Miniature Bonsai. Terutoshi Iwai
A Note from the Author
Bonsai that straddle the small-to-miniature category reach about 8 inches (20cm) in height and can take up to 20 years to fully mature. The term “miniature bonsai” generally refers to bonsai small enough to be lifted or moved with one hand. The term “super-mini bonsai” refers to the smallest plants in the miniature bonsai category; of these, the smallest plants can fit on a fingertip and grow in a pot no larger than a thimble. While cultivating bonsai is a slow process, super-mini bonsai can be enjoyed as soon they’re potted—and these plants are simple and satisfying to grow and to pot. They take up virtually no space at all, so they can add a little touch of green in unexpected places. What’s more, if properly cared for they can last for years, continuing to give pleasure as they change and grow. While “bonsai” carries with it the impression of being a hobby for someone with plenty of free time, mini bonsai gardening is a actually a great hobby for busy people, novices at gardening, and anyone who enjoys working with small plants. Though the plants are tiny, growing them is a complete gardening experience. Why not give super-mini bonsai a try?
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
The Basics of Super-mini Bonsai and How to Prepare Them
What are Super-mini Bonsai?
What’s So Appealing about Super-mini Bonsai?
Making Super-mini Bonsai
Materials and Tools
SPECIAL TIPS
Creating a Pot Using Items on Hand
Preparing the Seedling
Growing seedlings from cuttings
Growing plants from seeds (germination)
Germinating seeds in sphagnum moss
Chapter 2
Making Super-mini Bonsai
How to Make Super-mini Bonsai
Creating a Super-mini Bonsai with a Twisted Trunk
Wound-round Super-mini Bonsai
Creating a “Seed-showing” Super-mini Bonsai
SPECIAL TIPS
Fun with Composition
Chapter 3
Super-mini Bonsai Maintenance
Fundamentals for Regular Care
Watering
Fertilizing
Killing pests and disinfecting
Branch maintenance
Repotting
SPECIAL TIPS
When You’re Away for a Few Days
Chapter 4
Displaying and Enjoying Super-mini Bonsai
Fundamentals for Display
Making Good Use of Small Objects
Create a Super-mini Bonsai “Stage”
Create and Enjoy a Little World
Display with Your Favorite Knick Knacks
Easy Ways to Work Super-mini Bonsai Into Your Daily Life
A Place of Calm in a Room
SPECIAL TIPS
Give Displays an Authentic Touch
Chapter 5
All Kinds of Super-mini Bonsai
Types of Bonsai
Tree type 1 Pinales
Tree type 2 Small Trees
Tree type 3 Flowering Trees
Tree type 4 Fruiting Trees
Enjoy the Differences in Tree Form
Tree form 1 Straight trunk
Tree form 2 Angled trunk
Tree form 3 Twin-trunk
Tree form 4 Three-trunk
Tree form 5 Clump
Tree form 6 Informal upright
Tree form 7 Windswept
Tree form 8 Cascade
Tree form 9 Forest
Super-mini Bonsai Glossary
Tiny Little Bonsai That Fit on a Fingertip
Super-mini bonsai are only about an inch or so (3cm) tall but have huge appeal. Even though they’re tiny, they put out roots and grow just as a regular plant does.
Dragon’s blood cactus (succulent family)
Experience the Real Pleasure that a Genuine Bonsai Brings
One of the enjoyable things about bonsai is being able to shape it to your tastes while you care for the branches and foliage. Super-mini bonsai allow you to fully experience the pleasures associated with bonsai.
Cotoneaster
Sprout an Acorn and Enjoy Watching it Grow
When making super-mini bonsai, use shoots grown from acorns and other seeds or cuttings with root growth as nursery stock. Seeing the daily changes such as the growth of buds or roots is sure to become a daily source of pleasure.
A silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) and acorn planted together.
Chinese cork oak (Quercus variabilis) at one year (left) and at