1 A container made of moss or lava rock houses the roots as well as a small magnet.
2 The porcelain “energy base” uses another magnet, powered by electricity, to push the tiny tree 0.8 in. (2 cm) in the air.
3 Magnetic forces then make the bonsai spin, an effect that’s both enticing and expensive. Early backers spent at least $500 to get full kits.
This appears in the February 15, 2016 issue of TIME.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Who Will Be TIME's Person of the Year 2023?
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- The Dirty Secrets of Alternative Plastics
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time