The miniature size of a bonsai tree is impeccable. The astonishing factor here is that it still maintains all the proportions of a full-sized tree while remaining so small in size. But it takes the right amount of care and maintenance for bonsai trees to remain healthy. When it comes to bonsai trees, most of them are very small in size. So, how tall do bonsai trees get?
If we start from the smallest of sizes, bonsai trees can appear as small as 1-3 inches. That’s 3 to 8 centimeters. But when it comes to the largest, a bonsai can reach up to 60 to 80 inches. And that’s a whopping 152 to 203 centimeters. And it all depends on the different varieties of bonsai trees.
To know more about bonsai trees, we must learn about their varieties and how tall or short they can appear to be. In the end, the more knowledge we consume, the better it will be for us to take care of these amazing miniature pieces.
So, let’s take a look at their sizes and learn more about their growth.
Why Are Bonsai Trees So Popular?
The most remarkable quality of a bonsai tree is, without a doubt, its size. It’s very interesting to look at a small tree that has all the features of a full-grown tree. The miniature is almost identical to its full-grown counterpart. What’s more, the smallest size can be compared to that of a seed, while the largest one needs many people to shift.
When it comes to the classification of a bonsai tree, its size is the primary focus. But even the size depends on several factors and sources. People have a difficult time judging the size of a bonsai from just a picture.
This makes complete sense, as a regular picture of a bonsai will not provide an accurate representation or view of the actual size of the tree.
So why is it important to know the sizes? Let’s say that you already have a container prepared for your bonsai. For the bonsai tree to fit in, you need to know the size before making any other decision.
This is where the classification of the sizes comes into play. The viewer will have a better angle and will be able to determine the bonsai tree’s height and weight.
It will now be easier to know if it can fit into the container. And that’s not all. Knowing the size of a typical bonsai will help you take better care of it.
You’ll know the right methods to give it the proper care and have a better understanding of its aesthetics and how it’ll look inside your house.
Size Categories Of Bonsai Trees
The sizing classification of a bonsai tree was created centuries ago. So, it’s no surprise that most of the instructions may have slightly drifted away from their origin. Now that we’re left with all the modern guidelines, they may vary from region to region. But the most accepted size categories of bonsai are miniature, medium, and large.
Miniature Bonsai Trees
As the name suggests, miniature bonsai trees fall into the smallest classification of bonsais. Some of them can even be lifted with just two fingers, while the largest may take a few people to lift.
Keshitsubo
Keshitsubo is the smallest bonsai tree out there. Their size can be estimated to be between 1 and 3 inches. That’s approximately 3 to 8 centimeters, which is tiny, to say the least.
They’re so small in size that you can use only two of your fingers to lift them. That also means that this tree needs to be handled with the utmost care.
Komono
Also known as the generic small bonsai tree, Komono is the largest tree in the miniature bonsai tree list. While Keshutsubo requires two fingers to be lifted, you need an entire hand to lift this one.
When it comes to size, the komono grows up to 6 and 10 inches. In centimeters, that’s 15 to 25 cm.
Medium Bonsai
Medium bonsai trees cannot be lifted with your fingers. They at least need one hand. But that’s for the smallest of the medium bonsais.
Many of them will require more than one hand. That’s why most of them are classified as two-handed bonsai trees.
Katade-Mochi
This is the largest bonsai that you can lift with one hand. When it comes to their size, they grow between 10 and 18 inches; or 25 to 46 centimeters.
You’ll see that most people tend to work with Katade-Mochi because they are quite easy to handle and take care of.
If a bonsai tree is easy to handle, it just makes them more popular amongst the rest.
Chumono
Now let’s talk about the slightly bigger versions of the bonsai trees. The Chumono is a two-handed bonsai tree. This means that you need two hands to lift and carry it.
They grow between 16 and 36 inches, which is 41 to 91 centimeters. Now, when you compare their size with the rest, they do seem quite big.
Large Bonsai Trees
In this category, the substantial bonsai trees are taken into account. And we’re not only talking about two-handed bonsai trees. The largest one can take up to 8 or more hands to carry.
Omono
Omono is a large bonsai tree. But it’s considered to be the smallest in this category. These bonsai trees are four-handed. This means that you’re going to need four hands to shift this tree from one place to another.
When it comes to their growth, they grow between 30 and 48 inches. (That’s 76 to 122 centimeters)
Imperial
If we have to name the largest of the bonsai trees, the Imperial is the one to take that title. Growing between 60 to 80 inches, these are the most enormous bonsai trees you’ll find.
If you’re still in confusion, that is 152 to 203 centimeters. Now you won’t normally find these bonsai trees at someone’s home. They are mostly located in Japanese imperial gardens.
And if they need to be lifted and carried by people, a whopping eight or more hands are required to move the Imperial bonsai tree.
Taking Care Of The Bonsai Trees With Different Sizes
The size of your bonsai trees determines how you’ll care for them. So, before you move on to choose what bonsai tree you want, make sure you choose the best size to fit your home or garden.
Miniature Bonsai Tree
Taking care of a miniature bonsai is a lot more strenuous than its larger counterparts. These bonsai trees can be moderately challenging, but the plus point is that they only occupy a small space.
So, if you’re living in a tiny apartment, miniature bonsais are the ideal choice.
Medium Bonsai Tree
Medium bonsai trees are an ideal pick for beginners. Taking care of them isn’t as challenging as the miniature ones. And depending on how big they are, you can conclude whether they need to be retained indoors or outdoors.
But as they’re already small, carrying them is not a problem. All they need is just the right soil mixture that will definitely retain water.
Large Bonsai Trees
It’s a lot of work when it comes to the large bonsai trees. At the same time, you won’t find much flexibility here. But if you were to differentiate it from the miniature versions, it’s still easier to take care of.
As they are predominantly outdoor trees, they have a lot of exposure to the sun. And due to their size, large bonsai trees are not moved too often.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve arrived at the end of the article, you should now have a better understanding of how tall do bonsai trees get. If we consider their classification, the miniature ones require the most effort and care. While the medium ones are ideal for beginners.
So, before you go and get one for yourself, go through their classifications to see how large or small they are. And that’s it for today. Thank you for giving this article a read. And I hope you have a great day ahead.
