intricately linked to the activities below . Successful defoliation is directly dependent on the health of the roots , emphasizing the need for a healthy root system in welldraining soil . Coarse , fast-draining soil is essential for the development of robust root systems .
The size of leaves is intricately linked to soil quality , sunlight exposure , and water availability . A bonsai with a limited root system in well-draining soil is more likely to produce smaller leaves . The delicate balance between these factors is crucial for the overall health and vitality of the bonsai .
Small pots restrict root growth : pots as crucial elements in bonsai cultivation
Every bonsai , regardless of its species , shares a common element — a pot or container . While young bonsai may be initially planted directly into the ground to encourage rapid growth , the eventual transition to a pot is a crucial phase . Potted bonsai experience restricted root growth , leading to smaller leaves .
The use of small pots is deliberate , as it encourages the bonsai to prioritise leaf reduction due to limited root space . While trees with expansive root systems can spread out and access nutrients in the soil , the confinement of roots in a pot encourages the bonsai to grow more compactly . This restriction leads to smaller leaves , contributing to
80 MARKtoe ! Desember 2023 / Januarie 2024 the overall aesthetic appeal of the bonsai .
Trees can change from a mature state to a vegetative state : understanding growth phases
Every bonsai undergoes distinct growth phases , transitioning from a vegetative state to a mature state over time . Young trees typically start in a vegetative phase , which lasts for about five years , depending on the species . However , these phases are not fixed , and trees can switch from a mature to a vegetative state at any time , triggered by various factors .
Major interventions , such as pruning or re-potting , are likely to prompt a shift from a mature