BonsaiTree

Shohin, Mame and Bonsai compared Shohin and Mame are quite similar to Bonsai, but besides size, differences can also be distinguished in its care guidelines. As pots get smaller more regular watering and fertilizing is required. Another difference can be found in the amount of detail depicted by the trees. Real trees have thousands of leaves and branches, but as size decreases, all the way to the tiny little Mame trees, detail tends to decrease as well. Therefore, Shohin and especially Mame can be thought of as being more idealistic.

Bonsai size classifications The ultimate goal of Bonsai is to create a realistic depiction of nature. As a Bonsai gets smaller (even down to a few inches/centimetres) it increasingly becomes abstract, as opposed to resembling nature in a more precise way. Several classifications of Bonsai have been put forward, and although the exact size classifications are disputed, they help to gain an understanding of the aesthetic and botanical aspects of Bonsai. The classifications are originally based on the number of men needed to lift the actual tree. The size classifications, increasing in size Keshitsubo: 1-3" (3-8 cm) Shito: 2-4" (5-10 cm) Mame: 2-6" (5-15 cm) Shohin: 5-8" (13-20 cm) Komono: 6-10" (15-25 cm) Katade-mochi: 10-18" (25-46 cm) Chumono / Chiu: 16-36" (41-91 cm) Omono / Dai: 30-48" (76-122 cm) Hachi-uye: 40-60" (102-152 cm) Imperial: 60-80" (152-203 cm)