Page 16 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

How trees work

The knowledge that trees are living, breathing organisms is

fundamental to success with bonsai. If you understand the processes
at work and provide for the physical needs of your bonsai as a
tree, your artistic desires are likely to flourish more quickly.

The bare necessities Many trees enjoy a symbiotic relationship with
Every tree needs varying amounts beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae). On pines this appears
of sunlight, heat, water, fresh air, and as an almost fluffy white growth covering the roots.
nutrients to survive. These essentials are The fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant in
collected, converted, stored, and distributed exchange for water and nutrients that they absorb
about the tree by its roots and foliage. It is vital to from the soil—effectively, they are an extension of
understand just how much goes on in the foliage and the fine root system. Mycorrhizae thrive in a range
the unseen but essential root system: in the rush to of environments but they are aerobic organisms and
create a beautiful bonsai, it’s all too easy to be swept need oxygen to survive.
away by enthusiasm and prune too much foliage,
remove too many roots—or not enough—or provide For bonsai, then, the challenge is to create conditions
the wrong kind of soil and container. in a shallow pot that retain water and nutrients, and
allow gases to be exchanged, replacing waste gas with
Foliage acts as the skin, the lungs, and the energy fresh, oxygenated air.
creation center for the tree. Through pores in the
leaves, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and moisture are
absorbed from and expired into the atmosphere. The
amount of foliage on a branch and the amount of
sunlight it receives determine the amount of energy
generated along the branch; if it is insufficient, the
branch will die. Trees that lose too much foliage can
have a difficult time bouncing back and take several
years to recover. The ability to grow is exponential,
and the rate of growth can double every year. The
more foliage there is, the more energy is created,
which can then be used to generate more foliage—
and more growth. In general the more active growing
foliage there is, the better.

The roots act as the intestinal system. They absorb
nutrients and moisture from the soil, and transport
them to the foliage, where they are used to create
energy. The roots also store excess energy over
winter for use in spring. And as well as absorbing
nutrients, they excrete waste products including
Most bonsai prefer an outdoor setting in the fresh air where
carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. the foliage can collect sunlight and oxygen for photosynthesis.