Honey, I shrunk the bonsai

[Joe Dupre']

Despite collecting a huge crepe myrtle lately, I've had an urge to shrink some of my bonsai to shohin size. Here are most of my tropicals that I cut back ( some severely) and put into small pots. The ficus, second from the left, is crowding shohin size, but it'll get trimmed a bit later. Now my limited tropical collection will fit in my tiny greenhouse...........actually a shelf next to a window in my workshop. Here they are atop their original containers.

 

[Joe Dupre']

I didn't "get" the shohin thing before, but I do now. There's something soothing about picking up a tree with one hand and examining it at eye level.

 

[RaginCajun]

Well on their way to being awesome little bonsai. I love mame and shohin size bonsai.

 

[Shibui]

I didn't "get" the shohin thing before, but I do now.

When you've had a few years you'll also add the challenge of keeping a tree alive and healthy in such a small container. Not as easy as it looks.
Also add the challenge of shaping a whole tree with branching and ramification so it actually looks like a tree but still under 10 inches. Also not as easy as it appears.

Good shohin is a real challenge so great to see you've joined in.

 

[Joe Dupre']

When you've had a few years you'll also add the challenge of keeping a tree alive and healthy in such a small container. Not as easy as it looks.
Also add the challenge of shaping a whole tree with branching and ramification so it actually looks like a tree but still under 10 inches. Also not as easy as it appears.

Good shohin is a real challenge so great to see you've joined in.

10-4 on the ramification. I've had some almost-shohin in the past, and you have to fight for every bud and every sprout. One leaf out of place can affect the silhouette.

 

[RaginCajun]

When you've had a few years you'll also add the challenge of keeping a tree alive and healthy in such a small container. Not as easy as it looks.
Also add the challenge of shaping a whole tree with branching and ramification so it actually looks like a tree but still under 10 inches. Also not as easy as it appears.

Good shohin is a real challenge so great to see you've joined in.

That is the trick! Teeny tiny ones are especially difficult. A tray for the small ones to sit on is a definite must unless you can closely monitor the trees throughout the day and water as needed. Couple kingsville boxwoods I rooted in these pots as cuttings..
unfortunately both got too hot and too dry on a long work day last summer.

 

[Joe Dupre']

That is the trick! Teeny tiny ones are especially difficult. A tray for the small ones to sit on is a definite must unless you can closely monitor the trees throughout the day and water as needed. Couple kingsville boxwoods I rooted in these pots as cuttings..
unfortunately both got too hot and too dry on a long work day last summer.

A tray with rocks and water is in the plans. A friend has that setup and it works great.