BonsaiSim updates! Nebari, Wiring, Bark, Rewind & More
Hi everyone!
Last month I shared the first prototype of a bonsai simulator I was building — a tree that actually grows, so you can practice real techniques on it in a virtual environment.
The response was incredibly kind and full of good advice, and a lot of what I did since came straight from your comments. Thank you for that.
This is version 2, and here's what's new:
Nebari. The tree now builds a root flare at the base, and it shows above the soil line. It was the thing I missed most in the first version — a bonsai without nebari never looks like a bonsai.
Bark. Trunks and older branches age their bark over the years instead of staying smooth tubes, so the tree finally reads as old.
Wiring. You can wire a branch, bend it, and let it set. Thicker, more lignified wood resists more, and the tree keeps the shape you gave it once the wire comes off.
Shade cloth. Summer sun can scorch leaves, and now you can shade the tree through the hottest part of the year.
Soil and pots. Different soil mixes and pot sizes, each behaving differently for water, air and root room.
Repotting. Root pruning and repotting into a new pot, with the recovery cost that comes with it.
Rewind. You can scrub back to any day in the tree's life and watch how it got there. It's the thing a real tree can never give you, and honestly it's my favourite part.
There's more under the hood — energy distribution, seasonal growth, stress and fertilization all got reworked — but those are the ones you can see.
You can try the app yourself at https://bonsaisim.com/
You can also watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6j4iWfN6U8 🎥
The goal hasn't changed: this isn't a replacement for a real tree, and nothing could be. I just want a place where a beginner can make the mistakes I made, cheaply, and feel confident enough to go buy their first tree.
I'd really love to hear what you think. What's missing? What looks wrong to your eye? Any feedback or suggestions are enormously appreciated.
Follow the Patreon for free to stay up to date with the latest updates!
www.patreon.com/bonsaisim
Thank you!
