Bonsai and potted plants, although both belong to the art of plants, have quite distinct differences. With the increasing pursuit of home decoration and indoor greening, bonsai and potted plants have become popular choices for indoor and outdoor decoration. Many people are often confused about the differences between the two when making a purchase. This article will delve into the differences between bonsai and potted plants to help you make a better choice for products that suit your needs.
Differences in definition
1. Bonsai: Bonsai is a form of miniature garden art that uses a pot as its carrier, condensing the beauty of nature into a small space, fully embodying the artistic effect of 'shrinking the ground into a scene'. Bonsai usually features natural elements such as trees, rocks, water bodies, and moss, and through careful design, it exhibits a unique natural beauty.
2. Potted plants: Potted plants refer to plants grown in flowerpots for ornamental and environmental beautification purposes. The types of plants used for potted plants are diverse, including herbs, woody plants, aquatic plants, and more.
Differences in maintenance
1. Bonsai: The maintenance of bonsai is relatively complex, requiring careful attention based on the plant's growth habits, seasonal changes, and other factors. Here are some key points for maintaining bonsai:
(1) Watering: Keep the soil moist and avoid waterlogging, adjusting the watering frequency according to the plant type and season.
(2) Fertilizing: Regularly apply suitable nutrients for bonsai plants to ensure healthy growth.
(3) Pruning: Regularly prune dead and diseased branches, adjusting the shape of the tree to maintain good ornamental value.
(4) Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting conditions based on the plant's habits, such as direct sunlight or scattered light.
2. Potted plants: The maintenance of potted plants is relatively simple. Here are some key points for maintaining potted plants:
(1) Watering: Keep the soil moist and avoid waterlogging, adjusting the watering frequency according to the plant type and season.
(2) Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer according to the plant's needs to ensure healthy growth.
(3) Pruning: Regularly prune dead and diseased branches to maintain a beautiful plant shape.
(4) Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting conditions based on the plant's habits.
Differences in artistic value
1. Bonsai: Bonsai has high artistic value and is known as 'a standing painting, a silent poem'. Bonsai works often embody the artist's understanding and pursuit of natural beauty, having high ornamental and collectible value.
2. Potted plants: Potted plants have relatively lower artistic value, mainly serving to beautify the environment.
Bonsai and potted plants have distinct differences in definition, maintenance, and artistic value. Bonsai focuses on artisticness and ornamental value, with relatively complex maintenance; while potted plants emphasize practicality and environmental beautification, with simpler maintenance. When choosing, you should make a reasonable selection based on personal needs and preferences.
References:
Chinese Bonsai Art
Indoor Greening and Decoration
Plant Maintenance Manual