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Bonsai Myths

There are many bonsai myths connected with growing bonsai trees. Some seem somewhat logical; others are difficult to imagine how they ever came about. Some of the more common myths are listed below.

After you've read my list, please add your own favorites! (There's a link at the bottom of this page.)

“Bonsai are only made from real trees
... not shrubs or bushes.”

pixie bougainvillea, bougainvillea bonsai, bonsai

In my early bonsai days, I was told many bonsai myths, this was one. I then thought about all the famous bonsai subjects in my Japanese books.

One of the most famous is the azalea, a flowering shrub.

The common shrub juniper and even the rangy Bougainvillea are good bonsai subjects.

(Pixie bougainvillea bonsai shown above is over 35 years old.)

Many vines, such as wisteria and grape are also utilized.

Some hobbyists are more traditional than others, but most agree if a plant can be made to look like a small tree, it qualifies.

"Bonsai are House Plants"

This is a very old misunderstanding. Reputable sellers today are a lot more explicit as to where trees should grow.

Circumstances permitting, bonsai grow best outdoors. In most climates, these small trees are treated the same as any other potted plants. In winter, the tropicals are brought indoors or placed in greenhouses.

Others are placed in pits and garages to be protected from bitter winters. Some will tolerate the snow, know your species!

Guests coming? It will not hurt to display your tree indoors for a day or two. (Unless it is in winter sotrage; then do not move it!)

First, water the tree thoroughly. Trim off any stray branches or leaves and clean the pot. Inside, keep it away from air vents. When your guests leave, place the bonsai back where it normally grows.

Some sub-tropical species can be grown indoors year round with proper Indoor bonsai care including proper light, water and air circulation.

“A plant must be imported to be a true bonsai.”

Many bonsai are imported; however, many more are grown using plants common to the area of the artist. As the popularity of bonsai spreads throughout the world, new bonsai plant subjects are constantly being discovered.

While junipers and pines are traditional bonsai in temperate climates, fig trees (Ficus) are popular in tropical areas. Native trees around the world are becoming very popular with bonsai growers.

“A tree stops growing once it is a bonsai.”

Hopefully not! Good bonsai plant health requires that it shed and grow new leaves or needles, bloom and drop flowers, extend its branches and develop roots.

As it matures, a bonsai may slow and may need a less trimming, but it will continue to grow.

“Wire keeps the tree from growing.”

The purpose of wire is to bend and shape a branch or trunk. It is not permanent. Wire is removed when the job is done.

Some bonsai enthusiasts use copper wire; others use copper-colored aluminum. There is no magic in the type of wire used. Whichever does the best job for you, is the one to use.

“Pruning roots will kill the tree”

Just the opposite! Trimming roots keeps any plant healthy in a pot. The tap root can go first; it is not necessary in a container. (This continues to be one of the most consistent bonsai myths!)

Cutting roots (even the tap root) will not kill a tree if it is done judiciously and at the appropriate time of year.

The “perfect” time of year to prune roots varies from species to species.

“No fertilizer is part of the dwarfing process.”

A scary thought. Bonsai are living plants. Fertilizer is like plant food. Nature feeds plants in the ground. Plants in containers need to be fed by us.

One of the biggest bonsai myths about fertilizer is to use weakened versions of the original instructions. I recently saw a web site with instruction that still reads use “1/4 strength, once a week”!

In the beginning, I followed similar advice. It seemed like a miracle when I began to use fertilizer according to package instructions!

“You can make tiny grapefruit on a bonsai tree.”

Jaboticaba fruit, jaboticaba bonsai, bonsai

No way! There are bonsai techniques to reduce the size of leaves, but fruit and flowers remain just about their normal size.

There are fruit trees with small fruit, such as Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) shown here. Calamondin (Citrofortunella mitis), which looks like tiny oranges, is another tropical with small fruit.

Rather than grapefruit, try one of these as bonsai.

Despite the facts, this is another one of those bonsai myths that continues!

"Always Use a Humidity Trays Indoors"

I have a personal theory as to why humidity trays do work. And it has nothing to do with humidity.

My theory: Someone with a humidity tray tends to water indoors without concern. Their trees are frequently watered and cared for better (while indoors) than trees sitting directly on furniture, shelves and/or window sills.

Without the tray, hobbyists go to a lot of trouble moving trees to watering locations (sinks and tubs) ... allow them to drip dry ... and then return them to the assigned growing area. On those days when everything is going wrong and there is no time, the water ends up on Grandma’s antique table!

I know I would occasionally skip the entire ordeal!

More and more often I hear the humidity tray referred to as a “drip tray”. The truth is they do not create enough humidity to make a difference; it is all about the ‘drip’.

Some of our long standing bonsai myths are created from ‘coincidental effects’. Dale Cachoy in Ohio confirmed my suspicions years ago when he sent me this note:

”Mary, I'll have to agree, although I'd never thought of that before. I keep some tropicals upstairs in windows sitting on old hospital trays, and I'll admit they get better watering care than the ones I have to move to the kitchen to water!”