Miniature bonsai-from Keshitsubo to Mame

There are many different forms of bonsai, of the most intriguing may be the miniatures.  Since bonsai are miniatures themselves, these plants and trees are grown on even a smaller scale and have specific designations within the bonsai community.

The keshitsubo is the smallest of all mini bonsai and may be grown in pots as small as a thimble.  Their average height is less than two inches tall, not including the pot.  The difficulty tending plants and trees this small and maintaining healthy specimens is a daunting one.   Everything is done in perspective, from watering and fertilizing to wiring and pruning. 

The shito is the next smallest with an average height of three inches.  The same practices hold true for this delicate display.  Starting from seed is best as the young plants and trees in these  tiny containers grow slowly and over time they become stunted by their confinement.  This does not mean that they will not develop all the characteristics of larger bonsai or larger trees for that matter, it does mean that they will do so over a much greater period of time. 

The shohin averages a height of four inches.  Shohin size bonsai may be grown from seeds but can also be started from young plants and trees.  At this size more shaping and refinement is possible.  A single leaf may represent a full limb or branch and a single limb may represent a multiple trunk.   Styling becomes easier at this level.

The mame is the most well known of all the miniature bonsai.  At heights up to six inches and with pots and containers that are readily available, this is the most common and probably the most practical miniature bonsai grown.  Any plant or tree used in a full size bonsai will work in a mame display.  All the techniques and processes can be transferred to this type of bonsai quite easily and most bonsai enthusiasts will have an example of mame as part of their garden.