If you are a bonsai enthusiast, chances are that at some point in your life you have asked this question. What should I Name My Bonsai Tree? There are many things to consider when naming your bonsai tree.
Here is an article with 10 tips on how to choose the best name for your new addition!
What Should I Name My Bonsai Tree?
What is a Bonsai tree?
A bonsai is a miniature tree that originates from Japan. Bonsais are typically grown in containers and mimic the shape of full-sized trees through training techniques involving pruning, coppicing, root reduction, potting, defoliation and grafting. There are many different types of bonsai trees but they all share one common trait, they are all small!
Why name your Bonsai?
Naming your bonsai is a personal process and there is no right or wrong answer. Some people choose to name their trees after loved ones, pets or famous landmarks. Others give their trees whimsical names that reflect the tree’s personality or appearance. The important thing is that you choose a name that resonates with you and makes you feel connected to your bonsai.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a name for your bonsai tree is whether or not its meaning resonates with you. The best way to discover the perfect name for your bonsai is to spend some time with it! Get to know its personality, physical characteristics and where it came from. Naming a bonsai can be an important part of the bonding process so take your time and enjoy this special experience.
How to Choose the Perfect Name for your Bonsai:
Tip #01: Consider the tree’s Location
When choosing a name for your bonsai, it can be helpful to consider where the tree is from. If your bonsai was collected from a specific location, you might want to name it after that place. For example, if you have an evergreen bonsai from the Pacific Northwest, you could call it “Puget Sound.”
Tip #02: Consider the Tree’s Personality
Just like people, trees have personalities too! If you have a bonsai that is energetic and playful, you might want to name it “Spunky.” If your tree is more laid back and mellow, you could call it “Bella.”
Tip #03: Consider the Tree’s Physical Appearance
Trees come in all shapes and sizes and so do their leaves. If you have a bonsai with leaves that are jagged or pointy, you might want to give it the name “Crown Point.” If your tree has large, flat leaves you could name it “Oriental Fan Palm.”
Tip #04: Consider the Tree’s Color
Color can be a powerful tool when choosing a good bonsai name. If your tree happens to have purple leaves or berries in springtime, consider naming it after something associated with that color. For example, if your tree has purple berries you could call it “Wineberry” or choose a name like Amethyst.
Tip #05: Keep it Simple and Short!
Since the average bonsai is only about 12 inches tall, you will need to keep your names short enough so that they can fit on a small label beneath the bonsai pot. Keep it simple and short so that you can easily remember your bonsai’s name!
Tip #06: Use a Name that Reflects the Tree’s Characteristics
If you have a bonsai with twisted branches, you might want to name it “Crazy Charlie.” If your tree has a gnarled trunk, you could call it “Grizzly.”
Tip #07: Use Names of Famous Landmarks
If you want to give your bonsai a more international feel, consider naming it after a famous landmark. This could be anything from the Eiffel Tower to The Great Wall of China.
Tip #08: Use Names of Famous Trees
There are many beautiful and well-known trees in the world that would make great names for your bonsai. Consider using the name of a famous tree like “Redwood” or “Oak.”
Tip #09: Use Names of Family Members or Pets
If you want to give your bonsai a more personal feel, consider naming it after a family member or pet. This could be anything from your mother’s maiden name to the name of your favorite pet.
Tip #10: Use Names that Reflect the Bonsai’s Meaning to You
As previously mentioned, naming a bonsai is important because it can be an expression of what the tree means to you. If there is a special meaning attached to your tree for any reason (e.g., passed down from a family member), consider using that as your bonsai’s name.
The most important thing is to have fun with it! Naming a bonsai can be a really enjoyable experience, so don’t take it too seriously. Just relax and let the perfect name come to you naturally. Happy naming!
What Are Other People Naming Their Bonsais?
Well known Bonsai Artist, Yuji Yoshimura names his trees after famous people. This tree is named “Elizabeth Taylor” because of its beautiful dark green leaves and pink flowers!
This Bonsai Tree was collected from a mountain in Japan by bonsai enthusiast Gerald Klickstein. He calls this tree “Mt Fuji” to reflect the cultural significance of Japanese mountains.
Which Names Are Best Suited for Bonsai Trees?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The names that resonate with you and make you feel most connected to your bonsai are the best ones. However, if you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few names that might inspire you:
- “Pacific Northwest”
- “Spunky”
- “Bella”
- “Crown Point”
- “Oriental Fan Palm”
- “Wineberry”
What’s the Etiquette When Naming Your Bonsai Tree After Someone Else?
As long as the person you’re naming your bonsai after is a fan of Bonsais, they will likely be flattered when they find out! If it makes them happy to have a little piece of their personality living in a tiny tree on your desk or bookshelf then go for it! Just remember that if you name your tree after someone famous, it’s a good idea to attach their full name (e.g. “Spunky the Bonsai Tree named after Spike Lee”) so that there is no confusion about who the tree is named after!
When You’re Choosing a Name for Your Bonsai, It’s Important to Keep These Things in Mind:
- Think about where your bonsai has come from and what its personality is like. This will help you pick a name that makes sense to you!
- Make sure the name fits on a small label beneath your bonsai pot so it’s easy to remember. Names should be short enough not to take up too much room.
- If you’re naming your tree after someone else, make sure they are a fan of bonsais! It’s always polite to ask before you go ahead and name your tree after them.
- Be creative and have fun with it! The best names for bonsai trees often come from personal experiences or observations about the tree itself.
What are the advantages of naming your own bonsai tree?
There are a few advantages of naming your own bonsai:
- It can help you feel more connected to your tree and make it easier to remember.
- Naming your bonsai after someone else can be a fun way to show them how much you appreciate their work or artistry.
- It can be a great way to show off your creativity and unique sense of humor.
- It can be a fun project to do with your kids or friends! Get everyone involved in the process of picking out a name for your bonsai tree and watch it grow together.
How Can You Tell if a Bonsai Tree Is Male or Female?
There is no surefire way to tell if a bonsai tree is male or female, but there are a few clues you can look for:
Male trees typically have thicker trunks and shorter branches than female trees.
Male trees often produce flowers that are small and green, while female trees usually produce larger, showier flowers that are pink or red.
If you want to know for sure whether your bonsai is male or female, it’s best to consult with an experienced bonsai grower who has worked extensively with different types of trees.
What Are the Dangers of Naming Your Bonsais After People?
The biggest danger here is confusing your bonsai with other trees that share a similar name. For example, if you have two different types of Banyan bonsais in your garden it can be easy to confuse them! Make sure you label all of your trees so there is no confusion about what type they are and who the tree is named after.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you name your tree after a living person, they might not be too happy about it if they ever find out! It’s always polite to ask before you go ahead and name your tree after someone.
Naming your bonsai tree is a fun way to show off your personality and connect with your plant. It can be a great way to commemorate a special event or person in your life, or just to have some fun with it!
Conclusion
The bonsai tree is a beautiful and popular houseplant. When you get one for your home, it’s important to give the plant a name that will help you remember how much care it needs in order to thrive. What would you like to call yours?
Other posts:
Bonsai Orange Tree Care And Grower’s Guide
