Miniature Bonsai

Of all the sizes, miniature bonsai are among the most challenging to create. And in many ways, they are the most difficult to keep alive.

(Bonsai are classified by style, species and even by size.)

There are two basic categories of small bonsai:

1. Shohin (which means “a small thing” ) - are 8 inches and under (20 cm)

2. Mame (pronounced ma-may) are often called “bean-size”. They are 4 inches or less (10 cm) in height.

Although these are the most common guidelines, some teachers vary the heights slightly.

In photographs, these miniature trees sometimes appear to be much larger.

At first glance, one may think this small juniper, exhibited at a British shohin exhibit, could be three feet tall. (Photo to the right.)

When shohin are pictured with an object to show the scale, the appearance totally changes.

All of the bonsai pictures on this page are either mame or shohin and will show the many design aspects possible with these little trees.

How to Start Shohin and Mame Bonsai

There's more to creating miniature bonsai than putting a small plant in a little pot.

In general they are started like any other bonsai … cuttings, seed and air layers.

They can also be started by pruning existing plants to a small size.  On occasion, you may find a small stunted tree in the wild that qualifies as a potential subject -- yamadori.

Derek Oakley, lives in hot, dry Western Austrailia and is 27 years into bonsai.

He told me “Shohin are among my favorites ... now that I’m getting older (and wiser!)”

To create this small bonsai Derek took a cutting from one of his elm trees. Five years later, he has this delightful mame bonsai.

Shohin Bonsai Artists

There are many fine shohin artists throughout the world. One of my personal favorite talents in the United States is Suthin Sukosolvisit.

I first met Suthin, many years ago, at his Royal Bonsai Garden nursery in Stoughton, Massachusetts.

I enjoyed seeing all of his trees but was especially enchanted with the smallest.

This willow leaf fig photo is stunning.

Well known Danish bonsai artist Morten Albek maintains a gallery of his shohin bonsai (such as those below) at the Empire Bonsai site.

Shown here are Morten Albek's:

Berberis thunbergii, Acer buergerianum and Potentilla fruticosa

Because of the degree of difficulty, miniature bonsai is a true study and not generally recommended for beginners.

Where to Go From Here

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Caring for these small plants is somewhat different than larger specimens.

Leave this miniature bonsai page and see how to care for these wonderful small plants.