The roots of bonsai

In order to be able to optimally care for or design a bonsai, it is necessary to know its vital functions. There is a big difference between bonsai design and bonsai care, but you should still know about the physiology of the plant. If you understand how a plant works, you will make far fewer mistakes when caring for it and will be able to enjoy your bonsai for much longer. As water is a universal transport medium for all plants that they need for their metabolism, the plant also needs an organ to absorb water and nutrients.

They essentially have three tasks to fulfill: absorbing water with the nutrient salts dissolved in it, anchoring the plant in the soil and storing organic and inorganic substances. In its search for water and nutrients, the young root grows from the top of the so-called vegetation cone. To protect itself from injury in the soil, a root cap forms around the vegetation cone. This root cap is only a few days old, the older cell structure of this root cap gradually dissolves and becomes slimy. The vegetation cone then grows through the protective mucilage layer, forming the actual root cells towards the back. Water is absorbed via the cells of the root skin, in order to achieve the largest possible absorption surface, the root skin forms many fine protrusions, the root hairs (hair roots).

These root hairs now suck up water from the finest cracks in the soil and air from the soil cavities, which the plant needs for its metabolism. The absorbed water is stored in the rear part of the root and passed on to the stem through conduits. Older roots begin to grow thicker and no longer absorb water but protect themselves from it by building up a waterproof root bark - they become woody, similar to the trunk. The woody roots now take over the anchoring and storage of starch, mineral salts and water.