Bonsai size

“How tall should a bonsai be?” There is no precise, mathematically defined answer to this question. A bonsai can be as little as 5 centimeters tall, or a “giant” up to 2 meters. There is a traditional classification of bonsai by size, with its own Japanese terminology:

Keishi 2.5 cm. (miniature)

Shito 7.5 cm (very small)

Mame 15 cm (small)

Shohin 20 cm (medium)

Kifu Sho 40 cm. (medium-large)

Chiu 60 cm (large)

Dai 100 cm (very large)

Hachi-uye 150-200 cm (giant)

Many specialists and enthusiasts see no need for such a “fine-grained” breakdown and mostly prefer four categories:

Small bonsai: 5–15 cm;

Medium bonsai: 15–50 cm;

Large bonsai: 50–100 cm;

Giant bonsai: over 100 cm.

Of course, dividing bonsai into categories by size is only a convention, and no one ever tries to judge a bonsai’s worth by its height alone. Very often, when working on a young plant, it is in fact the tree itself that “dictates” what size the future bonsai should be.

Miniature bonsai demand special attention. Because they are so small, styling must be done with great care. Their lifespan, too, is said to be relatively shorter than that of medium or large trees. Such bonsai also need more delicate care: in winter they must be protected from frost, and in the summer heat they may need watering two or three times a day. For all the difficulties, working on a bonsai of this size has its advantage: it can be created and brought to “perfection” in less time.