How to Make Top Roots Show on a Bonsai

The art form of crafting small trees into a bonsai form originates from China, but the practice is more commonly crafted in a Japanese fashion. The bonsai art form can be applied to several different species of trees, including cypress, pine and evergreen. Often found in small pots, the bonsai trees are trimmed and pruned to maintain their short heights. Neagari, banyan and fig trees grow with portions of their roots exposed, but most bonsai trees will require more work and manipulation to get the top roots to show.

Bonsai tree
Rock
Shrink wrap
Garden bag
Bonsai soil
Bonsai pot
Gravel
Horticulture sand
Scissors
Root hook

Instructions

- 1
  Pick a rock for the bonsai roots to grow around. Scoria rock is a good option because it allows roots to obtain the necessary moisture.
- 2
  Remove the bonsai from its pot, if applicable, and remove soil from the roots. Trim back roots that intersect.
- 3
  Attach the bonsai to the rock. Wrap shrink wrap tightly around the tree and the rock. The bonsai tree roots should extend past the length of the rock and stick out the bottom.
- 4
  Place the bonsai tree and rock in a lawn-and-garden bag to speed up the root growth. Add bonsai soil to fill the bag.
- 5
  Place the tree and rock in a bonsai pot. Add bonsai soil to cover the bottom of the pot and a portion of the roots. Top with a thin layer of gravel. Horticulture sand can be added between the rock and the shrink wrap if preferred. This will help the rocks get moisture and protect them from the elements.
- 6
  Cut the shrink wrap away from the bonsai tree. Wait until the roots have adhered to the rock before completing this process.
- 7
  Straighten the end roots, using a root hook. Trim away excess roots. Keep short, thin roots that help soak up water for the rest of the bonsai tree.

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