Welcome to the tranquil world of bonsai, where patience meets beauty in the palm of your hands. Bonsai, the art of cultivating miniature trees, is more than just gardening—it's a pathway to mindfulness and a deeper connection with nature. If you're embarking on this verdant journey, fear not; we've curated a beginner-friendly guide to help you start your bonsai adventure with confidence.
Before we dive into the care specifics, let's appreciate the essence of bonsai. Stemming from ancient Chinese horticulture and refined by Japanese culture, bonsai is the art of creating a miniaturized but realistic representation of nature in a small pot. This practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping, making it a rewarding, lifelong journey.
Your bonsai journey begins with choosing the right tree. For beginners, some forgiving and resilient species include the Ficus, Jade, and Chinese Elm. These species are adaptable and can thrive indoors, making them perfect for novice enthusiasts.
1. Watering: Mastery of watering is crucial in bonsai care. The goal is to maintain a balance—neither too dry nor too soggy. A general rule is to water your bonsai when the topsoil feels dry. However, the frequency will vary depending on the species, size of the tree, pot, and environmental conditions.
2. Lighting: Most bonsai trees thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near a south-facing window is ideal for ensuring your bonsai receives ample sunlight without the risk of leaf burn. The same rules apply for your outdoor bonsai.
3. Feeding: Nutrition is key to a healthy bonsai. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring through fall) to nourish your tree. In winter, reduce feeding as your bonsai enters a dormant phase.
4. Pruning: Pruning is both an art and a science, vital for maintaining your bonsai's shape and health. Start by trimming back any overgrown branches to maintain the tree's miniature stature. Additionally, regular pinching helps encourage bushier growth and refine your bonsai's shape.
5. Repotting: To prevent your bonsai from becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil, repotting every two to five years is necessary. This period varies with the growth rate of your bonsai species and the size of its container.
Caring for a bonsai goes beyond mere maintenance; it's about forming a bond with your miniature tree. Observing and tending to your bonsai's needs fosters a deep sense of mindfulness and connection to nature. Embrace this journey with patience and curiosity, and you'll find each day with your bonsai brings a new discovery.
Remember, bonsai cultivation is a marathon, not a sprint. Mistakes are part of the learning process, providing invaluable lessons on the road to becoming a seasoned bonsai caretaker. With each passing season, you'll not only see your bonsai flourish but also find a serene escape in its miniature branches—a testament to the beauty of growth and patience.
As you embark on this rewarding endeavor, let your bonsai be a reminder of nature's wonders and the joy of nurturing life. Welcome to the bonsai community—we can't wait to see where this journey takes you.
]]>Welcome to the tranquil world of bonsai, where patience and care come together to create living art. Bonsai, the Japanese art form of cultivating miniature trees, is not just about maintaining a plant; it's about shaping a piece of nature into a reflection of beauty and balance. An essential part of this journey is repotting your bonsai, a process that ensures the health and longevity of these miniature marvels. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to repot your bonsai tree safely, ensuring it continues to thrive and bring you joy.
Timing is everything in bonsai care. Generally, a bonsai needs repotting every two to five years, but this can vary depending on the species and growth rate. Signs it’s time include roots circling the pot, slower growth, or soil that drains poorly. Spring, with its mild weather and the start of the growing season, is often the best time for repotting, giving your bonsai a chance to recover and grow with the season.
The pot you choose is not just a container; it's an integral part of your bonsai's story. Consider size – it should be large enough to accommodate the root system without crowding, yet compact enough to maintain the miniature aesthetic. Material matters too; terracotta and ceramic are popular for their breathability and aesthetic appeal. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
A successful repotting begins with the right tools. You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors or shears for trimming roots, a small rake for untangling them, and wire cutters for any wiring that needs to be removed. Using the correct tools is crucial to prevent damage and stress to your bonsai.
After repotting, place your bonsai in a shaded area for a few weeks to recover. Avoid fertilizing for a month to prevent burning the new roots. Regular watering is crucial during this period, but be mindful not to overwater.
Repotting your bonsai is more than just a maintenance task; it's a way to connect with your tree, understand its needs, and help it flourish. As you grow in your bonsai journey, remember that every step is an opportunity to learn and grow alongside your miniature tree. Happy repotting!
If you want to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days, you need the right training. I’ve built a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
In the quiet confines of bonsai cultivation lies a world of serene beauty. These miniature marvels, born of artful cultivation and profound patience, echo nature's grandeur in diminutive form. For those seeking where to buy bonsai online, the journey transcends mere acquisition; it's an immersion into the elegant realm of miniature landscapes.
Online avenues, such as Love My Bonsai, offer gateways to this enchanting universe. Each click leads to a gallery of meticulously crafted arboreal treasures, where nature's artistry meets the passion of cultivation. Here, seekers of these miniature marvels are beckoned into a sanctuary of diversity, where junipers, maples, and figs stand as testament to the breadth of nature's artistry.
Beyond being mere ornamental pieces, these bonsai trees embody tranquility and patience, requiring devoted care and appreciation. Love My Bonsai curates not just a collection but an experience—a chance to bring the serene beauty of nature into one's abode.
For those pondering where to buy bonsai online, the answer lies not just in the transaction but in finding a curator, a guide, and a fellow admirer of nature's intricate charm. In Love My Bonsai, this quest finds resonance, offering seekers an avenue to procure not just a tree but a piece of living art—a testament to patience, perseverance, and the timeless beauty of nature, all within the confines of a miniature marvel.
As one steps into this world, the pursuit of where to buy bonsai online transforms into a journey of admiration, education, and perhaps, a touch of introspection—a window into the resilience and elegance of the natural world, encapsulated in a humble bonsai tree.
Embarking on the journey to discover the perfect bonsai within Love My Bonsai's diverse collection is akin to a serene exploration. Navigating this verdant landscape isn't merely a search; it's a harmonious partnership between seeker and tree—a quest to uncover the bonsai that resonates with one's soul.
Begin this journey by delving into the diverse array of species that Love My Bonsai proudly offers. Each tree, meticulously nurtured and artistically shaped, reflects a unique character and story. Whether your heart yearns for the stoic presence of a juniper, the delicate elegance of a maple, or the Mediterranean charm of a fig, the selection at Love My Bonsai unfolds like chapters in a horticultural saga.
Consider the intricacies that define your ideal bonsai. Does your space yearn for a tree that boasts sweeping branches, or do you seek the subtlety of a compact silhouette? Embrace the beauty of each tree's form, envisioning how it might complement your living space and embody the tranquility you seek.
As you peruse Love My Bonsai's collection, pay heed to the stories these trees whisper. Each twist of a trunk, every delicate leaf, holds a narrative—the testament of patient craftsmanship and the gentle touch of nature's artistry.
Engage with the detailed descriptions and visuals provided, immersing yourself in the nuances of each specimen. Beyond mere aesthetics, consider the care needs and temperament of your potential bonsai companion. Find a symbiotic match—a tree that not only captures your gaze but also aligns with your capacity for nurturing and appreciation.
Shipping a bonsai tree is a delicate ballet—a choreography of preservation and precision. At our sanctuary, we orchestrate the journey of these arboreal wonders from their tranquil homes to yours with meticulous care, ensuring that each tree arrives as a living masterpiece.
The art of shipping bonsai trees is as nuanced as the trees themselves. We understand that delicate branches, carefully sculpted over time, require safeguarding against the perils of transit. Certain tropical treasures demand extra consideration, their journey paused when temperatures dip too low, preserving their vitality until the climate offers safe passage.
Every bonsai tree departing from our sanctuary is cocooned in a tapestry of packaging precision. We cradle each branch, each tender leaf, with care, shielding these miniature marvels from the rigors of the journey. Whether the bonsai embarks on a short domestic trek or ventures across continents, our packaging is crafted to safeguard its serenity, ensuring a safe arrival to any corner of the globe.
Upon arrival, a pivotal chapter begins in the bonsai's journey—the unboxing ritual. Each package, bearing the marks of its expedition, beckons to be opened promptly. As the seal is broken, and the bonsai is unveiled, the first act of care unfolds. Immediate watering and acclimatization to its new home are paramount. The bonsai, resilient yet tender, seeks nourishment and the warmth of its new surroundings.
We don't merely dispatch a tree; we dispatch a promise—a commitment to the safe passage and preservation of nature's elegance. Each shipment symbolizes a silent contract between sender and receiver, a covenant to nurture and sustain the tranquil beauty of these miniature arboreal treasures.
The allure of a bonsai tree isn't just found in its delicate foliage or sculpted form; it resides in the intrinsic value each tree embodies. At our sanctuary, we recognize that while some may marvel at a bonsai's price tag, the true worth extends far beyond a mere monetary value—it encapsulates patience, artistry, and nature's timeless elegance.
Bonsai trees, much like heirloom treasures, vary in price, and rightfully so. Each tree stands as a testament to meticulous cultivation, shaping, and nurturing over years, even decades. Factors contributing to these varied price tags are multifaceted, encompassing not just the tree's aesthetics but its history, species, age, and the craftsmanship invested in its cultivation.
Consider the juniper whose stoic presence has weathered the test of time, whispering tales of resilience and endurance. Its price reflects not just its sculpted beauty but the years it has stood, shaped by the hands of seasoned artisans. Similarly, the maple, with its ever-changing hues mirroring the seasons, bears the price tag of nature's artistic palette, carefully cultivated and cherished.
Certain trees command higher prices due to their rarity, uniqueness, or the intricate work invested in their design. The artistry behind a bonsai isn't confined solely to its appearance but extends to the expertise and patience required to shape it into a living masterpiece.
We meticulously curate a selection that embraces diverse price ranges, recognizing that the beauty and value of a bonsai transcend monetary measures. It's about finding a tree that resonates, not just visually, but spiritually—a companion that mirrors your appreciation for nature's elegance and the artistry woven into these living treasures.
As you navigate our collection, contemplate not just the price but the story each tree tells—the journey it has undertaken, the craftsmanship it embodies, and the patience etched into its very core. Beyond a mere transaction, it's an investment—an acquisition of not just a tree but a piece of living art, bearing the immeasurable value of nature's enduring beauty.
As your bonsai tree arrives at its new abode, the stewardship of its well-being becomes an immediate and heartfelt responsibility. Here at our sanctuary, we impart essential guidance on caring for these living marvels, ensuring their longevity and your joyous companionship.
Upon unboxing, the initial moments are pivotal. Embrace the ritual of welcoming your bonsai by promptly opening the package. Each bonsai, tender and resilient, craves the touch of fresh air and the prospect of nourishment. Immediate attention to watering and acclimatization within its new home is paramount.
Firstly, gently remove the protective layers, unwrapping the tapestry that shielded your bonsai during its journey. As it is unveiled, take a moment to appreciate its form, the delicate branches, and the artistry sculpted over time. A spray of water or a gentle misting can revive its vitality, hydrating the leaves and branches, ensuring a smooth transition from transit to a new environment.
Transitioning your bonsai to its designated space warrants careful consideration. Find a spot that strikes a balance between natural light and shelter from harsh elements. An environment resembling its previous abode—a blend of tranquility and light—fosters its adjustment and flourishing.
Water, the lifeblood of these arboreal treasures, becomes your ally in nurturing your bonsai. Regular but measured watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, becomes a rhythm to sustain its vitality. Yet, exercise caution—observe its response to your care, tailoring the watering regimen to its needs.
The bond formed with your bonsai transcends mere observation; it's an interaction, a communion with nature's elegance. Engage in gentle pruning to maintain its sculpted form, fostering growth while preserving its aesthetic appeal. Regular inspection for pests and diseases becomes a ritual—a vigilant safeguarding of its well-being.
Caring for a bonsai extends beyond a chore; it's an intimate relationship, a shared journey between caretaker and tree. Each tender touch, each nurturing action, resonates with the spirit of stewardship, fostering not just its growth but a harmonious synergy between caretaker and nature's miniature masterpiece.
Step into the enchanting world of bonsai, where nature meets artistry to create miniature wonders that embody timeless beauty and serenity. The art of bonsai goes beyond just cultivating miniaturized trees; it is a profound expression of harmony, balance, and the passage of time. In this article, we will delve into the captivating realm of bonsai, exploring the intricacies of nurturing these living sculptures and understanding the profound symbolism they hold.
]]>Step into the enchanting world of bonsai, where nature meets artistry to create miniature wonders that embody timeless beauty and serenity. The art of bonsai goes beyond just cultivating miniaturized trees; it is a profound expression of harmony, balance, and the passage of time. In this article, we will delve into the captivating realm of bonsai, exploring the intricacies of nurturing these living sculptures and understanding the profound symbolism they hold.
Every twist of a branch, every formation of delicate foliage, and every carefully cultivated root tells a story of patience, dedication, and reverence for nature. Whether you are a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or a newcomer captivated by their mystique, there is always something new to discover in the world of bonsai. Join us as we uncover the secrets to unlocking the allure of these timeless treasures and learn how the art of bonsai can bring a touch of tranquility and harmony to your life.
As bonsai became more widely recognized, it transcended its origins as a symbol of prestige and became a beloved art form accessible to people from all walks of life. Today, the art of bonsai continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world, offering a timeless connection to nature and a profound appreciation for the passage of time.
The origins of bonsai are steeped in centuries of tradition, with each miniature tree carrying a rich lineage that speaks to the enduring legacy of this ancient art form. Understanding the history of bonsai provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance and timeless appeal of these miniature living sculptures.
Bonsai trees are imbued with profound symbolism, representing a harmonious balance between the forces of nature and the artistic expression of humanity. The miniature scale of bonsai trees serves as a reminder of the vastness and interconnectedness of the natural world, encapsulating the essence of a full-grown tree within a diminutive form. Each carefully pruned branch and meticulously shaped trunk reflects the enduring spirit of resilience and adaptability.
In many cultures, bonsai is revered as a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and tranquility. The careful cultivation and nurturing of bonsai trees mirror the virtues of patience, perseverance, and the ability to find beauty in simplicity. Bonsai trees are often associated with spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of inner peace, serving as a tangible representation of the delicate balance between the ephemeral and the eternal.
The significance of bonsai extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, serving as a profound reflection of our relationship with the natural world and our capacity for introspection and mindfulness. By understanding the symbolism and significance of bonsai, we can gain a deeper insight into the universal truths and timeless wisdom encapsulated within these miniature marvels.
The art of bonsai cultivation is a delicate dance between horticulture and artistic expression, requiring a deep understanding of tree physiology, design principles, and the enduring patience necessary to shape living sculptures over time. The process of cultivating bonsai involves meticulous pruning, wiring, and shaping to create harmonious compositions that evoke the essence of mature trees while maintaining their diminutive scale.
Central to the art of bonsai cultivation is the concept of "wabi-sabi," embracing imperfection and transience as inherent elements of beauty. Bonsai artists strive to evoke the spirit of nature within their creations, capturing the ebb and flow of seasons, the weathered character of ancient trees, and the resilience of life in miniature form. Through careful observation and thoughtful intervention, bonsai artists coax their trees to embody the essence of natural landscapes in a confined space.
The technique of bonsai cultivation encompasses a wide array of horticultural skills, from soil composition and watering practices to understanding the unique growth habits of different tree species. Each step in the cultivation process is a testament to the artistry and dedication of bonsai enthusiasts, as they carefully guide their trees through the cyclical rhythms of growth and dormancy.
Bonsai cultivation requires a specialized set of tools and materials to ensure the proper care and maintenance of these living sculptures. Essential tools for bonsai care include concave cutters for precise pruning, wire for shaping branches, and bonsai shears for delicate trimming. Additionally, bonsai enthusiasts rely on specialized soil mixes tailored to the unique needs of different tree species, as well as pots and containers designed to promote healthy root growth and drainage.
The selection of tools and materials for bonsai care is a reflection of the dedication and attention to detail that defines the art of bonsai. Each tool serves a specific purpose in the cultivation and shaping of miniature trees, allowing enthusiasts to exercise precision and finesse in their artistic endeavors. By understanding the essential tools and materials for bonsai care, enthusiasts can approach their cultivation practices with confidence and expertise.
Bonsai encompasses a diverse range of styles and aesthetics, each reflecting unique cultural traditions, natural landscapes, and artistic sensibilities. From the elegant curves of the "informal upright" style to the windswept drama of the "literati" style, bonsai offers a rich tapestry of design possibilities that capture the essence of nature in miniature form. Each bonsai style conveys a distinct mood and narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and resilience of the natural world.
The aesthetics of bonsai are further enhanced through the use of companion plants, accent elements, and carefully selected containers that complement the overall composition. Whether evoking a tranquil mountain landscape or the serenity of a windswept coast, bonsai styles invite enthusiasts to explore the boundless creativity and expressive potential of this ancient art form.
Understanding the diverse styles and aesthetics of bonsai provides enthusiasts with a wealth of inspiration and creative possibilities, allowing them to cultivate living sculptures that resonate with personal meaning and artistic vision.
The care and maintenance of bonsai trees require a delicate balance of attentive observation, thoughtful intervention, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each tree species. Regular tasks such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, and wiring are essential to ensure the health and vitality of bonsai trees, as well as to shape their growth and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Bonsai enthusiasts must also be attuned to the seasonal rhythms and specific requirements of their trees, adjusting their care practices to accommodate changes in light, temperature, and growth patterns. By developing a keen eye for the subtle cues of their trees, enthusiasts can cultivate a harmonious partnership with their bonsai, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
The care and maintenance of bonsai trees are a testament to the enduring commitment and responsibility that comes with nurturing living sculptures. By embracing the principles of attentive stewardship and mindful care, enthusiasts can foster the longevity and enduring beauty of their bonsai trees.
Bonsai encompasses a diverse array of tree species, each with its own unique characteristics, growth habits, and cultural significance. From the graceful elegance of the Japanese maple to the rugged resilience of the juniper, bonsai trees offer a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of botanical diversity. Understanding the specific traits and requirements of different tree species is essential for successful cultivation and the creation of harmonious compositions.
Each bonsai tree species carries with it a rich heritage and symbolic associations, reflecting the natural landscapes and cultural traditions from which they originate. By exploring the diverse array of bonsai tree species, enthusiasts can deepen their appreciation for the intricate beauty and resilience of these living sculptures, as well as gain insight into the profound connections between humanity and the natural world.
The art of bonsai transcends mere horticulture, offering enthusiasts a profound opportunity for introspection, mindfulness, and spiritual connection. The act of tending to bonsai trees encourages a state of focused awareness and meditative presence, allowing practitioners to cultivate a sense of calm and inner tranquility. Through the rhythmic tasks of pruning, shaping, and nurturing, bonsai becomes a form of moving meditation, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the timeless rhythms of nature.
Bonsai serves as a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the impermanence of all things, prompting practitioners to embrace the present moment and find beauty in the transient nature of existence. As a meditative practice, bonsai offers a sanctuary of stillness and contemplation, inviting enthusiasts to cultivate a sense of harmony and balance within themselves as they care for their miniature trees.
Bonsai exhibitions provide a captivating opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry and diversity of miniature trees, showcasing the skill and creativity of bonsai enthusiasts from around the world. These exhibitions offer a feast for the senses, featuring breathtaking displays of meticulously cultivated bonsai trees, each telling a unique story of artistry, dedication, and the enduring allure of nature. From traditional displays to avant-garde interpretations, bonsai exhibitions present a kaleidoscope of styles and aesthetics that inspire and captivate audiences.
Attending bonsai exhibitions allows enthusiasts to gain insights into the latest trends, techniques, and artistic expressions within the world of bonsai. It provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and deepen one's understanding of the art form. Whether as a spectator or a participant, bonsai exhibitions offer a vibrant celebration of creativity and the timeless beauty of miniature trees.
The art of bonsai offers a profound journey into the timeless beauty and serenity of miniature trees, inviting enthusiasts to unlock the secrets of harmony, balance, and the passage of time. From its rich history and symbolic significance to the intricate techniques of cultivation and care, bonsai embodies a profound connection to nature and the enduring spirit of artistic expression. Through the art of bonsai, we can find a sanctuary of tranquility, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the profound wisdom encapsulated within the natural world.
As we embrace the tranquility of bonsai, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of this ancient art form and the timeless allure of miniature trees. Whether as a meditative practice, a creative pursuit, or a source of spiritual connection, bonsai offers a timeless invitation to cultivate harmony and balance in our lives, one delicate branch at a time.
The Ficus tree is one of the most popular species of bonsai trees for indoor growing. It is known for its thick, lush foliage, and its ability to tolerate low light and dry air conditions. This makes it ideal for growing in indoor environments, where humidity levels can be low. The Ficus tree is also very forgiving when it comes to watering, and can tolerate occasional periods of drought.
When caring for your Ficus bonsai tree, make sure to place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves. Water your Ficus tree when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let it sit in water. Ficus trees prefer to dry out slightly between watering.
The Chinese Elm is another popular species of indoor bonsai tree. It has a naturally small size and a great branch structure that make it ideal for bonsai cultivation. The Chinese Elm is also known for its tolerance to both hot and cold weather, making it a great choice for indoor environments that may have varying temperatures. This species requires bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
When caring for your Chinese Elm bonsai tree, make sure to place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Water your Chinese Elm tree when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, but do not let it dry out completely. Chinese Elm trees prefer to be kept slightly moist.
The Jade Tree is a unique species of bonsai tree that is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and its ability to store water for long periods of time. This makes it an ideal species for indoor growing, as it can withstand periods of drought. The Jade Tree prefers bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
When caring for your Jade Tree bonsai tree, place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Water your Jade Tree when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let it sit in water. Jade Trees prefer to dry out slightly between watering.
The Hawaiian Umbrella is another popular species of indoor bonsai tree. It is known for its small size and attractive, glossy leaves that create a dense canopy. This species prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity levels, making it ideal for indoor environments. The Hawaiian Umbrella requires regular watering, but is forgiving if you forget to water it occasionally.
When caring for your Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai tree, place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Water your Hawaiian Umbrella tree when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, but do not let it dry out completely. Hawaiian Umbrella trees prefer to be kept slightly moist.
The Dwarf Pomegranate is a unique and beautiful species of bonsai tree that produces small, red fruits. It is a great choice for indoor environments due to its compact size and ability to tolerate low light conditions. This species also has attractive, small leaves that change color throughout the seasons.
When caring for your Dwarf Pomegranate bonsai tree, place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Water your tree when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, but do not let it dry out completely. Dwarf Pomegranate trees prefer to be kept slightly moist.
The Japanese Maple is a stunning species of bonsai tree that is known for its vibrant, colorful foliage. It requires bright, indirect light and consistent watering. This species prefers cooler temperatures, making it a great choice for indoor environments that do not get too hot.
When caring for your Japanese Maple bonsai tree, place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light. Water your tree when the soil is slightly dry to the touch, but do not let it dry out completely. Japanese Maple trees prefer to be kept slightly moist.
*Special note: This tree should only be indoors for special occasions! Not all year long. If it doesn't go dormant in the winter seasons, it will eventually die.
The Ponytail Palm is a unique and interesting species of bonsai tree that is known for its thick trunk and long, thin leaves. This species is very low-maintenance and can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering. It is a great choice for beginners who are new to bonsai cultivation.
When caring for your Ponytail Palm bonsai tree, place it in a bright area with indirect light. Water your tree when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let it sit in water. Ponytail Palm trees prefer to dry out slightly between watering.
Choosing the right species of bonsai tree is important for creating a thriving indoor bonsai. When selecting a bonsai tree, consider factors such as light, humidity, and temperature requirements. The above species are great options for indoor environments, but there are many other species that can also thrive indoors.
In addition to selecting the right species of bonsai tree, proper care is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor bonsai. Water your tree regularly, but be careful not to overwater or underwater. Make sure your tree is placed in a location with the proper amount of light and humidity. Finally, prune your bonsai tree regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.
In conclusion, choosing the right species of bonsai tree is crucial for creating a thriving indoor bonsai. The above species are great options for indoor environments, but it is important to consider the specific needs of each species before making a selection. With proper care and attention, your indoor bonsai can be a beautiful and unique addition to your home or office.
While it’s important to buy actual school stuff, like notebooks and actual books, a few creature comforts can have dramatic effects on your life when away at college.
So while you’re picking out shower caddy’s, and stocking up on instant noodles, perhaps you should think about some art.
Not wall art… living art.
Indoor house plants have been proven to boost your mood, increase productivity, and clean the air. If you or a loved one is living on their own in a dorm room on a campus somewhere, wouldn’t you want them to enjoy those benefits?
Thankfully for us, bonsai tree’s are living plants, so those benefits transfer over to our world.
Plus, they can help clean and freshen the very air you’ll be breathing in that dorm!
(And dorm room air can get pretty stale from time to time….)
But not every tree will work for your dorm room.
Junipers, maples, pines, and any tree that needs a cool or cold winter to go dormant just won’t do. A dorm room will never get cold enough to make those trees happy over the winter.
But the tropicals, like Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai, or a Baby Jade bonsai, or even a beautiful flowering Serissa bonsai can work out just fine if you give it a summer vacation outdoors.
Those are all trees that need a warm winter, and can survive indoors for the school year if properly cared for.
The only other considerations are light and humidity.
Humidity can be solved by the addition of a simple humidity tray and a spray bottle.
Light is another issue… but once again, technology solves that problem. You can pick up a desktop grow light to ensure your indoor bonsai tree can survive regardless of where the window is in your dorm room.
So now you’ve got a beautiful bonsai tree in your dorm room…
The air is fresher…
The mood is more cheerful…
Your productivity is off the charts….
Your social life is improving?
Have you ever noticed that when people see a bonsai tree, they stop to check it out? And if they know that it’s yours, they say something about it?
It’s happened to me a bunch of times with house guests.
They see my collection and sort of marvel at it. They say something about how beautiful the trees are, and how much they love them, and how they wish they had an interesting hobby like that…
It’s very much unintentional — I just like bonsai trees — but that’s the perception people have about a unique and artistic hobby like bonsai.
It might just be the conversation opener that’s needed on your floor.
So far I’ve listed about 5 reasons why every dorm room needs a bonsai tree, and I can probably list 5 more, but the fact of the matter is that every house, dorm room and garden needs more bonsai trees.
Just make sure you pick the right one for your situation, and you’ll have a lifelong companion to always brighten your mood.
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A piece of paper that tells you exactly what you need to do to keep this bonsai tree of yours alive and well.
If it seems pretty straight forward, you buy the tree.
(At least that’s how I did it before I started doing this professionally.)
The problem I’ve always had with care sheets is the problem I have with bonsai books — THEY’RE TOO HARD TO UNDERSTAND, AND FULL OF USELESS INFORMATION!
So when I decided to add real live bonsai trees to the things we offer at Love My Bonsai, I had to figure this problem out:
How do I create EASY and HELPFUL care sheets for the bonsai trees I sell?
It took me way longer than I’d like to admit, but I did it.
We have care sheets that will help you take care of specific bonsai trees. Something that will help remind you to take care of the basics, and give you that 1% of uniqueness for a tree that can make the difference between thriving and “wow.”
And if you just so happen to purchase a tree from us, the care sheet for your exact tree will be here (and automatically emailed to you, to make your life easier.)
If you’re looking for one of these easy to read “cheat sheets” for keeping your bonsai tree happy and healthy for the rest of your life, click here to see the current list.
P.S. This is something I'm constantly adding to. If you have a specific request for a specific care sheet, comment below and I'll happily add it in for you.
]]>TAXES.
I have to pay them, and while I appreciate that my taxes help keep the country running, I don’t want to pay more than my due.
So every time I purchase something, in the back of my mind I’m thinking: “Is that a write-off?”
Thankfully, I have a wonderful accountant that handles all that for me. But still, I have to categorize my purchases for their review.
And there are two clear-cut categories that a bonsai tree falls into, making it a solid tax write off.
DISCLOSURE: I’M NOT A CPA, ACCOUNTANT, OR TAX PROFESSIONAL. TAKE ANY SERIOUS TAX QUESTIONS TO A SERIOUS TAX PROFESSIONAL.
With that said, here are some ways that you can use your bonsai tree as a tax write off this year.
If you have clients that you send gifts to, why not send them something cool for once?
Something alive… growing… and more importantly: MEMORABLE.
The point of a corporate gift is to show your appreciation for them as a client or a partner. Not to show off, but to keep you top of mind as someone special in their business.
What helps get that point across more than a piece of living art?
It’s way better than a pen, or USB charger with your logo on it…
And according to the IRS, you can use it as a deduction.
Generally speaking, if you buy something for strict business use in your office - it’s a business expense which would offset some taxes.
You probably do this now with your desk, or chair, pens and other supplies… but decorations count too.
Expensive art hanging on your walls? Check, that’s a write-off.
That gorgeous indoor bonsai tree you have on the windowsill or under a grow light? Check, that’s a write-off.
Again - I’m not an accountant, or a tax specialist. I urge you to consult with one to make sure you can write off a bonsai tree for your specific situation.
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But this little hobby of mine has morphed into a full fledged business with employees, operations, taxes, and all sorts of things I didn’t think I’d have to deal with — so I have to make sure the lights stay on!
That means I have to brag every now and again about how great this whole thing is.
All in all, I’m pretty lucky that I get to be surrounded by so much living art all day long.
And that’s entirely your doing.
By reading and sharing my articles…
By liking and sharing my instagram posts…
By shopping in my bonsai store…
You’ve helped make this dream a reality.
That’s why I respond to every single email that you send me.
It’s why I spend hours helping people all over the world find and purchase their dream bonsai tree, even if we don’t sell it.
It’s also why I feel so obligated to provided you with the best of all things bonsai.
The best content.
The best advice.
The best help.
The best supplies.
And most importantly, the best trees available on the whole internet.
So with that in mind, here are a few ways that Love My Bonsai is different from other places that sell bonsai trees and supplies.
I’ve never seen a store that didn’t sell every single bonsai thing there was. Even if you don’t need all of that stuff.
We only sell the tools that you need. No waste.
We don’t sell anything that I’m not currently using, or wouldn’t use if I needed it, in my own home setup.
Period. It’s really not easy to make a good bonsai soil, and it’s even harder to ship it.
But we do both very well.
This is so they can go for longer without water, and be easily repotted when the time comes.
I can’t name a single store that does this, besides ours.
The trees come from the best nurseries all over the country, including our own, and we turn only the best of them into beautiful bonsai trees.
And we collect interesting trees from nature, and turn them into bonsai trees too.
It’s pretty simple: If you spend over $25, you have free shipping.
If there’s a problem with your order, we’ll fix it.
If you don’t like your tree, we’ll take it back.
Our articles and premium videos go way beyond care generic sheets.
Even our care sheets are specific to the exact tree you’re buying. And, they’re not overloaded with confusing stuff just to prove that we know a thing or two about bonsai trees.
If there’s a storm, or deep freeze, or nasty heat wave anywhere from our nursery to your front door, we’ll hold the tree until it passes.
This ensures the tree is alive and well when you get it, and not dying in the back of a truck somewhere on the way.
Bonsai trees are amazing gifts.
People love them. Your people probably will too.
Clients, friends and family.
So you can order a bonsai tree today, and tell us to ship it next week. Or hold it and ship it next month. Whatever works for you, works for us.
And while I’ve given bonsai trees away as corporate gifts, and as birthday gifts, I like to give them as personal gifts.
Something from me to me.
That’s how this whole thing got started!
So if you’re looking for some bonsai tree’s and bonsai supplies, I ask you to check out my bonsai store with it’s ever growing supply of living art.
]]>Not much, but some.
You basically have to know what you’re doing. (No “winging it.”)
Keeping a bonsai tree alive and happy is a much simpler affair. Even though people make keeping bonsai trees seem WAY harder than it truly is…
If you’re not trying to do anything crazy, like building a bonsai tree that belongs in a modern art gallery, the art of bonsai is something you can master rather quickly.
In a few short hours, not years training under some rigid master.
NOTE: We have an in-depth video course to show you how to quickly and easily master the art of bonsai, if you need a hand in getting started.
But if you’re still looking for a “simple” tree to care for, something that wouldn’t give a beginner much trouble at all, there are a few trees that make a remarkably simple bonsai tree for the beginner.
The juniper bonsai is probably what you think of when you hear the word “bonsai tree.”
Its most common form is a traditional bonsai shape, recognized far and wide for it’s simplicity and beauty.
Juniper bonsai tree’s are on the easy list for their ability to “set it & forget it” in one spot outdoors for the whole year.
A juniper’s main requirements are: Water, sun, food, fresh air, and cold winters.
This means, if you live anywhere that drops below 45 degrees for 6 weeks in the winter, which is most of the USA, you can keep a juniper bonsai tree.
Find a cozy spot outdoors that can give it some partial sun (morning is best, but as long as it’s a few hours and not enough to dry it out, it’ll be happy) and leave it there all year.
In the winter, bury the bonsai pot in some mulch to protect it from extreme freezes.
Keep it watered all year, never letting it dry out.
Fertilize it every 4-6 weeks in the growing season with a quality slow release bonsai fertilizer.
THAT’S IT.
You can get this systematized in about 2 weeks, making it one of the most “passive” bonsai trees to keep happy and healthy.
Baby jade bonsai tree’s are special.
They look… quite unique. There’s not much like them in the bonsai world, so that alone makes it a treasure.
It’s succulent style leaves, and it’s almost animal looking bark, make it a must-have for your collection.
The ease of care make it possibly the best tree for any beginner.
Like all bonsai trees, a baby jade bonsai will need water, food, and light.
But a jade bonsai can thrive on indoor light conditions all year long. And if you want to give it a vacation in the summer, it will love that too.
And it stores water in its leaves, so it is more forgiving if you forget to water it on a regular schedule.
For a beginner bonsai, you won’t get a tree more forgiving than the baby jade.
If you’re looking for a beginner bonsai tree that has a more tropical look, look no further than the Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai tree.
It kind of looks like a ficus, or banyan, but it loves the indoors. And like the baby jade bonsai, a Hawaiian umbrella tree will be happy with a summer vacation outdoors.
But indoors with a window sill or desktop grow light will be just fine.
If it has enough humidity, it will even grow some cool air roots.
It’s forgiving with water, and light, but the same basic rules apply. Don’t let it dry out, ever.
A quality soil moisture meter can ensure that you never let that happen.
Any maple tree that’s native to where you live will make a nice and simple bonsai tree.
Its care instructions are basically the same as a juniper bonsai, but you get much more color and variety with a maple bonsai.
Trident maple, Japanese maple, water maple, and many more varieties, will give you lush summer foliage, beautiful fall colors, and a low maintenance piece of art to enjoy for a lifetime.
While these specific trees will help make your start in bonsai go smoother than you could possibly imagine, there’s one thing that makes all of this easier than anything else.
A grower that knows how to grow a tree.
A store that knows how to ship a bonsai tree.
A bonsai specialist that can show you how to keep your bonsai tree alive & happy.
Someone that does it the right way, not the quick and easy way (IE, the way to make the most money with no regard for the art of bonsai.)
Someone that stands buy their products with a no-risk guarantee.
Someone like us 😃
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They ARE trees, after all.
With that said, there are plenty of bonsai trees that will survive, even thrive, in an indoor environment for a majority of the year — with the exception that it takes a summer “vacation” outdoors.
If you’re looking for a bonsai tree for your office, condo, or apartment, a multi-month trip outside probably won’t work for you.
So that means you’d need a bonsai tree that can truly thrive indoors, with a fixed humidity level, and temperature range, and lower levels of light, all year long.
To place your indoor bonsai tree, the first thing to consider is light.
Will it get enough light all year long? A southern facing window would be best (or, north facing for all of our southern hemisphere readers) with an eastern or western facing window being second best.
If you don’t have enough light, one way to get around this is to use an artificial lighting setup. This will help your indoor bonsai tree get enough light all year long, and it can even help display it on your desktop.
The next thing to consider is temperature.
As long as you’re not placing your indoor tree in a place with wild temperature swings, like by an open door or heating vent that goes off for the weekends, it will probably do just fine.
Providing you choose a bonsai tree that will survive being indoors all year, that is.
This leaves us with two choices:
When you think of indoor bonsai tree, a Hawaiian Umbrella is the first tree that should come to mind.
It’s great indoors, in a variety of lighting and temperature situations.
Plus, it looks seriously tropical. It can grow air roots like a classic banyan bonsai tree, and it has a beautiful green canopy that looks like most jungles or rain forests in the world.
One or two of these on your desk can turn a winter working at a computer into a tropical getaway every time you give yourself 5 minutes to daydream.
They’re pretty easy to care for, and can thrive in any indoor environment.
This is one of my favorite bonsai trees, period.
To start, it looks really exotic in my New York nursery. In a place filled with hardwood trees, having a water-based bonsai tree like a baby jade is pretty unique, and seriously cool.
It’s remarkably simple to keep alive all year, and it actually stores water remarkably well.
This means I can travel over the winter without worrying too much about how my tree is going to get watered!
This makes it an ideal plant for most offices, since random sick days, vacation days and 3 day weekends can make some trees too thirsty to live.
If you’re on the lookout for a bonsai tree for your office, a baby jade bonsai is your best choice.
(That means they make GREAT corporate gifts.)
Whichever indoor bonsai tree you choose, it will undoubtably bring some extra relaxation and joy into your life.
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If we managed to keep those trees alive and happy (which is surprisingly easy to master), it’s also when we got hooked.
So many, like me, started with a tree or two. Let’s say it’s something traditional: A juniper bonsai tree, and a pine bonsai tree.
Then we got another one or two, just to have more variety in our trees. Something more regional, like in my case, a honeysuckle bonsai tree and a pear bonsai tree.
Then we realized we didn’t have any tropical trees….
That won’t stand. Time to collect a baby jade bonsai tree, and a Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree.
So now we’ve got a little collection going: 6 beautiful bonsai trees, happily on display.
Then you come across a masterpiece specimen tree. A Japanese maple created by a true bonsai artisan… a real master.
Gotta have it.
Now you’re sitting on 7 trees, and you’re wondering: “Did I go overboard here? Is this too many bonsai trees?”
The answer may surprise you…
In reality, you only have too many bonsai trees once you can’t take care of them all.
And what do you need to do to take care of a bonsai tree?
In short order:
Prune it.
This is a task done once or twice per year depending on the tree, so that’s manageable to do with a ton of trees. It’s not like it takes a ton of time…
This isn’t terribly difficult to do once you’ve got it on a schedule.
Just remember to water your trees according to their needs, and they’ll be fine.
Trees have different lighting requirements, kind of. In reality, most trees can be put in the same spot and if one is happy, they’ll all be happy. Some may need more shade, some may need more sun, it’s all doable.
And it’s usually only done twice per year: Once in the spring, once in the winter.
This is fine with a ton of trees.
Once a tree overgrows it’s pot, you’ve got to repot it. Same pot, different pot, bigger pot, doesn’t matter - your bonsai just has to have the roots pruned.
This is where having too many bonsai trees becomes an issue.
It’s not a terribly time consuming process, but if you have 20 trees, it’s more than a days work.
Thankfully, this is done every 2-5 years depending on where you live and the type of tree, so as long as you don’t have 20 trees that need to be repotted in a single season, it’s probably OK to have a ton of trees.
In reality, the more bonsai trees you have, the less likely you are to kill them.
Did you catch that one?
I’ll say it again: The more bonsai trees you have, the less likely you are to kill them.
The reasoning behind this is pretty straight forward: You won’t fuss over a single tree too much.
And when you fuss over a tree too much, you just might kill it.
It’s a tree. It needs the most basic of necessities from nature.
It’s also a bonsai tree. It needs the most basic of care to keep it miniature.
Go overboard, and it might not be too happy.
Bonsai trees aren’t like fish in a tank. You can have a ton of them, and they can be happy together. There’s no competition, there’s no neglect if you get another one, and one tree certainly isn’t going to be mad at another tree.
With bonsai trees, the more the merrier!
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Beyond that, there are only a few basic necessities that don’t directly relate to the above three things.
Those necessities, we call tools.
And like all tools, there is a wide variety to choose from — making it somewhat overwhelming.
Concave cutters, root rakes, and trimming shears are the main ones that we’re talking about here. Wire and wound sealant aren’t really meant to last like a hand tool, so they’re rightfully excluded here.
Thankfully, it’s rather easy to tell the difference between a quality bonsai tool, and a worthless piece of garbage in a pretty package.
A piece of junk bonsai tool will be dull, or will get dull quickly. Even with proper care, it won’t be a tool that holds an edge for long.
This is true for concave cutters, trimming shears, and everything else.
With a quality bonsai tool, it will be as sharp as it needs to be, and will hold its edge rather easily with proper care.
A quality bonsai tool is always easy to use for the job it was intended for. It’s efficient, and not overly “dressed” for the task at hand.
It quickly and easily does what it’s supposed to do, and makes it look rather easy.
On the other hand, a tool that’s harder to use or not thoughtfully designed for the task it was designed to do, is going to get thrown in the trash after one or two attempts.
Strangely enough, the price is irrelevant when shopping for bonsai tools.
I’ve seen expensive tools work terribly, and “cheap” tools work wonders. I’ve seen a hand crafted masterpiece concave cutter cut like butter, and an inexpensive one fall apart after a few uses.
The moral of this story is: The price doesn’t indicate quality (no mater how hard the marketers try to convince you otherwise…)
It’s best to get advice, or act on a recommendation, from someone that knows what they’re talking about with this stuff.
While these are all good determinants to help you find a quality bonsai tool, how can you tell when shopping for bonsai tools online?
The short answer is, you can’t.
But… if you’re shopping at a store with a solid return policy (like this one), you can just return it if it’s terrible.
It’s a perfect way to get the tools you need, without the risk of buying a piece of junk.
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It’s probably an informal upright, and looks like something Mr. Miyagi is trimming in the tool shed in The Karate Kid.
They’re such a classic bonsai tree, and still the most popular.
Juniper bonsai’s can survive in most climates: As long as they have a chance to go dormant in the winter, you can likely keep one where you live. Make sure to keep them outside and you’ll do just fine.
Juniper’s are also relatively easy to style with few tools: Besides the basics, you can get by with your fingers (using the “finger-pinch” technique) to keep your bonsai tree’s shape. No real trimming required!
They can be easily trained into cool shapes as well: They’re no problem to wire up and take well to some pretty harsh training. You can go nuts with deadwood, or keep it classical - either way, your bonsai tree will take to it no problem.
These bonsai’s are also easy to keep alive if you know what you’re doing. Give it the right amount of water, food and sunlight and it’ll thrive for several lifetimes.
All in all, they really make a great bonsai tree for beginners, experts and everyone in between. You’ll see them at every bonsai showcase filled with masterpieces, and they’re one of the first tree’s I recommend to my students to work with first.
They’re simplicity makes them the most common. They’re so common, if you find a bonsai tree at a mall (a “mall-sai”) — there’s a 90% chance it’s a juniper.
(Side note: Just because it’s pretty and convenient at a mall kiosk doesn’t mean you can go buy it care-free. A lot of those stores sell you dead trees without even knowing it…)
When properly styled, they can be picturesque, wild or classical.
One thing’s certain, no matter how they’re styled, they are absolutely stunning.
Enjoy!
]]>Some look natural, some look… weird.
The how of how they look is defined as a style. And knowing which styles you like and don’t can save you some time when figuring out which bonsais to buy, and how to shape and experiment with your own collection.
What we’re about to show are the different types of bonsai styles. Before we dig in, you need to remember something:
Bonsai is a mix of landscaping and art.
Keep that in mind. These are the “official styles” — but it’s not written in stone.
If you want to mix one with another, you’re allowed. The bonsai police won’t come get you.
It’s art. Do what makes you happy 😃
When you think of a formal upright, think of nature at it’s most perfect. A professionally planted tree in an arboretum or estate gardens.
Or better yet, it’s that one perfect tree in the forest.
This is a formal upright, and when done right, it’s stunning.
An informal upright is remarkably similar to a formal upright except… wait for it… it’s not formal.
It’s upright, but not perfect. It has flaws.
If you ask me, it’s much more natural since I’d estimate 4 out of every 5 trees in the wild aren’t “perfect.”
When done right, this is my favorite.
When you think of a cascading bonsai, think of a tree on a hill or cliff with it’s branches hanging down toward the earth below.
Some are dramatic (full cascade,) some are more subtle (semi-cascade.) All are elegant (especially when they flower!)
The boom style is pretty self explanatory. Think of a tree, that is shaped like a broom…
Straight up trunk with branches straight up to match. All branches are about the same length.
It really looks like a broom, especially over the winter when the leaves are long gone.
Personally, my favorite tree to style like a broom is the mighty ficus (though this Maple looks wonderful too.)
This is a pretty self explanatory style. Have you ever seen a tree that looked like it was slanting? Or perhaps like the wind has been constantly blowing at it for 30 years?
That’s a bonsai style too.
Have you ever seen a tree with more than one trunk? Maybe it’s a “sucker” branch that grew and thickened over time to look like a second trunk.
Some look weird, some look natural.
Some are 100% artificial with a second tree grafted to a new parent (like some sort of Franken-bonsai.)
For years I didn’t think this was a true style, but my views have changed.
Now, I see it as more of a “root style” with whatever “trunk and branch style” you want on top.
Root over rock is a total pain in the ass to make, but man, it can be epic.
I’ve seen some of these trees that look like they’ve been part of a landscape for a thousand years.
Seriously. If you have a tree that takes well to this, if you have a really cool looking rock and if you have the time to care for it, you could have some bonsai beauty on your hands.
As simple as it sounds, yet as complicated to create, comes the group or forest styles.
This is where bonsai turns into a nature-scape. You have 2, 3, 5, 10 or however many trees you want in a single bosnai.
One pot, multiple trees.
It’s as if you were looking at an entire chunk of nature from far away, but it’s right in your yard.
The famous Goshin (this is Goshin III) is a superb example. It’s also my favorite bonsai on the planet.
Here’s where things get weird. Being an art style, you can really do whatever you imagine. Some bonsai artisans and hobbies take this as a challenge.
Whatever else you can think of, it probably fits in here.
Like this crazy masterpiece.
You may be saying to your self: “Multi-trunk isn’t a true style!” Or “What about this style you missed?!?”
Well, these are my thoughts on the styles. If you have your own opinions, that’s fine. Besides formal vs informal and root over rock, I don’t believe this stuff is written in stone.
The bottom line is to find what you like, and do more of it. And if you want to experiment, do it!
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This can be anything, literally anything, that you think would look good.
You could build a Christmas scene, recreate something you’ve seen in person like a tree in a city sidewalk, you can create a group of multi-trunk tree’s on 1 giant rock, or something altogether unique.
Remember, bonsai is first and foremost an art. That means there are no rules.
If you’re a bonsai pro building trees for the general public to buy, well then you gotta keep it to the basics. Create the trees that 90% of the people will enjoy.
But if you’re in this for yourself — to help you feel relaxed and calm, to add beauty to your home, your yard and your life, do what makes you happy.
THERE ARE NO RULES!
Do you want a tree that has a ton of deadwood and barely anything living? Do it.
Or a bonsai that is planted in a cut wine bottle? Do it.
Design your idea of beauty, and you’ll create your own personal masterpiece.
Now, for the pictures 😃
If you want to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days, you need the right training. I’ve build a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Plenty of resources to help guide you when creating and styling.
Most of them are nice, fun and informative. Usually, they’re pretty beautiful too.
These resources exist to help guide you. They are your guidelines for inspiration based on what is globally accepted as “pretty” with regard to a bonsai tree.
But don’t treat any resource as a rulebook.
Remember, these are guidelines that can help you find some inspiration.
If you can picture something beautiful in your mind, just focus on creating that. If it ends up being a formal upright, or informal upright, or cascade, that’s fine. Whatever your tree comes out looking like, if it has an official name, is irrelevant.
The only thing that matters is if you like it. If it makes you happy. If looking at it makes you smile.
If you think it’s pretty.
That’s it.
For most of us, this isn’t a competition. Keeping bonsai trees is a way to brighten our days and to add some extra beauty into our lives. The only style guide and opinion that matters is your own.
Don’t go by the book. Just do what you like.
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1: Do the leaves look weird
2: What type of soil are you using?
The first question is to determine if there’s any disease present. Any spots, film, discoloration, etc. is a sign of a possible disease or pest. If that’s the case, you can Google it and have an answer and a likely treatment in a few clicks.
Simple.
The second question is a bit harder to deal with.
With bonsai, you have to take care to water it appropriately. Like any plant, not enough water is obviously no good. Plants need water, bonsai’s are plants, therefor bonsai’s need water.
But too much water isn’t good either. It can lead to all sorts of problems like fungus, mold, bugs, disease, root rot and more.
Also, some plants just don’t like a ton of water!
Let’s take a minute to think where your bonsai tree comes from.
Is it a desert dweller? If so, it shouldn’t be kept wet all the time. Many plants from the desert require some dry time between watering to thrive.
Is it from a rain forest? If so, it will probably like to be watered a bit more frequently, never allowing it to be completely dried out.
Is it from somewhere in between? If so, it will probably like to be somewhere in the middle.
Basically, the goal is to provide as much water to the roots as they would experience in nature.
The only thing to keep in mind here is that it’s not in nature. It’s in a tiny pot! This means it will be easier to overwater and underwater.
So how do we prevent this, regardless of the species of tree you’re trying to bonsai?
Simple: Use a well draining bonsai soil.
A well draining soil helps prevent overwatering. This is a huge thing, because no tree likes to sit in stagnant water for days on end. Besides smelling awful, this is a great way to get your bonsai sick or worse, rot the roots. Either way, it’s a recipe for a dead tree.
It does put you at risk for under watering, but you can easily water more frequently without much worry.
A rule of thumb is to feel the soil about an inch down. If it’s dry, water it. If it’s wet, don’t.
While you need a well drained soil, not every soil will do.
For instance, I will never use a bonsai soil with organic matter in it.
Never.
Anything that looks like dirt or topsoil will be kept far away from my bonsai pots.
Every single time I’ve come across organic soil in a bonsai, it’s been a recipe for disaster. Disease, root rot and dead trees.
No dirt, no topsoil, no organic material at all.
100% inorganic, ie, rock based soil.
There are tons of blends of this, and honestly too many options to list.
If you want a good bonsai soil, look for a blend of pumice, akadama and some lava rocks. It should be small so there won’t be any big air gaps, and remember, no organic soils.
That’s it!
This one tip alone was enough to transform me from a bonsai serial killer to a tried and true bonsai collector.
And if you need to buy high quality bonsai soil for yourself, click here to see our current stock.
If this is helpful for you, and you want to take it a step further, I’ve built a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start. It will help to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Properly using moss on your bonsai trees is not something I really understood the importance of until quite recently. I used to have it when I would buy a tree from a shop, but now for all my bonsai trees I make sure to utilize moss in some way, shape or form.
There are a few reasons for this.
First off, I think it’s pretty.
It’s green, which I like, and it looks unique, which I also like. Following my #1 rule of bonsai trees (do what you like) — moss fits the bill.
Second, it’s fantastic at preventing erosion or soil loss from watering. Moss will, at best, adhere to the top layer of your soil and keep it where it belongs when you water. At worst, it will just sort of float on top (but still prevent erosion.)
Lastly, it helps prevent any exposed or shallow roots from drying out on a hot day. Moss retains moisture, which can be fast fleeting for your helpless bonsai tree on a hot summer day… A very critical use for this strange green plant.
When it comes to choosing a variety of moss, you’re stuck with a ton of options. You can buy special Kyoto moss spores or some preserved sheet moss from Amazon, or go harvest your own from around the yard / neighborhood.
It depends on your goal.
Let me start off by saying, I’ve tried the Kyoto spores about a dozen times and I was never able to grow a thing. I probably just suck at growing my own moss, but that’s my experience.
So for me, my choice is always between moss harvesting and preserved sheet moss.
To decide, I ask a simple question: “Will this bonsai ever live indoors?”
If the answer is “yes” as it is for any tropical / sub-tropical tree, it get’s sheet moss.
If the answer is “no,” it gets live moss.
The reasoning behind this is simple: Moss doesn’t survive indoors.
So if I have to bring a tree indoors for the winter, it gets preserved sheet moss. Adding sheet moss to a bonsai is rather simple. Cut it to size and tuck it into the sides of the pot with a knife. Simple!
The color wont last, and it can sprout some bread-mold like nastiness on it, so be prepared to change it out once or twice a year.
If my tree stays outdoors, I find a type of moss nearby that looks pretty and harvest it with a pocket knife. “Harvest” is a fancy way of saying I just gently scrape it off the dirt / patio / wherever.
To add it to my trees, I just firmly press it down on my bonsai soil right before watering, and leave it alone. Eventually, it’ll stick.
That’s it!
Keeping this one simple rule in mind, my bonsai collection retains more moisture, looks much nicer and retains almost all soil when I water it.
If this is helpful for you, and you want to take it a step further, I’ve built a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start. It will help to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Also like any hobby, special tools have a special price attached…
Thankfully, I’ve found that while there are some special tools that you need to work with bonsai trees, some are easily replaced with everyday household items at a fraction of the cost.
The bonus is that I’ve actually found some to work better than the “specialty” tools!
First, let’s start off with the basics. These are the tools you need to work on bonsai trees at any level.
If you have an indoor bonsai, you’ll need to water it. If it’s indoors, it’s probably tropical as well which means it would love a daily misting to help keep it humid.
That’s where a simple spray bottle comes in.
Like all plants, bonsai’s love water (obviously.)
But these are delicate little trees here. They can’t just be hosed down like your other house or garden plants.
That would disrupt the soil and lead to a ton of erosion and exposed roots.
Not good.
The solution is a specialty watering can like this one:
Or, you can simply use a hose attachment with adjustable water flow.
Which is exactly what I do. I can use it on my bonsai collection, and on my normal garden plants.
If you hate uni-taskers like me, this is the solution for outdoor watering.
Here’s a great one on Amazon for about $20.
When you repot your bonsai, you’ll need a good root rake. Those roots need to be free and clear from most dirt so you can maneuver them into their new pot and possibly give them a nice pruning — There’s no way around it.
You can pony up a few bucks and get a professional root rake, which I’ve done before, or you can make your own.
This is my home made root rake, created with a pair of pliers and a fork I picked up from my local dollar store. Total cost was…. $1 + tax, and it’s honestly the best root rake I’ve ever used (NOT FOR BIG ROOTS.)
To create this masterpiece yourself, you’ll need to get a cheap POS fork from a dollar store. Then, you use some pliers to bend the prongs into the shape of a rake. And finally, you use some needle nose pliers to separate those two outer prongs a bit — all to form the shape of a rake.
When shaping your bonsai, you need wire.
Shaping wire should be corrosion and rust resistant, and you need a few different thicknesses to train branches of different thickness.
Makes sense, right?
You can get any that you like, as long as they’re made from aluminum.
This is a great starter set that’s easy to work with.
To cut those wires, you need wire cutters.
If you don’t already have some laying around the house, garage or tool shed, grab a pair like this.
Literally anything like that will do.
Whenever you plant a bonsai tree, you need to use drainage mesh to prevent your soil from running through the drainage hole at the bottom.
It’s 100% required, and I wouldn’t use the metal screen that you have in your windows.
This is one that can’t be substituted.
You have a ton of choices out there, but the drainage mesh that we sell is my favorite.
Concave cutters are probably the most advanced bonsai tool that you need that can’t be replaced with something non-bonsai specific.
The reasoning why you need concave cutters instead of any old wood cutting pliers or snips is that they are designed to cut through wood, and cut it flat (instead of at an angle like other cutters would.)
If you need to trim some branches off, and you will, this is what you need.
When you cut and prune your bonsai, you need to seal the wound. An open wound on a tree lets crucial moisture escape, which is not something we can have on our delicate little trees.
To avoid this, you need to use a wound sealer every time you prune a branch.
You can use this Japanese would sealant if you like. It’s amazing stuff:
I’ve used it and loved it. But there’s something else I like slightly better:
Yup. Plain old Elmers glue.
It works great, you can buy it anywhere, and it’s really easy to work with.
The only problem you have is that it dries white, which doesn’t look super great. To remedy this, you can just sprinkle some dirt on it to match the color of your tree bark.
Note: You should not seal roots when you prune them. Moisture is supposed to flow through that wood…
For smaller branches, pine needles or even some leaves that you don’t want to pluck off by hand, you’ll need trimming shears.
Think of it like hair-cutting scissors for your bonsai.
You can get a fancy one like this, or just use nail trimming scissors for smaller branches (which I got at the same dollar store that had my root-rake forks.)
If you want to be sure your favorite little trees aren’t drying out, you should make use of a water tester.
You have 3 options:
Each of these three tools can go into the soil about an inch or so and tell you if it’s dry or not.
These 10 items are crucial in any bonsai tool kit. Sure, you can go and buy a full toolkit full of things you need (and probably a ton of things you don’t,) but if you want the essentials without all of the flare, this is really all you need (besides patience.)
The goal isn’t to be cheap with our bonsai collection. The goal is to be frugal.
We should spend our hard earned money on plant stock, pots, training and supplies we actually need. Not throwing it into tools that we really don’t need until we get to the master levels.
If you want the professional level tools and supplies, more power to you. That’s your choice.
It’s not a requirement.
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They were also first collected from nature. Either as a sapling or as a naturally stunted tree in a bad position, collection was the old-school way to do it.
Collecting bonsai trees from nature is pretty damn hard. Depending on the situation, it’s not easy for the transplanted tree to survive. It’s also a huge pain in the ass to dig some trees up.
With that said, it’s also great fun. You are effectively rescuing a tree from a rough life to pamper it and care for it for the rest of its life. It’s strangely rewarding…
To begin, I have to state the obvious: You probably can’t just go into some else’s land to go digging up without their permission. It’s not ok on someone’s private property, and it’s not ok on public land.
Get permission first.
Now that you’ve gotten the permission you need, we have to first identify the two types of trees you’re going to be hunting for in the wild:
Saplings and underdeveloped trees.
Let’s start with the easiest first: The saplings.
To collect a sapling, you don’t have to do much more than dig it up. Ideally, the roots aren’t that deep yet, so it shouldn’t be too hard. You just need to be careful of the little fibrous roots when you are pulling up the longer taproot. You need to keep those little roots intact and unharmed as best as you can to keep the sapling alive.
You can also look for newly sprouted nuts or seed pods. I have a pretty cool walnut bonsai that I collected from a sprouted walnut that was found near a walkway in the woods. To my surprise, it’s still alive and well.
Be sure to fill in any holes when you’re done.
Next up comes the underdeveloped trees. These are generally some older trees that are growing on top of a boulder or something else that is preventing it from thriving. If you can get at it, get at it.
But be warned: These suckers are difficult to get going. They likely have roots shooting all over the place in order to keep them alive, so we have to be both strong and careful.
To start, first prune the tree a bit. You don’t want too many leaves and branches to get in your way, and they’ll only steal energy away from the roots when you pot it, so get trimming. Any branches you don’t need, trim down. Any branches you’ll keep, take most of the leaves off (leave 2-3 per branch.)
Now it’s time to get digging around the tree as wide as the canopy. This is about how far the fibrous roots go, and we gotta keep them intact and healthy to improve our odds of keeping this tree alive.
You’ll want to dig straight down in order to get under the root-ball and tap roots. You may have to go deep, and you should expect some serious obstacles (like the boulder or slab of rock keeping the tree dwarfed.)
It won’t be easy.
You will likely have to cut off the taproot at some point, and do plenty of wiggling of the tree trunk to loosen it up.
Your goal is to get a pry bar under the rootball to get it up, ideally without damaging many of those root fibers.
Once you get the tree out of the ground, hold off on celebrating for a minute. You’ve got to get that tree back home.
Again, fill in any holes. You wouldn’t want to bust your ankle going through a leisurely stroll, so do the right thing and fill it in.
You’ve got to bag up that rootball for the trip back home. You can use a plastic bag, canvas bag, or a bucket. Personally, I find a 2.5 gallon or 5 gallon bucket work the best.
Next up, you have to make sure the roots have some water. It can’t be bone dry for too long, so just make sure it’s moist.
If the dirt on the roots is already pretty moist, you can skip this. This would be a good time to mention that the best time to collect wild bonsais is right after a good rain.
The ground is softer, the tree is watered, and things are just easier. Just watch out for extra biting bugs, which are definitely less fun to deal with.
Once your tree is ready to transport, do it. It won’t like being kept out for too long, so don’t delay.
Now that your newly collected wild bonsai is home, you’ve got to plant it.
There’s a ton of info on how to plant it. Some say in large rocks, some say in sand, some say in gardening soil.
I say, plant it like a regular bonsai.
Finish up your pruning and be sure to seal the wounds to keep.
Use bonsai soil and put it in a bonsai pot if you can. If your new tree is too big for that, use some well drained rocks and any well draining container that you can. I’ve done this and it worked surprisingly well.
Water and light are the crucial elements here.
You’re going to have to keep this new tree watered frequently. Once or twice a day in really well drained soil.
For the light, keep it in indirect sunlight or in a spot that gets direct morning sun for a while.
Once you see some new growth, you’re pretty much free to treat it like a normal bonsai for the rest of it’s life.
I’ll quickly mention the tools I use to get this done.
You’ll need a big spade or shovel, a pry bar and something to transport to dirty roots in like a bag or a bucket.
Beyond that, you’ll need something to trim the tree down a bit. Regular pruning shears will work fine.
The only “specialty” tools I recommend are a small tactical shovel and a machete. They will help you saw any big taproots underground, cut any large limbs that your shears can’t handle, and be your default “what do I do now?” tools.
These are the ones I use, and I love them.
Before we wrap this up, we should mention the moral part of this. I don’t like to collect wild trees that will probably grow up big and strong without me. There are exceptions to the rule, like if it’s going to get ripped up by landscapers or its one of a thousand saplings in an area (and this one happens to be in the worst position.)
Remember: We collect bonsai to appreciate these trees. Part of that is respecting them in the wild which ensures we’ll be able to enjoy them, both big and small, for years to come.
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Before we go into winter care, let’s cover a quick point: Tropical trees, and most subtropical trees can’t tolerate the winter! Bring them inside or they’ll die. Tropicals shouldn’t be outside when the weather is below 50 degrees F, and sub tropicals should be inside before the first frost.
The trees that should be kept outside during the winter are trees that would naturally experience a winter in your local zone. And to care for a tree in winter, you have to alter the rules slightly since your bonsai trees have likely become dormant.
When trees enter dormancy, they tend to need less water. This means that overwatering is bad. But with that said, trees still need water in the winter. If you don’t water at all, your bonsai tree will die.
So how much is enough? I still like to check for dryness. Check just like you would over the summer, and water your tree just before it completely dries out.
Unless, of course, the whole rootball is frozen. Then you don’t need to water it, because well… no water will get in.
I don’t like the rootball to completely freeze though, so what I do is mulch over my pots to provide some extra protection.
To do this, I take my trees off of their display bench, and put them right on the ground. Someplace that will get some good morning sun, is somewhat protected from the wind and the worst of the snow, and I mulch over them. Right up to the trunk of the tree, completely burying the pot if possible.
Also, if there’s fresh snow on the ground, I like to make sure there is always some snow on my bonsai’s. This helps to protect and insulate the trees, and provide some natural water.
Then, I go about my business just like normal. I’ll water the trees every few days as needed, make sure no bugs or pests have taken home in them, and I wait (im)patiently until the spring when I can enjoy that tiny greenery again.
If this is helpful for you, and you want to take it a step further, I’ve built a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start. It will help to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Health is obviously the top priority. You don’t want to buy a tree just to watch it die in a few weeks…
Then comes aesthetics. Do you think it looks good, or do you think you can make it look good? I would hope the answer is a clear “yes” or you wouldn’t be thinking of purchasing it in the first place.
Once those two basics are covered, you have to look at the “ripoff” part.
To cover that, we’ll split your potential bonsai purchase into three categories.
Nursery stock can be great. It’s just a new tree from a nursery. Nothing special, nothing “bonsai” about it until you get your hands on it.
You’ll pay normal nursery price and hopefully get some really good stock (if you have a quality nursery, that is.)
Generally you get a great deal here because you have to do 100% of the work to turn it into a bonsai. If you’ve got the skill, this can be a great bit of fun.
A pre-bonsai tree is effectively nursery stock that someone prepped for bonsai for you.
Ideally, the roots are pruned to fit into a bonsai pot, and the tree is pruned to showcase one or two potential bonsai designs. If it doesn’t have those two features, I’d skip it…
A bonus could be that it’s actually been completely pruned and trimmed for you into a great style, and the only things left for you to do are to pot it and wire into a final shape.
Either way, you’re effectively paying for nursery stock with a labor premium added to it.
This is totally reasonable, since the artist had to buy the nursery stock and put their time and effort into preparing the pre-bonsai for you. Expect to pay more, but definitely not full bonsai prices.
Before you buy, make sure that rule number 1 is still in tact: The tree must be healthy.
It just had its roots and some major branches pruned. Make sure it’s a few weeks old before you buy it to see if it’s languishing or thriving.
Now we’re stepping up to the prime time and buying an artisan created tree.
For a true bonsai tree, I really don’t consider anything a ripoff if you’re buying from a true bonsai master or a real bonsai nursery.
Yes, they will cost more money than nursery stock and pre-bonsai stock.
But you’re buying living art, so that’s ok. As long as you love it, who cares what you’re spending? If you can, and you want to, go for it.
But it must be a quality tree.
If you’re buying a bonsai tree at a fair, or a mall kiosk, or a less than reputable place that doesn’t seem to know much about bonsai trees, be cautious.
Look at the soil. Is it dirt, or is it actual bonsai soil?
That’s my telltale sign for quality. So easy to check, and impossible to hide.
If it’s actual bonsai soil, you’re probably looking at a great tree and don’t have to worry about much else. You’re free to relax and go buy a tree.
If its dirt or top soil with some big clunky rocks on top, you’re effectively buying a tree on death row.
Yes, you can still buy it (if the price reflects what it truly is…) and revive it.
I’ve done this before. It’s just work.
You’ll need to repot it, root prune it, and nurse it back to life.
(Funny side note — Many junipers from places like this are already dead when you buy them. They can retain their color after they die for a bit, so you might actually be buying a dead tree. Make sure it’s alive before you buy!)
If you’re going to DIY, you’re going to want to stick with nursery stock or a pre-bonsai tree. If you find a tree you like, there’s not much to check on there besides the health of the plant.
But if you want the bonsai experience without the work, make sure you’re buying from someone that actually knows how to create a bonsai tree and you’ll have a tree that will thrive for years upon years upon years.
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Yes, some bonsai trees can be happy as an indoor bonsai tree. Sadly, many just don’t survive indoors well.
It all has to do with a tree’s environment. Mainly, where it comes from and how it lives in the wild.
If you just bought a beautiful Douglas Fir bonsai tree, you may know that it grows in the colder parts of world. So unless you plan on keeping your house below freezing throughout the winter, your lovely Fir tree may not make it indoors…
Now, if you keep a cold room just for this purpose, it’ll do fine. Honestly, most people will never do that so it’s best to keep trees like that outside for the winter so they can hibernate as nature intended.
For other trees, like a lovely Banyan bonsai, it can’t handle the cold well at all. So you’d think it would do well indoors, but sadly the humidity just isn’t high enough for it to happily live inside all year long. The trick is to move it indoors for the cold seasons, and back outside when it warms back up.
There are some trees that can do just fine indoors all year long, like Jade trees and Hawaiian Umbrella trees, but most just need some fresh air when you can provide it.
With that said, this is how to care for a bonsai tree when it’s living indoors.
Tree’s like sunlight. Bonsai trees are no different. The difference is in the amount of sunlight that’s appropriate.
Generally speaking, for indoor trees, they should be in a south facing window (in the northern hemisphere) to get enough sunlight to survive. If this isn’t possible, which it isn’t in my house setup, you can pick up some grow lights and automate this process so you have literally nothing to worry about.
We all know that bonsai trees need water. That’s obvious.
What’s not obvious is that you can easily over or under water them when indoors. They key is to have it in really well draining bonsai soil (which you should be using anyway) to prevent over watering.
To prevent under watering, don’t let your tree dry out completely unless that species of tree specifically needs it to survive.
It’s hard to say how often to water, since all environments and trees are different, but I’d suggest you check every single day until you know that your setup needs a watering every 2, 3, or however many days.
Most houses are just too dry. Central heating or cooling zaps most humidity from the air, which isn’t good for most trees.
There are 2 solutions for this:
Ugh, mold. If your bonsais or pots have any white fuzz on them, it’s mold from not enough air circulation. It’s aggravating, and I despise it.
To prevent it, try to remove any fake moss, or use some kind of bleach or lysol on any pots that hold moisture.
Pests can be equally frustrating. If you get any bugs crawling on your bonsai tree, or any spots on your leaves, try to find out what it is and get the most gentle version of a spray to fix it as you possibly can.
Where I live in the Northeastern US, it can get pretty cold and dreary for parts of the year. When this time comes around, I’m extra grateful that I have a bonsai addiction hobby. I’m able to keep my tropical collection alive and thriving indoors for the late fall and winter, which allows me to enjoy some unusual tropical greenery and scenery when it’s below freezing and the sun is setting before dinner.
If you take care to provide enough sunlight and humidity, water appropriately and keep any mold or pests away, you can enjoy a few indoor bonsai trees too.
If this is helpful for you, and you want to take it a step further, I’ve built a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start. It will help to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Bonsai is full of different critics and judges that, for better or worse, will lay their opinion on you and your collection. Right or wrong, invited or uninvited, they’ll do it. Like most things in life, if you put yourself out there, you’ll get feedback.
Some of it will be good, some will be bad. Most encouraging, some disheartening.
Before you let it get to you, ask yourself this question: Is bonsai your hobby, or is it your job?
If it’s your job, listen to the feedback. Both the good and the bad. It may be warranted and give you insight to further your career.
Or, it could be utter nonsense that’s best to read, then ignore forever.
If bonsai is your hobby, who cares what other people think?
Do you like it? That’s the only feedback that matters.
If you do, you win. If you think it’s pretty, you win. If it relaxes you, you win. If you had fun building your little tree, you win.
Don’t worry about the rules, the rigid styles, the comments or the haters. Worry about yourself.
Just have fun with it.
If you’re going to compete, follow the rules of the competition. If you’re going to showcase in a magazine, follow the rules of the magazine. If you’re going to sell to rigid collectors and professionals, follow the rules of design.
If you’re building a bonsai for yourself, then do what you like.
Keep it informal (or formal, if that’s the style you like.) And above all, have fun.
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Bonsai is no different.
To do bonsai at a high level, it’s takes a lifetime. To do it as a hobby, well, we’re allowed to take some shortcuts.
You still have to trim the foliage, prune the tree, prune the roots, repot and fertilize, but there’s still some major tasks that you can automate.
When it comes to automating your bonsai care, the two biggest things to take care of are water and light.
If your trees are outdoors, you obviously don’t need to automate the light. But water can be something you need to deal with. If you forget, your trees can die. It’s as simple as that.
This includes going on vacation…
So to automate your water, you have a few options. The simplest is setting up a hose system to go on and off every morning to lightly water all of your trees. A more complex setup could be hooking up a drip watering system into each tree from either your lawn sprinkler setup or another hose system.
My setup is rather simple. I have a hose on an automatic timer that turns on for a half hour every morning during the growing season to gently spray my entire collection.
If you’re using well drained soil, as you should be, over watering shouldn’t be a concern.
In the winter, you have to shut this setup down and water the old fashioned way…
If you have an indoor tree setup, lighting can be a problem as well. To automate this, the simplest way is to get an indoor growing light setup on a timer.
This is a good example of one that would work just fine.
You can even set up an automatic drip watering system for your indoor bonsai collection.
You can winter your tropical bonsai indoors, and still enjoy a tropical vacation of your own. 100% possible with automation.
I’ve heard the saying that “organization will set you free” - I think automation will set you free is much more appropriate. Since I’ve automated my setup, I just have to check for changes like pests, too little or too much water, weeds to prune, new growth to prune, etc.
Then, I schedule my manual bonsai tasks in a calendar. Add more fertilizer every few months, hard pruning once a season as needed, wire and repot once a year as needed, etc. The rest of the time I’m free to enjoy my bonsai collection, and create as many new trees as I want knowing there won’t be too much “work” involved since I’ve automated it all.
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While that’s definitely true, there are some other benefits that need to be mentioned.
Actual concrete health benefits of having bonsai trees in your life.
Yes, health benefits. You see, these little trees that we love are more than just pleasing to the eye. They are capable of making us physically healthier, and mentally happier.
If you’re keeping bonsai trees indoors, which you should only do when appropriate (like over the winter,) you have effectively taken in a temporary houseplant. Studies have shown that houseplants can be terrific little air filters and purifiers.
They can help purify the very air you and your family breath, cutting down the severity of colds and allergies.
Having a hobby like bonsai gardening is also a well proven way to reduce your stress. Stress, as it turns out, is bad for you. It can drastically shorten your life, and lower the overall quality of it. Seriously: Who wants to be stressed out all the time?
It turns out that lowering your stress is a good thing, and bonsai trees are great at doing just that.
Bonsai trees are also miniaturized nature. They can be an entire forest landscape sitting on a table, yet you can experience it with relative ease. Recent studies have shown that having a connection with nature can lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and give you a ton of other practical benefits.
With all of these benefits, it’s hard not to love bonsai trees even more.
Science is saying a bonsai hobby can reduce your stress, lower your blood pressure, make you happier and make the very air you breathe cleaner…
What other reasons do you need to make a bonsai tree of your own?
If you want to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days, you need the right training. I’ve build a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start.
In this digital video course, you'll discover:
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
You see, this guy was me. The avid bonsai lover and collector.
The closet bonsai serial killer.
I love bonsai trees, and I always have. There’s something about this perfectly miniature representation of nature that calms me. It just makes me happy for some reason…
What a shame I used to kill trees left and right, like it was my job.
Honestly though, it wasn’t my fault. I just didn’t know what the hell I was doing.
I would read all these articles. I would read all these books. Therefor, I was the worlds foremost expert and could do it.
But the trees kept dying.
There were little bits and pieces that no one was talking about like: When you buy a juniper tree from a mall kiosk, it may be dead already (even though it looks green…)
Or my favorite: Juniper trees need cold winters or they’ll die. That makes them awful house plants, so take it out of your office.
After a while, I got so frustrated with it all that I just gave up.
No more bonsai for me…
Thankfully, it didn’t last for long. I would still see a bonsai tree here or there and wish I had a collection of my very own (that I could keep alive for more than a month.)
I decided it was time to do something about it.
After some though, I realized my problem was in my teachers. I was learning from books and videos from well respected gurus and professionals. On the surface, it seems like a great way to learn — but that’s not really true.
You see, just because someone’s good at something doesn’t mean they can teach. In fact, the best teachers aren’t always the best players. Just look at sports…
In sports, you have the absolute BEST players in the worlds — completely unparalleled by anyone in history at their sport — utilizing coaches. Regular people that know the sport inside and out and, most importantly, can pass their knowledge along with ease.
This is when I decided it was time to start learning from regular people in the real world.
Wow, what a difference. Fast forward to now, and I actually know what to do to keep a bonsai tree alive and well. But that’s not all…
Wiring, shaping, repotting, root pruning, winter care… I can actually do these things. My collection has over a dozen trees of all shapes and sizes, and it’s growing all the time. And they’re all alive and well!
If it wasn’t for this sudden realization, I’d probably still be on the sidelines dreaming about having my own bonsai trees and killing every one I brought home from the mall. Thankfully, that ended a long time ago.
I’m no longer a bonsai killer. I’m a bonsai hobbyist. What a transformation.
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to learn from the "pro’s?"
It’s a weird thing… These people are best in class. The top of the top.
True professionals.
They’re willing to teach something, and we want to learn it, so we try. We try hard, but it never seems to work out.
Why is that?
There’s a pretty good reason for it, and it’s something most people don’t even realize.
It’s that not all pro’s know how to teach.
You see it all the time in professional sports. There’s always an absolutely great player that retires and becomes a coach. But… the team isn’t any good.
It’s not that the players are bad, it’s that the coach is bad.
Think about that for a minute: The same person can be an amazing player, but a horrible coach.
All because they can’t teach.
Let’s look at the reverse: A great coach can be a mediocre player.
Don’t believe me? Look at Vince Lombardi — The US football coach that was so good, they named the Super Bowl trophy after him.
Do you want to know a dirty little secret? He wasn’t a great player.
Not a true professional in the sport, but the best in history when it came to teaching average players how to do great work.
And Lombardi sure did it. He had average players every season, and consistently won championships.
Those are the results you can expect with an amazing teacher. You can get an average person to do great things, and a great person to be the best in the world.
This is how it was for me in Bonsai.
I knew everything by the book. Seriously, everything. But even though I knew it, I still struggled.
It was just hard to translate that professional level of info down to me, a beginner.
I hated all of the rules. I just wanted to make some pretty little trees…
When it came to the important stuff like watering, or sunlight, it was hard to get direct answers. I know there aren’t any, but you can make some broad assumptions and help a ton of people….
I had to learn from people just like me, but that were able to successfully keep trees alive and well. They could communicate to me on a level that made sense.
Finally, something worked.
Now, I can actually keep trees alive. More than that, I have a whole collection that is thriving. It’s not just that I can keep a collection either. I can make a tree whenever I want, letting me add to my collection whenever I see something worth trying myself.
When I tell this to people, they see me as some kind of bonsai whisperer. Almost like I’m some ancient master that’s trained for half a lifetime…
Thankfully, it didn’t take a lifetime. Just a few weeks and the right training from an average person that’s done it before.
If you want to demystify the art of bonsai so you can become a master of this relaxing hobby in just a few days, you need the right training. I’ve build a digital video course that mixes classroom style instructional videos with “over the shoulder” style training videos to make bonsai simple to understand, and easy to start.
In this digital video course, you'll discover: