title: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: paul.fr on 09/05/2007 01:57:12

Can any tree, shrub or flower be Bonsaied (is that a word?) I can imagine a window box full of little bonsi roses or even oak trees!

But can it be done? and if not, why?

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: paul.fr on 10/05/2007 16:30:57

has anyone, got any idea's?

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: neilep on 10/05/2007 17:26:37

As a firm believer in Empirical study I will chop down my neighbours tree and put it through the wash a few imes to see if it shrinks !!


However, I always thought Bonsai trees were a specific type of tree/plant in their own right !!.....but what do I know ?...I'm just a sheep !!!

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: Karen W. on 10/05/2007 18:02:35

Sheepy do you mean.."But what would I know I am just a sheep?"

I thought you could turn any tree, (when it is very small sapling kind of size,) into a bonsai if you kept the roots trimmed back and kept training and trimming the branches in the way you wish it to grow!

Maybe not.. I wonder???

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: elegantlywasted on 10/05/2007 18:03:05

From wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai#Cultivation

Quote

A bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed plant. It is any tree or shrub species actively growing but kept small through a combination of pot confinement, and crown and root pruning. Any tree or shrub with the right training and care could become a Bonsai with time, but some plants are more sought-after for use as bonsai material because they have several characteristics that make them appropriate for the smaller design arrangements of bonsai. There are many different ways to cultivate and grow Bonsai, the most common are:

Growing Bonsai from Seed
Cuttings
Air layering
Grafting
Collecting

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: moonfire on 10/05/2007 23:13:48

I have a friend who competes with his bonsais and they are very delicate trees...his grafting is incredible as I have tons of pics he sends me all the time...

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: Karen W. on 11/05/2007 06:31:18

They are quite pretty!

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: kdlynn on 15/05/2007 04:36:39

speaking of bonsai trees... we sell them at work. they are cute... but we don't really know how to take care of them and they keep dying... does anyone know?

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: benibenzamin on 17/07/2010 09:49:56

Quote from: kdlynn on 15/05/2007 04:36:39

speaking of bonsai trees... we sell them at work. they are cute... but we don't really know how to take care of them and they keep dying... does anyone know?

Few questions regarding this... where are these plants being kept, how often do you pour the water, and how much light are they getting ...


SPAMMY BONSAI LINK DELETED

Title: Re: Can any plant be turned into a bonsai version of its full-sized self?
Post by: RD on 17/07/2010 23:57:07

Quote

SPAMMY BONSAI LINK DELETED

Presumably a tiny url (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_url)  [:)]