What is the purpose of the rock?

[Noni]

It seems that most bonsai trees have a rock next to them. Hubby and I have wondered about the purpose. Although we think it must be for esthetics, to make the art of the bonsai more balanced, we then wondered why there are never two or three rocks.

We had some fun coming up with alternate theories.

- to add minerals to the soil
- maybe it's a way to check the moisture of the soil, by lifting the rock
- some sort of feng shui where a tree is always better with a rock
- maybe it's a custom that began long ago when someone needed to get rid of rocks in his yard, and so added one to every plant he sold
- for good luck
- the tree grows better knowing it's not alone in the dish
- it makes the dish heavier so the cat can't knock it off
- some rocks can emit small amounts of radiation, which maybe helps to stunt its growth
- if anyone tries to bother your tree, you have something handy to throw at them



But what is the real reason?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Letting you in on a BIG SECRET here...It is used to determine the hobbyist's level of experience; usually the size of the rock is inversely proportional. ;-)

 

[rockm]

Most bonsai don't have rocks...It is a marketing thing on forgive me, "mallsai" (a bonsai term for the mass-produced bonsai sold in retail settings).

They serve no horticultural or bonsai purpose. They're uncessary for either. They can be compelling in conveying a sense of Feng Shui or "Zen-ness" for beginners, however.

 

[Kevster]

Or it could be used to cover an improfection in the tree such as a bad scar on the trunk an ugly root or the lack of a good low branch.

 

[Poink88]

Noni.

Thanks for a good laugh...your list is really funny!

I think the guys already summed it all up. For me, a good bonsai doesn't need help from a rock (unless it is planted on it) to display well. I will also qualify that rock on a group planting (or similar IMHO) is acceptable. I am sure there are exceptions though and it all depends on the creators (artist?) intent.

 

[Bill S]

At least you come here with the right attitude. Funny list by the way.

 

[Bonsaiforlife]

- if anyone tries to bother your tree, you have something handy to throw at them

Thats my favorite one.

 

[edprocoat]

Too me a smooth rock always conjures the image of water, very nice near tropical trees or with slanting styles. The jagged rock always projects the image of rough terrain, good with cascade styles or trees with jin and shari. I guess that could be just me, but that is what they bring to my mind, like red rocks shout dry, arid desert and black rocks portray volcanic. The use of them is no more important than the mudmen or bridges etc, or say an accent plant, its just an addition that, in the mind of the user, adds something that pleases them. Afterall it would be a very poor hobby if the only point was to impress someone else's sense of what a Bonsai should or should not be.

ed

 

[jk_lewis]

But there is a BIG difference between simply plopping a rock on the soil's surface, and incorporating the rock into the design of the bonsai planting.

Too many of the bonsai/rock combos I've seen look artificial.

 

[milehigh_7]

Yes, what you REALLY need is a little mudman figurine. Now THAT's important to your design.

 

[Ron Dennis]

Letting you in on a BIG SECRET here...It is used to determine the hobbyist's level of experience; usually the size of the rock is inversely proportional. ;-)

Thank goodness only 2 of my trees have rocks. One is a forest planting and one is a raft. Think I had best consider removing the rocks!! Oh well, maybe not. Brian already knows about my level (or lack) of expertise and we are still friends.

 

[Smoke]

All of my trees have a big rock in them. You just can't see them. I tie all my trees to a big rock and bury it in the pot. That way when the squirrels tip it over it always lands right side up and I have never suffered a broken branch yet!

 

[berobinson82]

All of my trees have a big rock in them. You just can't see them. I tie all my trees to a big rock and bury it in the pot. That way when the squirrels tip it over it always lands right side up and I have never suffered a broken branch yet!

I would simply LOVE to see you potting plants using this method. Put it on youtube for bonus LOLs.