By Tatiana Onofre
“For us, bonsai is not just a plant—it’s living art,” said Sir Leonel De Jesus, the facilitator for the recent Bonsai exhibition by the Negros Island Bonsai and Suiseki Society (NiBoSS) in the Arinego Art Gallery.
With immense pride and passion for the exhibition, he shared the delicate craft behind bonsai artistry as the group prepared for their exhibit at Robinsons Mall last November 26.
Controlling Growth and Form
“Bonsai is about control—not mainly just its size, but its shape and story,” Sir Leonel explained.
Constant trimming ensures the tree remains small, while careful pruning of the roots prevents overgrowth.
It’s a balancing act he says, as the roots, if left unchecked, can outgrow the entire pot. “We have to keep cutting the roots. It’s a process of giving and taking—it teaches patience,” he said.
Adapting and conforming
Unfortunately, not all trees make it through the process. The usual chosen tropical plants that thrive under sunlight often struggle indoors. However, “some bonsai have adjusted to the air-conditioned environment,” Sir Leonel explained, “but others wilted and had to be replaced.”
The challenge lies between not just in sustaining the tree but in creating art under less-than-ideal conditions to be accessible for people to enjoy.
Telling A Story
For Sir Leonel, bonsai can be a device for storytelling. “One of the most interesting trees the artists worked on was charred in a fire,” he shared.
“Its bark survived, and we revived it with emergency nutrients. That tree is now thriving—it’s become a symbol of survival.”
Another was rescued after being swept away by a flood. “Bonsai is like giving these trees a second chance.”
How to Build a Bonsai
According to the facilitator, beginners often ask how to start.
“You first identify if the plant is ideal for bonsai—it needs tree-like branches and strong stems. Not every plant is suited for this craft,” he said.
Once the plant is chosen, there are three ways to begin: grafting from an existing tree, rescuing damaged plants, or starting from seed. Each method requires care, but the results are worth it.
Styles That Reflect Nature
NiBoSS artists also explore a variety of bonsai styles, from formal upright designs to cascading forms that seem to overflow downward.
“One is the style where the tree holds onto a rock—it’s like it’s clinging for survival,” Sir Leonel said. Some bonsai even reach imperial sizes of three feet, showing the wide range of possibilities within this art form.
Sharing Knowledge
Beyond crafting trees, NiBoSS emphasizes community and learning. “We’ve had workshops and lectures where we share our techniques and stories,” Sir Leonel said. As part of a national and regional network, NiBoSS members compete and collaborate with other bonsai artists across the Philippines.
“We want to show that bonsai is more than a hobby—it’s a way to communicate, to tell a story, to share knowledge,” Sir Leonel concluded.
NiBoSS invited the public to experience first hand the stories and artistry of bonsai at Robinsons Malls Dumaguete.
