Bonsai Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular bonsai species with care guides, traits, and styling tips.
Featured Bonsai
Showing 5 of 77 species
Cork Bark Pine
Pinus parviflora
A variety of white pine with bark that develops cork-like texture. Striking contrast between rugged bark and delicate five-needle foliage. Bark deepens with age, gaining dignity.
© No machine-readable author provided. Inti-sol~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0Ezo Spruce
Picea jezoensis
Conifer native to Hokkaido. Dense short needles create a rugged appearance reflecting harsh northern climates. Extremely cold hardy, ideal for bonsai in cold regions.
Itoigawa Shimpaku Juniper
Juniperus chinensis
The finest Shimpaku variety from Itoigawa. Extremely fine scale foliage grows densely, prized for delicate leaf character. Produced many masterpieces at exhibitions.
© User:Jetoney / Public domainJapanese Black Pine
Pinus thunbergii
The ultimate bonsai classic. Rugged bark and powerful branching are its greatest appeal. Faster than white pine; advanced techniques like bud cutting create refined canopies. Challenging but supremely rewarding.
© No machine-readable author provided. MPF assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY 2.5Japanese Umbrella Pine
Sciadopitys verticillata
Endemic Japanese conifer, one of the world's three great garden trees. Distinctive umbrella-like needles. Often planted at shrines and temples. Prized as an elegant bonsai.
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Bonsai FAQ
- How much do bonsai cost?
- Mini bonsai cost 1,000-5,000 yen, medium bonsai 5,000-50,000 yen, and masterpiece-class large bonsai hundreds of thousands to millions of yen depending on age, size, and form.
- Can beginners start bonsai?
- Starting with small Japanese maple, Shimpaku juniper, or Japanese white pine is recommended. With basic watering and 1-2 annual prunings, beginners can fully enjoy bonsai.
- How long do bonsai live?
- With proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years. Japan has many bonsai several centuries old, valued as art pieces passed down across generations.
- What should I check when buying bonsai?
- Look at root spread, trunk movement, and branch balance. Beginners may enjoy starting with affordable raw material trees and shaping them, rather than finished specimens.
- What's most important for bonsai care?
- Daily watering is the most important task. Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, twice daily in summer (morning and evening). Keep outdoors in a spot with good airflow and sunlight.