Root system

From BonsaiWIKI

The root system is the complete network of roots that inhabit the bonsai containers. The root system consists of fibrous roots, feeder roots and hair roots. Aside from their important aesthetic function of grounding a bonsai design, roots form the very practical functions of anchoring the tree in place and providing moisture and nutrients to the plant.

The root system is made up of the visible surface roots on the soil, which branches into smaller roots through a process of ramification to smaller feeder roots ultimately ending in processes known as hair roots.

Ideal root systems have a radial spread of surface roots that provide a strong visual anchorage to the tree. Less desirable are such flaws as one-sided roots and crossing roots.