Bonsai Collection

Bonsai isn’t a special type of tree—it’s the art of growing regular trees in containers using pruning, wiring, and care techniques that keep them small while maintaining the look of a mature tree. The Japanese word “bonsai” translates as “tree in a pot.” Bonsai are living plants, typically a tree, shrub, or woody herb, grown in a pot and trained to develop characteristics found in a very old tree.

There are two ways to measure bonsai age: real age (the time the tree has been growing) and the age of training (the time the tree has been worked on). Some trees in The Huntington’s collection were hundreds of years old when they were collected for training into bonsai. Others were under 20 years old. Both might have the same age of training. There are a few trees in the collection that have been in training since the 1950s, which is old for an American bonsai.

Some trees, such as the California junipers and oaks, are collected from nature. To collect trees on public lands, permits from the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management are required. The permits are not prohibitively expensive, and bonsai groups often arrange collecting expeditions. Permission from the landowner is required to collect trees on private property. Other bonsai trees, like pomegranates, are collected from urban landscapes. Many come from plant nurseries. The bonsai displayed at The Huntington have been donated or acquired from private bonsai hobbyists, primarily but not exclusively from Southern California. The Huntington’s collection, which includes the Golden State Bonsai Federation collection, features some of the finest and oldest examples of bonsai in the United States.

The trees are grown in a mix of crushed and cleaned lava, pumice, and naturally compressed clay aggregate, including imported Japanese clay products. This mix provides a stable structure with a balance of aeration, water, and nutrient storage, and a sharpness that promotes strong root development.

Not necessarily. Like any plant, bonsai need attention, but once you understand their watering and light requirements, they’re very manageable. Many people find that caring for bonsai is calming.

Some bonsai can live indoors, but most trees prefer to be outside where they receive natural light and seasonal changes. Trees generally need ample light and good air circulation, and they benefit from the moisture in the air. Indoor spaces are usually too dark and dry for them to thrive. Different types of trees have different light needs. In many cases, they want full morning sun and shade or partial shade in the afternoon when temperatures rise.

Some branches are wrapped in wire, either anodized (colored) aluminum or annealed (heated/softened) copper. Wire is used to move and hold a trunk or branches in a certain position until new tissues grow and harden. Branches are wired in a spiral fashion, so even if the wrap cuts into the tree, it won’t girdle the branch, or cut off the sap flow all the way around, which can kill a branch.

There is no fixed watering schedule for bonsai. Water is needed when the soil starts to dry out, which can vary by season, tree type, and location. The key to watering is checking the soil, not the calendar.

With proper care, bonsai can live for decades—even centuries. They often outlive their caretakers and are passed down through generations.

Bonsai trees are maintained through the regular pruning of branches and roots. Pruning doesn’t harm the tree when it is done correctly. It actually keeps the tree healthy and encourages balanced growth.

As a bonsai continues to grow, the pot will eventually fill with roots and compress, which can weaken a tree. Every once in a while, and only at the right time of year, a tree must be repotted, with some of the old soil and roots removed, and put in new bonsai mix so it has room for new roots to grow. Younger and deciduous trees need more frequent repotting; older conifers can sometimes stay in their pots for 15 to 20 years.

The value of a bonsai is based on the time, skill, and care devoted to it. Many bonsai take years or decades to develop, and trained trees reflect the experience of the grower as much as the characteristics of the plant itself.

A local bonsai club is the best way to learn about the art and available resources, including teachers. The Golden State Bonsai Federation lists member clubs in California. The Huntington offers bonsai classes and workshops at various times throughout the year. Visit the Calendar or search the website for “bonsai” to learn about upcoming events.

You can start with just a pair of sharp pruning scissors. Specialized tools are helpful as you gain experience and develop skills, but they aren’t required for a beginner.

Hardy, forgiving trees like Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Juniper (Juniperus), and Boxwood (Buxus) are great for beginners. They adapt well and are resilient while you learn techniques and develop your skills.

It’s both. Bonsai combines horticulture with artistic expression. There’s no single “correct” style. Each tree reflects the care and creativity of the person growing it.