Build Review of LEGO Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree (10348)

An 'adults welcome' LEGO Botanicals build should be a promising prospect. Back in January, we got the Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet (10342) with 749 pieces at a price of £54.99.

This is a standard price for LEGO Botanicals sets. For the same amount, you could also go for:

• Bouquet of Roses (10328) - 822 pieces
• Wildflower Bouquet (10313) - 939 pieces
• Mini Bonsai Trees (10373) - 709 pieces

So with 474 pieces, the LEGO Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree is starting at a disadvantage. You're only getting about two-thirds of the mileage from the build and only around half the piece count of Wildflower Bouquet.

That's not necessarily a dealbreaker. It's not all about piece count. But does the build itself make up for the lack of bricks in the bag?

What's the build process like?

LEGO Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree (10348)

Price: $59.99

Release date: Available now

Pieces: 474

Size: 24 x 22 x 26cm (H x W x D)

LEGO Insiders points: 390

As you might guess from the piece count, this is a relatively quick and easy build. There are six bags of pieces, and 89 assembly steps in total, but most of that is putting together the branches and adding the leaves.

If that's what you're looking for - a relaxing build without too much challenge - then this set lives up to its zen-like name. But don't be misled by the 'adults welcome' 18+ age rating. That's because this is a grown-up LEGO display set, not because it's hard to build.

Twisted branches and brightly coloured foliage give Japanese Red Maple its unique character, while complementing other LEGO Botanicals Bonsai Trees - so what's it like to build?

Our impressions of the build

Overall, we do like this build. The base and trunk are nice and sturdy, with extra bark elements that give the appearance of strength around the tree's roots.

We also really like the leaves. Their bright colours pop against the tan of the trunk, and the way the leaf pieces are layered gives them a very realistic aesthetic. There are also some limited opportunities for customisation, depending on how you position the branches.

It's not complicated, and younger builders should have no problem putting Japanese Red Maple together. Just be aware that there aren't really any ways to play with the completed set, as it's designed to be a bookshelf display piece.

What are the problem points?

The build process feels really organic as you work your way up from the roots to the topmost leaves on the tree. But the bonsai-scale piece count means it's over too soon, and the finished set lacks the visual impact we've come to expect from LEGO Botanicals.

It's also a shame that the connector pieces that attach the leaves to the branches are Technic-grey, instead of matching the tan colour of the branches. Once you notice it, you can't unsee it, and it definitely distracts from an otherwise vibrant colour scheme.

We didn't really encounter any problems with the build quality. It feels sturdy thanks to that bark-wrapped trunk, and the dark green planter-style base contrasts beautifully with the red and orange foliage.

Final Thoughts

LEGO Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree looks great in the photographs, and it's highly rated by customers, with an overall rating of 4.8 stars on LEGO.com.

At the same time, we feel like it underdelivers. The price, the piece count, the build process and the finished aesthetic are lacking a little when you put it all together.

Some of the LEGO Botanicals bouquets and succulents offer better value for money, and the new Mini Bonsai Trees (10373) give you a trio of trees for the same price.

But if you have a passion for Japanese maples, or you want a companion piece to the original LEGO Bonsai Tree (10281) for a Japan-themed LEGO display, you should find the Japanese Red Maple a stress-free build.

Our Build Rating: 7/10

LEGO Store: Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree (10348)

Have you built a Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree? Let us know your thoughts!