Pseudopanax arboreus (Five Finger) Bonsai in Half-Broken Japanese Bowl 🥣 🌲

A celebration of imperfection and resilience, this Five Finger bonsai (Pseudopanax arboreus) rises from a fractured ceramic bowl—its roots anchored in moss, its leaves reaching skyward with quiet strength. Native to Aotearoa, the Five Finger’s bold foliage and upright form contrast beautifully with the weathered elegance of its broken vessel, creating a living sculpture that speaks to growth through adversity.

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Key Features

- Species: Pseudopanax arboreus (Five Finger)  

- Style: Upright informal bonsai with wire-trained trunk and emerging canopy  

- Container: Half-broken Japanese ceramic bowl—each crack tells a story  

- Moss: Live cushion moss for moisture retention and visual softness  

- Size: Approx. 15–20 cm tall; pot diameter approx. 10–12 cm  

- Age: 2–3 years of shaping and care in Wellington, NZ  

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Care Guide

- ☀️ Light  

  Prefers bright, indirect light. Morning sun is ideal for leaf health and compact growth.

- 💧 Water  

  Water when the moss begins to dry—typically every 5–7 days. Ensure good drainage to protect roots.

- 🌱 Soil  

  Free-draining bonsai mix with organic matter to mimic native conditions.

- ✂️ Pruning  

  Pinch back new growth to maintain shape. Remove older leaves to encourage fresh foliage.

- 🌿 Feeding  

  Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer.

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Why You’ll Love It

This Five Finger bonsai is a tribute to wabi-sabi—the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. The broken bowl doesn’t hide its history; it elevates the tree’s story. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai keeper or just beginning your journey, this piece offers a daily reminder of strength, grace, and the art of growing through what breaks us.