When most people think of bonsai, they picture a small potted tree. But a closer look at the word itself, which comes from the Japanese words for tray planting, reveals that it refers to an art that encompasses many types of miniature plants and trees. It can be used to describe any ornamental tree or shrub that is kept small by means other than genetics — for example, by planting it in a container and artificially preventing it from growing as large as it would in the wild. It can also refer to the precise art of growing these kinds of plants in containers under strict adherence to traditional rules of pruning and training.
It can even be applied to non-living objects — for example, a piece of moss or even a dead twig gathered from the garden. In this sense, it is often referred to simply as “bonsai.”
Whether used to refer to a specific type of plant or to the art of miniaturizing them, bonsai can be seen as an expression of beauty and refinement that can be enjoyed by anyone. It is a unique form of gardening that can help us slow down and appreciate the natural world around us.
Note: These usage examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage. They are not reviewed or approved by Merriam-Webster editors, but they reflect how our audience uses the word.
Brazilian Wood Plant, Brazillian Wood Money Tree, Brazilian Wood Hydroponic Plant, Brazilian Lucky Wood, Housewarming Gift for New Home, for Desktop Decoration, with Plastic Tray
$9.11 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai Live Green Mound Juniper Bonsai Tree - Medium, 5 Year, 6 to 10 Inches - Outdoor Bonsai Tree Live with Bonsai Pot
$43.59 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Live Green Mound Juniper Outdoor Bonsai Tree - 3 Years Old; 4" to 6" Tall with Decorative Container - Not Sold in California
$30.00 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai Live Golden Gate Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree - Small, 4 Years Old, 5 to 8 In - Live Bonsai Tree in Ceramic Bonsai Pot with Humidity Tray
$35.05 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Costa Farms Ponytail Palm Bonsai, Easy to Grow Live Indoor Plant in Indoors Garden Planter Pot, Air Purifying Houseplant, Housewarming, Birthday Gift, Office, Home, and Room Décor, 1 Foot Tall
$38.99 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai Live Dwarf Jade Bonsai Tree, Indoor - Small, 3 Years Old, 5 to 8 Inches Tall - Decorative Ceramic Bonsai Pot and Bonsai Tray
$27.43 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Live Dwarf Australian Weeping Willow Bonsai Tree - Fast Growing, Indoor/Outdoor Bonsai Material
$13.95 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai CT0116FT, Fukien Tea Indoor Bonsai Tree, SMALL
$38.00 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HOME GROWN Bonsai Tree Kit: Unique Christmas Gift for Men - Bonsai Starter Kit w/ 6 Seed Varieties - Unique Designed Pots - All-in-One Craft Kit for Adults for Gardeners & Plant Lovers
$27.99 (as of December 21, 2024 17:44 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)