Bonsai has a lot of interpretations; one is ‘planted in a pot or tray’. Typically, Bonsai pots are flat dishes; these enhance the desired look of the Bonsai tree. They can be grown in dishes or pots, the larger trees suit larger pots - outdoor Bonsai trees are typically planted in pots rather than dishes.

Oval dishes are the most popular. But there are some exceptional potters that have a unique selection of superb Bonsai pots. Rectangular dishes in terracotta with embossed designs on either side and little legs or ceramic in various popular colors such as green, aqua, cream. Bonsai pots and dishes for indoor bonsai are rarely that tall because Bonsai trees need a very shallow base from which to grow.

Online you will find some amazing brilliant blue and orange pots of two different heights that flat dishes are typical for smaller trees.

Once you decide upon the size of the Bonsai tree you want to grow, this will determine the size of the Bonsai pot you will need to buy. The general rule is the pot should be appropriate for the space needed for the roots and as wide as the branches will spread without spreading outside the perimeter of the pot. The roots should not be much longer than the tree branches and don’t need an abundance of space to grow, hence, the dish will need to be small enough to keep the roots ‘root bound’ so the necessity of smaller pots and dishes.

Bonsai pots should enhance the look of the tree, rather than the tree enhancing the pot. A combination of the two together is what makes a Bonsai tree a masterpiece. This is why it is important to have a pot that suits the size of the tree you want to grow, a uniqueness that will match the same uniqueness of the tree. There is an art to creating a Bonsai pot, they must be high fired stoneware, this material is perfect for the growing of Bonsai trees due to the fact, stoneware is stable and can breathe. A requisite of growing Bonsai.

Styles of Bonsai pots vary as do the style of the trees. Glazed pots are more generally used for flowering Bonsai to compliment the flamboyance of the flowering trees, therefore each giving the other compliments with their boldness.

Some Bonsai pots are round and glazed with beautiful subtle colors, brighter colors will take the attention away from the tree and that is more desirable for flowering Bonsai, when the affect you want is for a combination of tree and pot as one entity to get the attention of the observer. All shapes, oval, oblong, leaf shape, whatever is going to match or coordinate with your plant is what you need to consider. Also, color, if you are growing a red maple bonsai tree, you do not want a bright blue dish, but rather a more subtle blending color.

Bonsai pots are definitely a specialized item. Many are beautiful and very unique, others are basic but in tune with their purpose.