Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Do you believe that growing a Bonsai is cruel...

waloshin

waloshin

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Oct 9, 2008
3,562
394
Do you believe that growing a Bonsai is cruel to the tree?

When you let a tree grow as a Bonsai you don't let it grow to it's full potential.

Example: Bonsai Giant Redwood:

2978847592_d55b6da4cf.jpg


What it could have been:
240px-Grizzly_Giant_Mariposa_Grove.jpg
 
If you get a genetically engineered one that starts screaming when you cut it then yes, otherwise no.
 
If its cruel, then cutting them down would also be cruel. Then what about plants, eating them wouldn't be right either :rolleyes:
 
PhelpsiPhan said:
Yeah, i guess it would be cruel, if trees had a soul... but theyre just trees
Click to expand...
Under Buddhism every living thing has a soul, even trees.

But to answer Waloshin's question, no it's not cruel. Forgetting to water a plant and have it die is a million times worse than pruning it to keep it small IMO.
maflynn said:
If its cruel, then cutting them down would also be cruel. Then what about plants, eating them wouldn't be right either :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Vegetable Rights and Peace :)
 
No more cruel than the "new thread" button not being disabled for some. :D

If Mr. Miyagi does it then it must be ok.
 
Bonsai trees are cruel. They force their owners to mollycoddle them, tying them up, fussing over careful trimming and watering... had to look after one once while its owner was away for almost four months. Shedding their leaves at the drop of a hat, freaking out over small changes in light; nerve-wracking doesn't begin to describe it.
 
waloshin said:
Do you believe that growing a Bonsai is cruel to the tree?

When you let a tree grow as a Bonsai you don't let it grow to it's full potential.

Example: Bonsai Giant Redwood:

What it could have been:
Click to expand...
must resist stealing and planting outside...
 
One could reverse the question. Perhaps it's less cruel to allow a tree to live its full life span in the safety and comfort of being indoors, instead of subjecting it to the dangers and stresses of striving to survive the outdoors.

It's not like a Bonsai tree needs to contend with fungus attacks, woodpeckers, lightening strikes, wind storms, beetle infestations, diseases, and all the other "acts of nature" that a wild tree needs to contend with.

All a Bonsai tree needs to be wary of being sat on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back