Common Bonsai Myths & Misconceptions (and the Truth Behind Them)
Bonsai trees often captivate enthusiasts and onlookers with their miniature tree appearance and natural beauty. However, many myths and misconceptions can cloud the understanding of this ancient bonsai art. In this post, we’ll explore nine common bonsai myths, clarify these misunderstandings, and help you learn the truth behind them.
1. Bonsai Cultivation Is Cruel to the Tree
Myth: Constant and excessive trimming to keep a bonsai small is inhumane or cruel.
Truth: When properly cared for, bonsai cultivation is not cruel. Regular pruning and styling and shaping are done with the tree’s health in mind, focusing on balancing growth rather than stunting it. With proper techniques—such as using the right soil composition, practicing vigilant pest control, and trimming branches thoughtfully—bonsai trees can thrive for decades. Rather than harming the tree, skilled bonsai artists aim to enhance its natural beauty in a smaller form.
2. Bonsai Trees Are Exclusively Japanese in Origin
Myth: Bonsai is purely a Japanese origin practice.
Truth: While the term “bonsai” is Japanese, the concept of growing miniature trees in containers dates back to a Chinese concept called “penjing.” Both cultures have contributed to the bonsai art, but it also generates global intrigue today. Whether you see a bonsai garden in Japan, China, or elsewhere, the fundamental idea of cultivating a true bonsai transcends any single culture.
3. Bonsai Are Miniature or Dwarf Trees by Nature
Myth: Bonsai trees must be dwarf species.
Truth: Bonsai trees are typically full-grown varieties trained to remain small through reduction techniques such as trimming and careful container selection. These trees, although small in stature, are often botanically mature. Through methods that emphasize proportion and scale, bonsai practitioners create an illusion of a naturally scaled-down tree, reflecting a harmony between nature and human creativity.
4. Bonsai Are Always Expensive
Myth: All bonsai are costly and only for the rich and famous.
Truth: The price of a bonsai varies widely. Though some rare specimens can fetch high prices, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options available. You can even explore DIY approaches, such as growing from seeds or cuttings, which allow you to develop your own bonsai over time. If you’re on a budget, look for pre-bonsai trees or young trees that you can shape yourself.
5. Only a Select Few Can Cultivate Bonsai
Myth: Bonsai cultivation is the guarded domain of ancient Japanese masters or exclusively for the rich and famous.
Truth: Bonsai is an art and science open to anyone who’s interested. While there are many hidden and magical techniques that experts have discovered over centuries, resources and guides are widely available for aspiring bonsai enthusiasts. If you have dedication and a willingness to learn, bonsai cultivation
is highly accessible regardless of background or profession.
6. Fertilizer Is Unnecessary or Harmful
Myth: Adding fertilizer to a bonsai will burn its roots or cause unnatural growth.
Truth: Bonsai trees, just like other plants, need proper nutrition. Fertilizer use is important because bonsai often grow in specialized soil mixes that may not provide sufficient nutrients. The key is to follow bonsai care instructions regarding fertilizer application, including the correct fertilizer strength and frequency. Without adequate nutrients, you risk nutrient deficiency and weak plant growth. Applied correctly, fertilizer supports bonsai plant longevity and overall plant health.
7. Bonsai Should Only Be Kept Indoors
Myth: Bonsai trees are meant to be decorative indoor bonsai pieces on coffee tables or desks.
Truth: Many bonsai species thrive outdoors. Natural sunlight, proper air circulation, and seasonal changes are vital to the health of many bonsai varieties. While some tropical trees or subtropical origin species adapt well to indoor conditions, others need the environmental conditions found outdoors to flourish. Always research your tree’s specific growing season and climatic needs before deciding where to place it.
8. Bonsai Are Extremely High-Maintenance
Myth: Caring for bonsai is a daily headache, and they’re too fragile to survive minor mistakes.
Truth: While bonsai do require regular pruning, watering, and occasional repotting, they’re not necessarily more demanding than other houseplants or garden trees. Their container size often makes them appear more delicate, but they can be quite resilient with the right soil management and pest control practices. Creating a simple work calendar for seasonal care tasks—like transplanting or adjusting styling and shaping—makes bonsai care manageable and enjoyable.
9. Any Plant Can Become a Bonsai
Myth: You can turn any plant species into a bonsai.
Truth: While many species can be successfully trained, not all are suitable for bonsai. Ideal bonsai candidates typically have flexible branches, small leaves,
and a compact root system. You’ll also want some botany knowledge to understand the horticulture requirements of the specific plant. Even species like olive trees, pyracantha, and other fruit trees can make wonderful bonsai if they meet species requirements and have the right growing medium.
Conclusion
Bonsai is a fascinating blend of art and science, shaped by centuries of knowledge spanning different cultures. Understanding the realities behind these common myths helps enthusiasts appreciate the beauty and intricacy of bonsai trees without fear or confusion. From clarifying that bonsai cultivation isn’t cruel, to emphasizing that it’s accessible, affordable, and adaptable to different environments, the truth makes bonsai even more rewarding for everyone who explores it.
