Looks like a ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata. Putting that label on that plant is a ridiculous travesty, there's no way to bonsai (to manipulate to have smaller foliage and other structure within some kind of named form) that kind of plant. I think the label was put in that particular plant on purpose, because it's in a bonsai-style pot, but agree with you, doing so is incorrect.

Many woody plants can be suitable candidates for bonsai, especially those with naturally small foliage, but palms, by nature of being monocots, and others with very large foliage can never be manipulated as bonsai.

That's definitely a pony tail palm. I think they label it as a bonsai because of the bulbous trunk. They have a base similar to the desert rose, which some people consider a bonsai. If you decide to trim the foliage, cut the leaves at an angle. It's still a cute desk plant!

hi

Shocked to hear that any nursery would have a plant incorrectly labeled !!lol

I like the ones that say"houseplant" or even better "6 inch tropical" Can't say they're wrong??? gary

What constitutes a bonsai (bone-sigh) tree is a very subjective topic, even within the bonsai community. To a beginner, anything in a bonsai pot is a bonsai. As they progress, most begin to realize that a bonsai tree is an evocative and believable representation of a tree we might find growing on a mountainside, meadow, or in any other natural setting, so their view of what constitutes 'bonsai' changes as the practitioner grows in the art.

As someone who has judged bonsai shows I can say, if the tree doesn't evoke emotion or lend itself to a story, there is still a lot of work to do on the tree. Part of the work needed to improve an unimpressive tree is most often more refinement, which makes the tree appear older and more realistic - part of being evocative of a story.

As bonsai practitioners evolve, some of them readily let go of the need to tell people their tree is really a liner (a liner is a very young tree, usually 1-3 years old and often sold in groups of 100 - 5,000 or more) in a pot. They understand and remember there was a time that a liner in a pot defined most of the trees in their collection, and how proud they were to be a member of the bonsai community and practicing the art of bonsai. Unfortunately, there are a few bonsai practitioners who are always ready to tell someone what is a 'bonsai to them' really isn't. That's unfortunate.

I don't think people should ever be discouraged from trying their hand at any horticultural endeavor - especially when it comes to bonsai, which to me is ever-evolving art with a 4th dimension, that of life. The personal rewards and satisfaction it offers are unlimited; and for a lifetime, you can continue to grow in all the aspects that make up the art. The satisfaction of being on the journey is much more important than being the best, because the rewards that come from learning and trying, and the delight of achievements realized along the way accumulate and last forever.

So personally, if the OP has a ponytail bonsai, I'm good with that, and I encourage her/him to learn all (s)he can about the plant and the art, because it's that knowledge that will move you forward.

Al

One of the more interesting bonsai specimens I ever saw was a GRAPE VINE with a large gnarled trunk, a full complement of leaves, and bearing a cluster of grapes. I've also seen sycamore grown as bonsai for twenty years.

BEAUCARNEA has been used in bonsai culture for quite some time. It's out of the norm of what most people think of bonsai, but when you look at some interesting examples, you might change your mind.

HERE are some palms grown as bonsai, some of them are extraordinary. Dracaena can also be really cool when trained as a bonsai specimen.

Rhizo, how are you? You might remember me by previous name, hopefulauthor/Toni.

I have two Beaucarnea's in bonsai pots. Both are approximately 10-years-old. They do okay.

I've seen Wisteria and Azaleas grown in bonsai containers, and they ARE gorgeous.

Hope you're well. Toni

((Toni)) My email has been whacky the last couple of days but you can try sending me a message through Houzz. I have the settings adjusted to receive messages.....I looked to see if you did, too, but you do not.

Hello Rhizo and Tony, long time no see. Bonsai has never been my cup of tea, but I do admire it. I have had this plant before, its so boring and slow growing. Gave it away

Howdy Rhizo, I'm still not sure how to use the new, ahem, improved GW. I will contact you though GW/Houzz messaging though. If I can figure it out. lol

Hi Teen. Yes, it's been a long time. Hope you're well, too.

I'm not one for Bonsai's either. They are unusual, and some, lovely. However, I enjoy looking at others' Bonsais...Especially old, old versions.