Why Are Bonsai Trees So Expensive & How Are They Priced?

How are bonsai priced?

We are often asked ‘ why are bonsai trees so expensive?’. It is a common misconception that, the bigger the bonsai, the more expensive it will be. This is far from true! As with all arts, the price is determined from the work put into each tree (which is a lot!) In fact, the smaller the bonsai, the more work has had to go into the bonsai to keep them small. So it is often smaller bonsai that are more expensive. After all, the whole point of a bonsai is for it to be as small as possible! Before looking at why they are so expensive, we need to understand the work and time taken to grow a bonsai.

We are often ask ‘ why are bonsai trees so expensive?’. It is a common misconception that, the bigger the bonsai, the more expensive it will be. This is far from true! As with all arts, the price is determined from the work put into each tree (which is a lot!) In fact, the smaller the bonsai, the more work has had to go into the bonsai to keep them small. So it is often smaller bonsai that are more expensive. After all, the whole point of a bonsai is for it to be as small as possible! Before looking at why they are so expensive, we need to understand the work and time taken to grow a bonsai.

How do we grow bonsai?

Most bonsai come from cuttings taken from other bonsai. So they start off at about 10cm long and 2mm in diameter. These cuttings are then planted in a soil. Over the next 5+ years, the cuttings are cared for and styled to create beautiful bonsai. During this time, we check all the little trees daily for water, and they are fed weekly with a bonsai fertiliser.

After about 2 years, we start putting some shape into them. This involves carefully wiring and repotting the bonsai to get a lovely, twisty shape. This wire needs to be adjusted weekly to ensure that it does not cut into the trunk of the tree. At this time, the trees may need to be pruned weekly to encourage new growth in more desirable places.

After a few more years, we start putting the shape into the branches. This involves more wiring, and again checking this wire weekly. During this time, all trees still need pruning and feeding weekly, and usually need repotting as well.

After about 4 – 5 years, we can usually remove the wire from the main trunk. However, it is left on the branches until they are strong enough to hold themselves in the desired position. The bonsai are pruned and fed weekly.

Every 1 – 3 years, we repot all of our bonsai to keep them healthy. All bonsai need to be checked regularly for bugs and diseases, and these need to be prevented where possible.

After 5 years since taking cuttings, some trees are ready for sale. They are repotted and quality checked to ensure that they are in perfect condition! Some bonsai are grown on for another 3 or even 20 years. During this time, we still checked them daily for water. We prune, feed, and check the wire weekly.

Why are bonsai trees so expensive?

The information above on how bonsai are grown is a simple outline. Each bonsai takes a minimum of 5 years, and sometimes 25 years, and they need constantly caring for! Each bonsai takes hours throughout one month, and then of course, we don’t just have one… So of course, the age plays a big part in the price of a bonsai. In general, the older the bonsai, the more work has been put into the bonsai.

Bonsai are expensive because of the work put into each and every one to ensure that they have the best shape and are kept healthy at all times. It is our hope that our customers appreciate the work and effort put into their bonsai!