Those trees were bonsais — small trees grown in shallow pots and shaped to resemble mature trees. From that moment, Miriam was in love. It wasn't enough for her to simply own one; she wanted to learn the art of caring for them, shaping them and watching them slowly grow over time.
“Bonsai is really about patience,” she explains. “It's not just about growing a plant, it's about shaping it like a piece of art.”
Miriam started with the ficus family. She liked these trees because they develop thick and aerial roots that hang down into the soil, giving them an aged and wise appearance.
Over time, she added more types, including jade trees with large and small leaves. She even attempted to turn a desert rose into a bonsai.
“It had a fat root system, which is good for bonsai. I took care of it, but sadly I overwatered it and it died. They’re susceptible,” she admits. “I learned my lesson, and now I have a new one that is thriving.”
To Miriam, bonsai is more than just gardening; it’s an art form. But it’s not for everyone.
“You have to love plants and art to appreciate bonsai. It’s a slow process. You have to be patient and gentle,” she notes.
She grows her bonsais in shallow pots to prevent their roots from spreading too far, which helps to keep them small. However, this also means they require a lot of care.
“I water them often — sometimes every day —because the soil dries quickly. I also feed them regularly with fertiliser to keep them healthy.”
Miriam has recently been learning how to wire her trees. This involves gently bending and guiding the branches to make the tree look as if it has been shaped by time and nature. “I’m still practicing, but once I’ve mastered it, I’d love to share more,” she says with a smile.
For her, bonsai brings peace. “It’s calming,” she reflects. You get to slow down, care for something small, and watch it change over the years. It’s a special kind of joy.”
However, not everyone views bonsai in the same light.
Artisha Sha has mixed feelings about the tiny trees. “I don’t hate it. It’s a type of plant that is worshipped in Japan. I have a couple myself, but those were gifts,” she says.
Although she appreciates the sentiment behind the gifts, Artisha admits that she would never buy a bonsai tree herself. Why? Feng shui —the practice of arranging objects in a living or working space to create harmony with the natural world.
“In feng shui, they say it limits growth and prosperity. That has always stayed with me,” she explains. 'Because a bonsai is a tree that’s intentionally kept small, the symbolism is tricky. It’s like restricting something that’s meant to flourish.”
Artisha’s views reflect the growing curiosity and caution of African gardeners embracing global plant trends. While they admire the artistry of bonsai, its deeper symbolism does not always align with traditional African values that prioritise abundance, expansion and fertility.
European Olive plant pictured at Planty Kenya plant shop in Karen, Nairobi on June 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“In many cultures, bonsai represents discipline and harmony,” she observes. “And yes, those are beautiful traits. But in our context, a thriving plant is one that grows, blooms and multiplies. We associate size and greenery with blessings.”
Nevertheless, she doesn’t dismiss bonsai altogether. What advice does she have for urban gardeners drawn to the trend?
“Go for it if you love how it looks, but be mindful of where you place it.” Avoid placing it near entrances or in wealth corners. Let it be something you appreciate for its appearance, not something that obstructs your energy.”
But how does she reconcile keeping plants she didn’t choose, especially when their symbolism feels wrong? “I believe plants carry energy, just like people. I keep them in neutral spaces, areas where they won’t interfere with the flow of energy. I respect them, but I also respect my beliefs.”
When Lucy Kioi talks about bonsai, she speaks with the kind of wonder typically reserved for rare treasures. “Bonsai is an incredible art form,” she says. ‘It’s about training a small tree to embody the strength and beauty of a mature tree, even though it grows in a shallow pot and is less than 30 centimetres tall. That concept completely astonished me.”
Lucy, a plant seller and advisor, began working with bonsai around a year ago, and her passion has already led her to establish an impressive collection of indigenous and exotic varieties. From ficus trees to Japanese maples, her shop, Planty Kenya, offers a blend of tradition, patience and global flair.
She clearly remembers her first sale: a locally made bonsai that was part of a collection owned by a passionate hobbyist. “Some of the trees were over 22 years old, trained over rocks with thick, dramatic stems,” she recalls.
“These are trees you’d usually expect to see in Asia, and we were lucky to sell just a small percentage of her collection.” For Lucy, that moment wasn’t just about business — it was pure awe.
To her, bonsai is more than just a plant. It symbolises potential and quiet strength.
“Bonsai represents the power to achieve much more than is expected,” she explains. Take the European olive tree, for example. It usually needs to be big to bear fruit. But in bonsai form, it can still produce fruit. That’s the epitome of power.”
Among the species she works with, the ficus is her favourite. It’s common both locally and abroad, and it’s easy to train. Its leaves also form a beautiful canopy when shaped.
How long it takes to train bonsai
The process of shaping a bonsai is not quick. “It’s a long and technical process,” Lucy explains. “A plant needs to be trained for at least eight years to truly be considered a bonsai. Most take between 10 and 25 years, and some spectacular ones exceed 100 years.”
This slow, careful shaping is part of the beauty. You’re watching time unfold in miniature, she adds.
Does she sees bonsai as art or as companions. “It’s both. Each tree is a marvel. Years of shaping and care go into evoking the beauty of a mature tree in a smaller form. It’s alive, and it is art.” Lucy says.
Juniperus Chinensis plant pictured at Planty Kenya plant shop in Karen, Nairobi on June 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
So who is drawn to bonsai? “Mostly plant enthusiasts and collectors,” says Lucy. “People who are already deeply involved in plant care often see bonsai as the next step.”
Interest is growing in Kenya. “ The concept of bonsai isn’t new, but its exposure — especially in Nairobi — is still growing. We now have dedicated bonsai tables in the shop, and it’s exciting to see young plant lovers asking questions and getting involved.”
She believes that helping beginners feel confident is important. “It starts with the basics,” she says.
'Light and watering are everything. Every bonsai variety has different requirements, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re growing and provide the appropriate care.”
Some people question the idea of keeping trees small, even calling it unnatural or restrictive. Lucy disagrees.
“Bonsai is as natural as it gets,” she asserts. ‘You’re not taking anything away from the tree; you’re simply creating a way for its beauty and strength to be appreciated in our homes. That’s spectacular.”
Although Planty Kenya hasn’t started formal classes yet, Lucy takes pride in educating every customer who visits the shop or buys a bonsai.
“We try to teach as much as we can during shop visits and purchases. People need to feel ready and informed.”
She explains that bonsai making follows specific styles, which are often inspired by how trees grow in nature.
“Chokkan is the upright trunk style. Moyogi has gentle curves. Shakan involves a leaning trunk. The style depends on the natural flow of the trunk. Each one tells a different story.”
For Lucy, bonsai proves that something small can embody deep beauty, years of care and the spirit of resilience. In a city that’s only just beginning to appreciate these tiny trees, she’s happy to lead the way.
