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This year marks a major milestone for Bonsai Empire – we’re turning 25! What began as a small website for bonsai enthusiasts has grown into the largest bonsai platform in the world, connecting millions of people. To celebrate this anniversary, we’re launching something truly special: Ask the Masters – a global event where you, bonsai enthusiasts, can submit your questions about bonsai, and we’ll have them answered by the top 25 bonsai experts from around the world. From styling and species care to philosophy and technique, no question is too big or too small. Whether you're just starting your bonsai journey or have decades of experience, this is your chance to learn directly from the best in the field. Our panel of masters includes renowned bonsai artists from Japan, Europe, the Americas, and beyond – all coming together to share their knowledge, insights, and passion. The participating experts are: Bjorn Bjorholm, Michael Hagedorn, Ryan Neil, Jonas Dupuich, Andrew Robson, Todd Schlafer, Adam Jones, Kunio Kobayashi, Shinji Suzuki, Masahiko Kimura, Koji Hiramatsu, Mauro Stemberger, Peter Warren, Harry Harrington, Morten Albek, Luis Vallejo, Marija Hajdić, Heike van Gunst, Rafael Torres, Valentin Brose, Walter Pall, Tony Tickle, Andres Bicocca, Nik Rozman, Peter Chan, Nacho Marin. How to Participate: Leave your question in the comments section of this video. We'll select a variety of questions and present them to our experts, who will share their answers in a special video series airing throughout December. This is more than just a Q&A – it’s a celebration of bonsai as a living, evolving art form, and of the global community that keeps it thriving. Whether you’ve followed us from the beginning or just discovered Bonsai Empire, we invite you to join the festivities and take part in this unique opportunity. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 25 years of growth – and many more to come! The Bonsai Empire Team https://www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/25

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

How do I grow a Bonsai from seed? And are these Bonsai seed kits any good? In this video Oscar tries two different bonsai seed kits. Spoiler alert: they aren't any good. Growing a tree from seed takes years until you can start shaping the tree into a Bonsai. Beginners are far better off buying either a finished bonsai tree, or a nursery plant with some potential to style into a bonsai. Oh and did I mention, bonsai seed doesn't even exist?! Bonsai are just trees (oaks, maples, junipers, pines, ...) so there's no such thing as a bonsai seed. Its just tree seed! These kits often come with low quality tree seeds. If you insist on growing trees from seed, buy high quality tree seeds instead of these bonsai kits. Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

The Incredible Hulk — a monumental Ponderosa Pine — began its journey in 2006 when it was collected from the wild. In 2009, during a pivotal moment in his apprenticeship, Ryan Neil was entrusted with this massive tree—measuring nearly eight to ten feet in length—for its first professional styling. The challenge was immense: compressing its vast structure using wedge cuts and rock bars, navigating high expectations, and wrestling with the insecurities of a young bonsai professional. Though the experience was daunting, it sparked a deep fascination and commitment. For the following year, Ryan studied photographs of the tree daily, imagining how to improve and evolve it, fully aware that his skills were still developing to shape such a remarkable specimen. Two months before completing his apprenticeship, the tree’s owner faced financial difficulties and offered Ryan the chance to purchase The Incredible Hulk. He eagerly accepted, and upon returning to the United States, he found the tree healthier and more mature. This marked the beginning of a new phase—restyling and refining its form, exploring how design evolves through time and growth. Over the years, The Incredible Hulk has been a living classroom—teaching Ryan about structural setting, styling phases, growth management, setbacks, and recovery. It has been repotted, tied down, and carefully shaped into the slow, refined growth of an ancient, relic-like bonsai, now housed in a stunning Tom Benda pot. Looking at this tree reveals not only a majestic Ponderosa Pine but also the journey of Ryan Neil—from an aspiring professional to a teacher who developed an educational system to help others understand and master the art of bonsai.

In this video we work with cheap nursery stock and try and make a bonsai out of it - a challenge for sure. About midway Oscar changed his mind and went for a semi-cascade design. Stay tuned for future updates. Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

In this video we repot a Prunus incisa 'Kojou-no-mai'. We'll share updates of the tree on our youtube channel - the tree lost a few branches after the repotting and so we're nurturing it back to health now. Even though you only see Oscar on this film, these videos are team efforts. So we like to thank Bob van Ruitenbeek. Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Explore the unique approach required to refine Chinese Elm bonsai during the summer season. Unlike other broadleaf species, Chinese Elms respond rapidly to pruning and don't require partial defoliation due to their naturally small leaves. Learn how to manage energy distribution, maintain taper and aesthetics, and support ramification development by identifying strong vs. weak areas of growth. Ryan Neil demonstrates how to prune, wire, and correct structural shifts that occur due to phototropic movement—ensuring the tree continues to develop with intention and health. Whether you're refining your first Elm or looking to deepen your understanding of broadleaf bonsai, this session offers essential techniques for seasonal work. Explore in-depth education, mobile app, and a global community at Mirai Live: https://live.bonsaimirai.com/

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses