A Bonsai Progression

Are these bonsai?
Technically, yes.
Artistically, no.

Bonsai (bone-sigh) is often translated to mean “tree in a tray (pot)”, so technically both of these are bonsai. They are trees, and they are in trays. However, the goal in the art of bonsai is to have a tree in a pot that is a representation of a mature (usually, the older the better) tree in nature. The cyad is more of an accent plant than a bonsai, and the juniper is lacking the features of a “mature” tree.

The first (and biggest) problem with the juniper is its health. It looks healthy… but looks can be deceiving. It was created the same way as most of the box store bonsai-a nursery plant was unnpotted, the root ball chopped down to fit in a mass produced pot, a few branches were hacked off, some unsuitable soil added to the pot, a layer of rocks “for looks” was placed on the soil, and a layer of glue (yes, glue) was used to keep the rock in place. Couple this treatment with being kept indoors (an unnatural environment for most bonsai trees), and this tree will be dead just long enough after purchase for the unsuspecting buyer to blame themselves. People who practice bonsai for art care for their trees and use techniques and timing for each species to keep their trees healthy. Junipers are similar to Christmas trees-they can look alive for weeks but really be dead. So, besides the reduced lifespan, what else is this juniper lacking?

Next Part: Mature Tree Features