Displaying a Bonsai at Home or in an Exhibition

Recently, 45 of us from The School of Bonsai took a School organised bus trip to the Bonsai Open 2025, where we saw amazing Bonsai displays in various styles and settings.

This event offered great insight into how trees were paired with stands and accent pieces to create stunning presentations. We saw many examples of creative and inspiring presentations that demonstrated the beauty and versatility of Bonsai display.

For examples, visit our Facebook page, where we have shared images from the event.

Having developed a Bonsai over a number of years, you may wish to display it informally in your home or more formally at a Bonsai exhibition. Regardless of the setting, there are several important steps to consider before placing your tree "on show."

Most importantly, have fun and get creative! The beauty of Bonsai is in the artistic expression—whether showcasing it in your living room or presenting it at an exhibition, let your personality shine through in the display.

Preparing Your Bonsai for Display

Remove Wire from the Trunk
- A Bonsai with wired trunks appears to be in development. While some wire on branches is acceptable, a fully-wired tree indicates training and should not be used in a formal display.
Clean the Pot
- The pot should be thoroughly cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. There should be no visible algae, dirt, or debris.
Choose an Appropriate Stand
- When selecting a stand, consider the following tree characteristics:
  1. Masculine or feminine traits
  2. The tree’s style
  3. The tree’s height
  4. The pot’s color and style
  5. The width of the tree
  6. The tree’s perceived age
  7. The movement and flow of the trunk
- The stand should complement the tree and not clash with its features.

Various Features of Stands

General vs. Specific Stands
- Some stands suit a wide range of Bonsai styles, while others are specific to certain forms. For example:
  - Cascade Bonsai require tall, narrow stands to prevent branches from touching the ground.
  - Literati Bonsai are often displayed on lower, round stands or free-form stands.
  - Windswept Bonsai pair well with free-form or irregular-shaped stands that complement their directional movement.
Miniature Bonsai Display
- Miniature Bonsai are best presented on tiered stands, arranged at different levels. When grouping them:
  - A Japanese Black Pine or a Conifer should be placed at the top.
  - Other Bonsai should contrast in silhouette and foliage.
  - All trees should lean towards each other for a unified display.
Stand Appearance
- Masculine trees (thicker trunks, dense foliage) pair well with sturdy wooden stands with thick, squared legs.
- Feminine trees (thin trunks, delicate features) look best on slender, curved-legged stands.
- Stand color should enhance, not overpower, the tree. A very light pot on a light stand, for instance, may appear lost.
- Ornate stands should not overshadow the tree itself.
- Stands with vertical bars require a taller Bonsai to maintain visual harmony.
- Decorative or patterned stands should align with the movement in the tree.

Final Touches

Surface Preparation
- The soil should not be visible. Cover the surface with moss or pebbles, and remove any weeds.
Foliage and Tree Health
- The tree should not appear recently pruned or neglected.
- Leaves and needles should be in proportion to the Bonsai's size and style.
- The Bonsai should be in peak health, with no signs of pests, disease, or sunburn.
- Flowers and fruits, if present, should be in pristine condition. Remove old fruit and wilted flowers.

Choosing the Right Stand

A wooden stand elevates the profile of a Bonsai in both home and exhibition settings.
The stand should highlight the tree’s beauty, ensuring that all aspects of the Bonsai can be easily viewed.
The table height matters—viewers should not see the tree from above or below.
Ensure the pot is proportionally spaced on the stand:
- The pot should not touch the edges, preventing a cramped look.
- Avoid excessive space, which could make the tree appear small.
- Some stands have an indented line to guide tree placement.

The Role of a Soe in Bonsai Display

A Soe (accent plant or element) enhances the display composition.
It should be placed slightly in front of the Bonsai stand, leaning towards the main tree to create a harmonious frame.
The Soe should also be displayed on a very low stand, ensuring it does not compete with the Bonsai.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Bonsai is displayed in the most aesthetically pleasing way, whether at home or in an exhibition setting.

The School of Bonsai provides affordable and comprehensive lessons on all aspects of Bonsai, helping enthusiasts of all levels refine their skills.

** Special thanks to The School Of Bonsai comprehensive class notes prepared by our dedicated teachers, which were used as a reference in this blog.