Saikei came onto the bonsai scene as a mean of using young material to create a landscape. Anybody with a bit of flair could produce an artistically potted landscape with a little financial outlay.

Saikei is blending of rock, moss, gravel, grass and trees to forma natural landscape. Saikei is a fun project project and could also be only a temporary arrangement as the trees will eventually need a bigger or deeper pot.

For a saikei you'll need:

Rocks - all of the same type (fist size)
Tree(s) - maximum of 3, same type, 2 year old saplings are also good
Bonsai soil
Moss - grass or accent plants will do the same trick
Pot - saikei pot or tray

When making a saikei one shouls always have a vivid idea of what it should look like. Rocks should also be of the same colour and texture. This is important if your planting is to have any credibility. Trees must be selected long before you plan the planting. Do not use big trees otr trees with a big rootball.

Accumulate material for your saikei so that you can choose from a wide selection if some of the rocks or trees do not fit together. Pots should be as shallow as possible to accentuate the rocks of the landscape. Premix bonsai soil is ideal for saikeis.