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Chapter 1

The Basics of Super-mini Bonsai and How to Prepare Them

In this chapter we’ve listed in detail the requirements and preparation needed for creating super-mini bonsai, which will allow you to get a better idea of what can be achieved. Make sure to check these pages when you start creating your own super-mini bonsai.

Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis)

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum aka shidare)

Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)

What are Super-mini Bonsai?

Many people may know the word “bonsai” but aren’t really sure what it means. Before you start, it’s helpful to become familiar with the basics of bonsai.

Easy to manage, small and charming

Bonsai can be divided into several categories depending on their size. Broadly speaking, they are usually divided as shown on the right, into large, medium and small sizes. Of these, the small bonsai are easier to manage than the large ones, and “bonsai that fit in the palm of the hand” have become popular recently.

Among the small bonsai, the particularly tiny ones are called mini bonsai, mame [bean-size] bonsai and so on. Super-mini bonsai are even smaller than these. In this book, super-mini bonsai are about an inch (3cm), give or take, in height and width, but rather than adhering to a strict measurement, we’ll define these as bonsai that are small enough to fit onto the tip of a finger or be held in between the fingertips.

TYPES OF BONSAI

TIDBIT

The History of Bonsai

Bonsai are said to have been brought to Japan from missions in the Sui and Tang dynasties (between the 6th and 10th centuries CE). During the Heian period (794–1185 CE), the aristocracy cultivated an appreciation of potted plants, and in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) various tree species and types of pots came into use. In the Edo period (1603–1868), this appreciation spread from the daimyo (feudal lords) to the common townsfolk and it is thought that the term “bonsai” began to be used during this time.

Building on this, further developments in the Meiji period (1868–1912) led to the establishment of an intrinsically Japanese view of art that defines bonsai as we know it today: that is, “the expression of nature’s grandeur and beauty in a small vessel, and the appreciation of this.”

In recent years, particularly in the US, bonsai fans have rapidly increased in number. Even in Japan, where until recently bonsai was commonly seen as a hobby for older people, it has become popular people of all ages. As they are easier to access than traditional bonsai, the creation of super-mini bonsai can be considered a natural development within the overall trend.

Japanese winterberry (Ilex serrata)

Cherry (Prunus)

Snowrose (Serissa japonica)

Princess pussy willow

Weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa)

Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora)

Spindle tree (Euonymus fortunei)

What’s So Appealing about Super-mini Bonsai?

Why do I recommend super-mini bonsai? How do they differ from larger bonsai, or from flowers, ornamental plants and other regular potted plants? Let’s dig further into their appeal.

Tiny little bonsai just an inch or so (3cm) tall

A bonsai is essentially a potted plant whose trunk and branches are artfully adjusted for the purpose of fostering a deep appreciation of nature. It differs from a regular potted plant in that its form is trained so as to represent a natural landscape within a confined space.

It takes years of work to achieve the desired shape and effect. Growing a bonsai to maturity requires not only time, but also space and financial investment, and so bonsai gardening has tended to be the province of people for whom such factors are not much of an issue.

Super-mini bonsai came about because they are easier to create, require less time and can be worked on even in small spaces. Once the plant has been propagated, a super-mini bonsai can be potted, displayed and admired immediately. Like other plants, super-mini bonsai require regular care and, if properly maintained, will give years of enjoyment. Super-mini bonsai combine the magic of growing things with the magic of small things. They are fun to display and, whether placed singly or arranged in multiples, are sure to captivate.

A creeping plant is wound round and round in this “winding super-mini bonsai.” It’s a project just right for beginners (see page 34).

The fun of creating them

Part of bonsai’s special appeal is the process of guiding the trunk and other parts of the plant into whatever shape you like. It’s easy to get started on super-mini bonsai.

The fun of growing them

Left uncared for, super-mini bonsai immediately start to weaken, Properly looked after, they will grow for years, and their various changes over time will be a source of pleasure.

Trim branches with the desired form in mind. Once you get used to it, this becomes an enjoyable pastime (see page 48).

At the left is a one-year-old pine tree, while the trees on the right have two years of growth. While they’re small, over time their characteristics start to show.

The fun of displaying them

Super-mini bonsai have a sweet appeal. They can be easily displayed to great effect in containers you have in hand such as small transparent cases and little dishes.

The more plants you line up, the more fun and varied the effect. Display them on window ledges, on top of shelves, in the kitchen and anywhere else you like.

Making Super-mini Bonsai

Although super-mini bonsai are much easier to create than larger bonsai, they cannot be completed in just a day or two. But the process is a big part of the appeal. Dedicate some time to making super-mini bonsai, appreciate their transformation and have fun as you go.

Start by growing a seedling

The kinds of little potted plants used for super-mini bonsai are not sold in stores, so you will need to prepare them yourself. Broadly speaking, there are two ways to do this. The first is by taking cuttings and planting them in soil to encourage root growth. The other way is to grow plants from seed.

Some plants that are used for super-mini bonsai, such as ivy and other creepers and vines, can be used immediately after gathering, but for the most part, it takes anywhere from a month to a year until a plant grown from a cutting or from seed is ready for use.

Potted plants don’t have to be made into supermini bonsai straight away—it’s fine to grow some simply as potted plants. But if you have a few potted plants ready-grown, you can make as many supermini bonsai as you like, whenever you like.

Creating, growing and displaying your super-mini bonsai

Once the seedlings have been propagated, it’s time to create super-mini bonsai, starting with transferring the plants into small pots. Regular bonsai require years to reach the stage where they can be displayed, but once super-mini bonsai have been transferred into their pots, they are complete. What’s more, they offer all the charms unique to bonsai, such as allowing their branches to be shaped and bearing flowers and fruit.

Watered daily, fertilized and disinfected regularly, and with proper maintenance of branches and roots, bonsai can be enjoyed for years. They are not common houseplants, though. They should be grown outdoors and, once potted, should spend as much time outdoors as weather and other conditions will allow.

TIDBIT

Don’t Little Bonsai Grow Bigger?

Super-mini bonsai planted in little pots do not grow big as they would if planted outdoors. Even garden trees that can grow as tall as a person remain small when grown in a little pot.

However, to keep raising them for a long period of time, it’s necessary to repot super-mini bonsai regularly. Removing them from the pot, maintaining the roots and replacing the soil allows even these small plants to properly put out roots and absorb nutrients that ensure robust growth.

Grown in a little pot, this super-mini Japanese maple tree bonsai stays small.

Growing the Plant Prior to Creating the Super-mini Bonsai

SEARCHING FOR POTENTIAL POTTED PLANTS

Potential super-mini bonsai can be grown from cuttings or from seed. Cuttings can be taken from garden trees, potted plants and so on, while seeds can be found in gardens, parks and wooded areas along with acorns, pine cones and the like (see page 18).

PROPAGATING SEEDLINGS

Depending on the type of tree or plant used, a seedling can put out strong roots within as little time as one month to be ready for use as a supermini bonsai. Grow a few potted plants at a time so that you can turn them into super-mini bonsai whenever you like (see pages 20–24).

CREATING SUPER-MINI BONSAI

Once the potted plant is ready, making a supermini bonsai takes no time at all. A simple supermini bonsai is complete as soon as it’s been transferred into a little pot! For authentic trained trunks and branches or to create interesting shapes, use wire and position as desired (see chapter 2).

Acorns being grown into seedlings.

A Japanese box tree cutting taken from the garden.

Seedlings grown from acorns. These have been grown with the acorns above ground.

The Japanese box tree seedling is transferred to a pot to create a supermini bonsai.

GROWING SUPER-MINI BONSAI

Super-mini bonsai should be grown outdoors. With some effort, a suitable growing environment can be created on a balcony or even smaller space, or of course in the garden. Fertilizing and disinfecting the plants, killing insects and pests, caring for the branches and looking after the roots and soil by transferring the plants regularly will encourage healthy growth (see chapter 3).

Watering super-mini bonsai. They require little space for maintenance.

DISPLAYING SUPER-MINI BONSAI

Display your super-mini bonsai indoors when you want to add some greenery to your everyday life. Although they’re small, they have a presence that calms and soothes (see chapter 4).

It’s fun thinking of ways to display your work.

Materials and Tools

Necessary materials and tools can be assembled from items on hand, hardware stores, gardening centers and online vendors.

Finding materials and tools suited to small pots and delicate operations

Fine-grained soil suitable for small pots and tools such as tweezers that make delicate tasks easier are used for super-mini bonsai creation and maintenance. There’s no need to have all manner of items on hand, just prepare the basics to start with, and then if you later decide to continue with super-mini bonsai, you can purchase more specialist equipment.

The items here are the must-haves for creating super-mini bonsai: soil, tools and pots. Have sphagnum moss on hand as well, and if you want to stabilize branches or shape the bonsai, wire will be necessary also. Make a list of what you need and assemble those items so that they’ll be at your fingertips.

SOILS

Use a soil mix. For super-mini bonsai, whichever type of soil you choose, use the smallest grain possible such as “extra fine” or “fine-grain.”

Breathability and moisture retention are critical

The balance of breathability, moisture retention and drainage need to be considered when it comes to soil, resulting in a mix such as this one. Keep the mixed soil in a conveniently sized, sealable container. The lid of the container is perfect as a work surface when making the super-mini bonsai, and a plastic dessert spoon kept in the container, makes a convenient scoop.

❶ Hard akadama (extra-fine grain)—60%

Akadama soil is soil in granule form, made from sifting the Kanto region’s loam layer. The hard quality type does not crush easily and has excellent breathability, moisture retention and drainage properties.

❷ Fuji sand—20%

This is volcanic soil from Mt Fuji. It has excellent moisture retention properties.

❸ Yahagi river sand (size 1)—20%

This river sand is from the Chubu region. The grains do not crush easily and it drains well.

TOOLS

The basic tools for bonsai are all available at hardware and DIY stores. Once you get the hang of things, you can start to purchase other tools.

Scissors, tweezers and pliers make up the basic 3-piece tool set

When you’re just starting out, all you need are scissors, tweezers and pliers. Scissors and tweezers in particular can also be used in caring for potted plants.

❶ Pliers: tools to cut the wire that is used to stabilize branches.

❷ Scissors: used for pruning branches.

❸ Tweezers: used to grip foliage or pack soil in firmly.

Helpful extras

❶ Radio pliers: used to bend wire into shape.

❷ Branch cutter: used to cut branches neatly at their base.

❸ Root cutter: scissors used specifically for trimming roots.

Getting serious

❶ Knob cutter: used for trimming knobs from trees.

❷ Cutter knife: used for shaving and smoothing off the trunk after cutting off branches.

❸ Scalpel: used for shaving off layers on a trunk and so on.

❹ Root hook: used for loosening roots.

SPHAGNUM MOSS AND OTHER MOSSES

Mosses are used when planting super-mini bonsai. They are all around, but make sure you never run out of them at a crucial moment by always having some on hand.

Sphagnum moss

Used for covering the soil in a pot, sphagnum moss acts as a lid to prevent soil spilling from the pot or drying out. It can be purchased at DIY, hardware and all-purpose stores.

Moss

Moss is planted over the sphagnum moss that covers the soil. Apart from being attractive, it acts as a guide for watering.

POTS

Small pots are really adorable, and looking for them is part of the fun of bonsai. They come in various shapes, colors and patterns.

Finding the right pot for you

In the art of bonsai, the pot forms part of the completed work. The goal is to have a pot that is in harmony with the tree. Various kinds of pots made from different mediums and in different shapes may be used to complement the tree varieties and forms.

Just as for large bonsai, pots are available for little bonsai and are known as mame (bean) pots due to their small size, but they may not be readily available near you. When making super-mini bonsai, don’t limit yourself to using bonsai pots. Instead, use small containers that freely express your own sense of style.

UNIQUE ARTISAN PIECES

Mame pots made by ceramic artists can be found on their home pages and so on. As they are one-off works, they may be slightly expensive, but even though they are small, they are good quality, attractive pieces.

MACHINE MADE POTS

These simply formed pots are inexpensive and easily accessible. Apart from being stocked at bonsai stores, they are also sold at bonsai fairs and events.

UNUSUAL POTS

When viewing and researching small bonsai, you may come across unusual pots such as those shaped like roof tiles, books and so on. Part of the experience is using a pot you really like.

THESE CAN BE POTS TOO!

Here, I’ve used a beautiful shell instead of a pot. As there is no hole in the base, watering can be tricky, but if the plant is sturdy then it should grow without any trouble.

SPECIAL TIPS

Creating a Pot Using Items on Hand

Pots for super-mini bonsai are not limited to what is sold in stores.

Use items you have on hand to make original pots that are always at the ready.

Pots that make bonsai care easier

Pots with a hole in the base are best as they make watering and drainage easier. However, for sturdy plants such as ivy and succulents which do not need as much attention when it comes to water, it’s possible to use pots that don’t have holes.

Bear in mind that although they are small, supermini bonsai can grow to two or more times the height of a tiny pot. Adjust your pot if necessary to ensure a stable base and avoid tipover.

POT IDEA 1

Make a hole in a little vessel