Bonsai and AI (and my Vietnamese Blue Bell)

[canoeguide]

I haven't seen AI discussed here yet, and I am sure there are some who either do not understand what AI is or have fundamental objections, especially to using such a soulless tool in a pursuit like bonsai. But, as a way to spur some discussion, I'd like to present to you some responses I had with ChatGPT (4o model) about a tree that I'm excited about. It can analyze photos and respond to questions and produce analysis.

First, the tree: A Vietnamese Blue Bell. I've been looking for a decent one of this species for a while, and fell in love with this one and its potential. Here it is currently. This is the photo that I provided to ChatGPT. The yellowing leaves are old/repotting stress I picked the pot and repotted it recently.


Here are some excerpts from my conversation with AI. I'd love to hear if you agree with the responses, find them to be nonsense, or fall somewhere in between. Thanks!

Does this seem like a good pot choice?

Yes — that muted yellow with reddish-brown flecks works very well for your tree. Here's why it succeeds:

• Warm Contrast: The yellow glaze warms up the overall composition and contrasts nicely with the dark green leaves without clashing.
• Speckled Texture: The reddish-brown flecks add organic character and connect subtly with the trunk’s earthy tones and aged bark.
• Visual Balance: The oval shape softens the powerful base of your tree and creates a grounded, mature look — ideal for its thick nebari and informal upright style.
• Seasonal Flexibility: When the blue or purple flowers come in, this pot color will enhance their vibrancy instead of competing with them.

It’s a bold but tasteful choice — not a traditional unglazed option, but artistically compelling and supportive of your tree’s personality. This pot can make for a very memorable display.

---

This tree was repotted today. I've described this new angle this way. "Part of why this angle works better, is that the nebari/trunk movement is implying left-to-right, and the first branch is also making a strong rightward movement. This is counterbalanced interestingly by the second branch that starts higher on the tree, plunges almost vertically downward, and then wiggles to the left. Although the apex is rather underdeveloped, it is then free to proceed in a slightly rightward direction and resolve somewhere above the center mass of the trunk." Be critical of the design. Don't just agree with me. Perform your own analysis of the overall design, and compare it to what I've said.

Thank you for the thoughtful breakdown — your description is articulate and shows a strong grasp of structure and flow. That said, here’s a direct, critical evaluation of the design from my perspective, alongside a comparison to your interpretation.

• You observe a left-to-right directional flow implied by the nebari and trunk.
• You note a strong rightward first branch, countered by a quirky, plunging second branch that moves left.
• You describe the apex as underdeveloped, but see potential in it resolving slightly rightward, roughly above the trunk base.

You're reading the tree in terms of narrative motion and balance — which is good bonsai thinking. Let’s test that with a breakdown.

1.​

Yes — the base flares and flows naturally to the right. The nebari is wide, stable, and interesting, with good radial spread.
The trunk has visible taper, and there’s a slight lean and directional movement to the right — subtle but effective.

However:
The trunk line above the base flattens out a bit in the middle third — it loses some momentum or flow between the strong base and the upper branching. A slight change in apex movement or compression in the middle could reintroduce drama.

2.​

First branch (right) is well-placed and strong. It emerges clearly and creates directionality. Good movement and proportion.

Second branch (left): While it’s visually interesting — especially in how it plunges down and wiggles — it feels a little awkward in proportion and path:

• It drops too vertically at first before curling back left, and that plunge competes visually with the first branch instead of cleanly counterbalancing it.
• It draws attention, but not in a way that fully resolves.

Opportunity: Consider whether this branch should be:

• Lifted slightly to soften the plunge
• Pruned or compacted to emphasize lateral movement over vertical
• Or just subdued slightly so it doesn’t dominate the eye so early in the viewing sequence

3.​

Apex is indeed underdeveloped, and that’s okay — but it currently lacks taper, refinement, and structure.

• The current apex is forming a triangle that's slightly too low, giving the silhouette a flattened feel overall.
• You say the apex "resolves somewhere above the center mass" — but right now, it’s not quite pulling the eye up and through the design. It’s stalling.

As the apex develops, think about building slight rightward motion above the current apex, so the flow continues naturally from the trunk lean and primary branch — right now it stops short.

Overall Direction and Composition:​

• Your central thesis — left-to-right implied motion with a strong primary branch and opposing secondary — is sound. But right now, the second branch and the incomplete apex prevent the flow from fully resolving.
• There’s good potential here, especially with the clean potting, strong nebari, and primary branch structure, but the tree would benefit from some apex lift, subtle compression in the middle trunk section, and possible refinement of the second branch.

Final Take:​

You’ve chosen a good new front. It highlights:

• A strong nebari
• A clear trunk movement
• A compelling primary branch

But the design would be stronger if:

• The second branch’s plunge were softened or refined
• The middle trunk had a bit more movement or taper
• The apex rose slightly higher and moved a bit further right to finish the story you're beginning at the roots

You’re reading it clearly — and you’re 80% of the way there. Just a few refinements and time will really bring this composition together.

---

Imagine this tree, in this pot, established and green, with a carpet of fine moss and a lowered soil line. How good would this be in a show? Talk to me about all of the aesthetic considerations. Be critical.

Excellent — you're thinking exactly like someone preparing a tree for serious show display, not just casual enjoyment. Let's take your scenario: Tree established, vibrant green foliage, root zone reduced to proper height, fine moss carpet added, same pot.

I'll give you a comprehensive critique from a show standpoint, balancing aesthetic strengths and refinements needed for high-level exhibition, whether club-level or juried.

OVERALL IMPRESSION IN DISPLAY CONTEXT
In show-ready condition, this tree has strong exhibition potential. It's visually compact, powerful, and mature — but it walks a line between classical and naturalistic, which gives it personality.

Let’s break it down:

1. Pot and Tree Harmony​

Pot choice (muted yellow-beige oval):

• Neutral warmth: Excellent backdrop for both green foliage and light purple flowers. It adds warmth without flash.
• Size and proportion: Nicely sized for the trunk mass and overall spread. It avoids being too shallow (which would diminish strength) or too deep (which would look heavy).
• Shape: Oval is appropriate for a flowering, informal upright. It doesn’t overpower or feminize.

Critique:

• The glaze, while subtle, is just barely interesting enough. For higher-level displays, some might say it’s too safe. Consider: Would a celadon or lavender-gray glazed pot elevate the design in a way that interacts more poetically with the bloom color?

Verdict: Strong and appropriate, but could be taken further depending on artistic goals.

2. Nebari and Surface Detail

You plan to lower the soil line and add moss — great.

• Nebari (once exposed) has excellent radial spread and mature age character. It’s a major asset.
• Moss will provide visual refinement, and help balance trunk heaviness by creating a “finished” look.

Critique:

• In its current form, the nebari is one of the strongest features, but only if fully visible. If left too buried or covered by uneven mossing, you’ll miss a key moment of visual drama.
• Moss must be applied with care — not patchy, not too thick. It should suggest a natural forest floor, not a green carpet.

3. Trunk and Branch Architecture​

• Trunk base is powerful and aged, with mature bark and slight movement. It commands attention — always a strong point in judging
• Branch structure has believable distribution and taper. The first branch is strong and directional, setting flow.

Critique:

• The second (left) branch still feels quirky — it’s characterful, but its plunge + wiggle must be managed so it reads as intentional and balanced, not accidental.
• The apex remains the weakest visual area. In a show setting, judges and viewers will look for:
  • A clearly resolved crown
  • Natural taper or ramification
  • A visual destination that aligns with the trunk flow

Until the apex feels “finished,” the composition may seem unfinished or mid-development to discerning eyes.

4. Artistic Flow and Visual Story​

• There is a clear left-to-right flow, with tension and counterbalance in the opposing branch. That makes for a dynamic viewing experience.
• It feels natural, not overly stylized — a strong candidate for naturalistic or modern exhibitions.

Critique:

• Right now the design is conceptually strong but visually soft at the top. It tells a story that starts strong but doesn’t resolve fully. The viewer’s eye reaches the apex and… stops, without a “payoff

You don’t need a dramatic apex — but you do need one that feels deliberate.

5. Show-Ready Impact​

If the tree:

• Recovers full vigor after repotting
• Builds density and silhouette refinement
• Exposes nebari properly
• Adds moss with care
• Resolves apex with intention…

Then this is absolutely a showable tree, particularly in:

• Tropical or flowering category
• Naturalistic-themed displays
• Accent-free minimalist setups

It's compact, powerful, and subtle. Not a tree that shouts — but one that draws you in with maturity and grace.

Final Judged Summary​

Element	Score (1–10)	Notes
Trunk / Nebari	9	Exceptional base and bark
Pot Selection	7.5–8	Appropriate but could be more poetic
Branch Structure	7	Solid foundation, minor quirks
Apex & Ramification	5–6	Needs development for completion
Overall Presentation	8 (potential 9)	Will shine once apex & moss are refined

Closing Thought:
This tree is already compelling — but great show trees feel inevitable. Every line, branch, and choice must seem like it couldn’t be any other way.
You’re 80% of the way there. With time, apex work, and polish, this tree could truly stand out.

 

[canoeguide]

I should add: pot by Forest Inn Pottery, bought at MABS this year.

 

[DeepSouth]

I have used AI to successfully help diagnose disease and other plant health issues, both in bonsai and general gardening. I also use it extensively to help identify plants in the field. Like anything internet-related, it is important to do your own research on topics that are critical, but overall I have found it to be a very helpful tool in a variety of circumstances.