Bonsai Tree is a interesting subject, for some people Bonsai growing is a form of art. Bonsai trees originated in China sometime before the year 700 AD and their culture really deep and sophisticated. Their growth take a long time and The process itself time consuming, that's why some people especially at Asia Bonsai tree is a luxiry item and when you hear the price tag you will be suprised, let's dive in the details.
Bonsai trees come in all tree-species, sizes, shapes and... prices. Ranging from a few dollars for a small and young plant to one plant that sold for over a million dollars in Japan! ('Miyajima' Japanese White Pine: $1.3 Million)
Why Bonsai Tree is so Expensive
There are many factor that affect its price but I will basically talk about 10 important factor and explain them fairly.
1. It is An Art Form
Bonsai trees are a unique form of artistic expression that come at a high price. They resemble sculptures that require a delicate balance of care and attention, as the artist can only influence the plant, not control it. These living trees react uniquely based on their genetics and environment.
2. It Looks Like A Tiny Forest
Bonsai trees are miniature versions of regular trees and are often placed in large pots to simulate a tiny forest. They are the same species as regular trees, just kept at a very small size.
3. Bonsai Art Is Very Labor-Intensive
Growing a bonsai tree requires daily pruning, wiring, watering, and monitoring. The trees are grown in shallow pots to restrict their growth, but this also makes them vulnerable and requires extra care to prevent damage to the roots. They need at least five hours of sunlight per day and should be watered every day, even twice a day in hot weather. Caretakers must dedicate several years to caring for their bonsai trees until they are strong and healthy. Patience is the most important skill in this craft due to its time and devotion requirements.
4. It Requires Very Skilled Workers
Raising a bonsai tree requires extensive knowledge and skill, as it involves several years of education and training. Careful craftsmanship, including techniques such as bending and positioning around other trees or rocks, is necessary to achieve the tree's unique shape. Bonsai gardeners must constantly water and prune their trees to maintain their health and small size. The process of trimming the roots and branches requires specialized attention to prevent damage to the tree. These skills contribute to the high value of bonsai trees.
5. Many Are Grown For Centuries
Bonsai trees can take many years to cultivate and one mistake can ruin them. The most valuable bonsai trees have thick, tapered trunks and many branches that can be bent into impressive designs. The most expensive bonsai tree, an 800-year-old pine tree, sold for $1.3 million. Bonsai master Chiako Yamamoto has spent 51 years cultivating and selling bonsai trees.
6. There Is A Low Supply
The price of bonsai trees is increasing because they take a lot of time and effort to grow and there are not many of them on the market. The best bonsai trees are centuries old and have a mature appearance, which makes them more valuable. However, since there are so few mature trees available, bonsai costs are even higher.
7. Bonsai Pots And Tools Are Expensive
The value of a bonsai trees, which includes not only the plant itself but also the costly tools and pots used in their cultivation. Gardeners need high-quality tools for precise potting and growth patterns, and many bonsai enthusiasts prefer rare, expensive pots made in Japan.
8. It Depends On The Kind Of Tree
Price of a bonsai tree can vary greatly depending on factors such as its age, rarity, and whether it was grown using the Yamadori method. Older trees and those grown in the wild are usually more expensive, while trees grown through the faster cutting method have visible scars and may not taper like older trees.
9. Many High-Quality Bonsai Trees Are Imported From Japan
There are various locations where bonsai trees are grown and emphasizes the high prices associated with importing high-quality trees from Asia. Cheaper trees are often grown in China from cuttings of other plants, but they lack the aesthetic quality of more labor-intensive trees grown in Japan.
10. They Are A Long-Term Investment
As many bonsai trees have been growing for centuries, The long-term investment of purchasing a bonsai tree, which can last for centuries with proper care. Higher prices ensure that buyers do research the required maintenance before purchasing, and many bonsai trees have a high value that can increase over time.
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