Bonsai Tools

The range of bonsai tools is extensive, but you can start with just a few of them. Here I am listing the most basic bonsai tools with short description and links to sites where you can buy them. Always remember to buy good-quality tools, as they will last a lifetime.

Bonsai Pruning Tools

Traditional Bonsai Shears - Only $19.95!

These bonsai scissors are great for beginners. They have short thick blades and big bowed handles. You can use them to cut small bonsai branches and leaves. If you are just starting to bonsai and want to buy just one pair of scissors, traditional bonsai shears is a good choice. Made in China.

Professional Bonsai Shears - Only $69.95!

These professional quality bonsai shears, with its hand-forged, high carbon steel construction and laminated blades will give years of easy use and superior performance. A life-time tool designed for pruning branches, cutting capillary roots and for general bonsai trimming. 7-1/4" overall. Made in Japan.

Utility Shears - Only $14.95!

Small shears for pruning small branches and or foliage. Blades are very sharp and maintain their sharpness for many years, soft stainless steel blades; soft plastic handles. Made in China.

Satsuki Shears - Only $14.95!

Long narrow body which is great for trimming buds and reaching deep with minimum disturbance to the surrounding foliage. It's finger rings are also well suited for smaller hands. 3/4" blades, 7" overall. If you have only one pair of general-purpose scissors, I would recommend getting these for more detailed work. Made in China.

Concave Branch Cutter - Only $23.95!

This razor sharp tool is designed for cutting branches flush to the trunk. The resulting wound can then heal over quickly with very little scarring. Will keep a sharp edge indefinitely when properly used and cared for. The Concave Cutter is the single most important tool for bonsai use and for which there is no substitute. The 8" version is considered the basic size. 8" overall. Made in China.

Professional Concave Cutter - Only $69.95!

The high carbon steel of this concave cutter will keep a sharp edge indefinitely when properly used and cared for. This tool is designed for cutting branches flush to the trunk so that the resulting wound can heal quickly with little scarring. The concave cutter is the single most important tool for bonsai use and for which there is no substitute. 8" overall length (basic size). Made in Japan.

Bonsai Wiring Tools

Professional Bonsai Wire Cutters - Only $59.95

These wire cutters are designed specifically for removing bonsai wire. Although enthusiasts new to bonsai sometimes substitute standard wire cutters, these are designed with a rounded head to prevent damage to the trunk and branches when removing wires. The jaws of the cutters cut the wire symmetrically and cleanly. Highly recommended for bonsai enthusiast. 8.0" overall.

Bonsai Wire Cutters - Only 19.95!

These wire cutters are designed specifically for removing bonsai wire. Although enthusiasts new to bonsai sometimes substitute standard wire cutters, these are designed with a rounded head to prevent damage to the trunk and branches when removing wires. The jaws of the cutters cut the wire symmetrically and cleanly. Highly recommended for bonsai enthusiast. 7-3/4" overall. Made in China.

Bonsai Potting Tools

Professional Single Point Root Rake - Only $16.95

This tool is a must have. Used to separate small and medium sized capillary roots during transplanting and repotting. Has a single steel prong. Simple, yet a necessary tool for bonsai enthusiasts. Made in Japan. 8" overall.

Hemp Brush - Only $14.95

Used to smooth the top of the soil and is helpful with cleaning up a Penjing. Firm but not too stiff. I use it during bonsai repotting to smooth the soil. Than I water and add moss or another ground cover.

Stainless Steel 3 Piece Scoop Set With Screen - $29.95

Stainless steel 3 piece scoop set with screen. Handy for mixing bonsai soil and for scooping bonsai soil into bonsai pots. These scoops have fine built-in screens (17 meshes per inch) which sift out dust as you scoop.

Susan Brian

Bonsai Repotting Mistakes

A lot of bonsai beginners think that Bonsai Repotting is very difficutl process. A few days ago, I posted step-by-step instructions that make Bonsai Repotting the easiest thing you've ever done. Today, I will tell you what bonsai repotting mistakes you should avoid:

1. Using the same pot

Young bonsai grow faster than well established ones, so make sure to use a larger pot when repotting your bonsai tree. New pot should be clean and dry.

2. Cutting too much

When root trimming make sure to leave the root mass near the trunk undamaged. By keeping the inner root mass closest to the trunk unharmed, you bonsai will remain strong and healthy.

3. Cutting all the little roots

Removing all little roots and keeping only think roots will not benefit your bonsai tree. You need to remove only old and dead roots. Don't cut more than one-third of the root mass because it can place significant stress on your bonsai tree.

4. Making right cuts

When cutting think roots make sure to keep cuts facing down and not upward.

5. Feeding bonsai after repotting

Dont' feed your bonsai tree right after repotting. Fertilizing soil during repotting can burn and damage young and developing roots. It need some time to deal with stress after repotting. You can start feeding when you see some new growth.

6. Using unclean tools

Make sure to clean and dry all of your scissors before root pruning to avoid spreading the diseases.


7. Using wrong soil

It is very important to use right soil mix for you bonsai tree. Check plant profile before getting soil mix for you bonsai. Wrong soil mix can harm your bonsai tree and prevent it from growing.

Susan Brian

Juniper Bonsai Tree

Juniper bonsai has multiple varieties like Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' that can be used to make a great bonsai. Native to Japan, Juniperus chinesis, also called shimpaku, is the easiest of all the species to work with.

Because Juniper bonsai tree is hardy plant tolerant to severe pruning and wide varieties of soils, it is one of the most popular bonsai plants among bonsai growers. It is an evergreen with shredding reddish brown trunk and bluish green leaves that look like miniature branches.

Juniper bonsai tree is very tough plant with flexible branches that response very well to training and wiring. You can create any style with it except for broom. "Driftwood" is the most popular style used for Juniper tree.

Juniper Bonsai Watering

Water daily during growing season from spring to fall. Keep the soil moist during winter. Although Juniper bonsai is drought tolerant it does better in moist well drained soil during winter.

Juniper Bonsai Pruning

Branches should be pruned during spring and summer. Removing new shoots regularly will prevent the inner foliage from dying off. Sometimes one of the branches would die without any apparent reasons.

This is a natural process that happens once in a while, so there is nothing to worry about. To keep the branches clean, you need to cut all the shoots that are growing down from the undersides of the branches.

Juniper Bonsai Hardiness

Juniper bonsai tree likes cold temperatures but need to be protected in the winter from sever freezing. It does well in the temperatures from 20F - 90F. The ideal location is USDA Zone 4.

Juniper Bonsai Fertilizing

Juniper bonsai tree needs to be fertilized every two weeks during growing season with general bonsai fertilizer. No need for fertilizing during winter.

Juniper Bonsai Pets and Diseases

Juniper bonsai tree might experience problems with scale and spider mites. Fungal infections can develop on congested foliage. It can be controlled by pruning out affected branches and applying anti fungal treatment.

Juniper Bonsai Repotting

Juniper bonsai tree should be repotted every two years during spring when younger. Older specimens don't need to be repotted that often. For Juniper bonsai older than 10 years, repot every four or five years.

Buying Juniper Bonsai

There are a lot of different places you can get a Juniper bonsai from. My friends and I buy all of our bonsai trees online from "Bonsai Boy" Nursery located in New York. I tried buying bonsai trees from other sites, but they had much higher prices and the trees were not always properly trained. "Bonsai Boy" has the lowest prices and highest quality bonsai trees you can find. This family operated company has been in business since 1993. It has been really great experience for me.

Buy Juniper Bonsai - Only $19.95!

If you know other good places, please let me know so I can post them on my site. Have a great day.

Susan Brian

Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

Chinese Elm is the best elm for creating a bonsai tree. Chinese Elm bonsai tree is native to China, Korea and Japan. The botanical name for Chinese Elm is Ulmus Parvifolia. Chinese Elm bonsai from China and Korea sometimes mistakenly named Zelkova sinica.

Chinese Elm bonsai tree has small glossy green leaves and corky bark. It responses very well to pruning by producing mass of new shoots. This is really a great tree for bonsai because you can use any style you like including slanting, straight-trunk, group planting, and broom styles.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Watering

Needs to be watered regularly during growth season, from beginning of the spring till the end of summer. Keep the soil moist with good drainage. Chinese Elm bonsai tree needs less watering during winter. Don't let the soil dry out completely.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Pruning

Chinese Elm bonsai tree pruning is very easy. Branches need to be pruned in spring before the growing season starts. At the end of spring cut back new shoots to one or two leaves as soon as they grow out of line. Two new shoots will grow at each leaf node.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Hardiness

Chinese Elm bonsai tree that comes from Japan is very hardy. It can tolerate freezing temperature for a short period of time when mature enough. It is best to protect Chinese Elm bonsai tree from sever cold during winter because it contains a lot of water in the roots that might get damaged when the water expands as it freezes.

It does the best in the temperatures from 30F - 90F. The ideal location is USDA Zone 4 or 5. Chinese Elm bonsai from China and Korea are hardy, but not acclimatized for freezing temperatures.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Fertilizing

If your Chinese Elm bonsai tree is growing outdoors, start feeding it with a general bonsai fertilizer every other week from when the tree leafs out till the end of the summer. If your Chinese Elm is growing indoors, fertilize it every week during growing season and every month during winter.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Pets and Diseases

Chinese Elm bonsai is a problem-free bonsai. Under stress can experience problems with aphids, scale insects, or spider mites if grown indoors. Powdery mildew might develop if the air circulation is poor and roots are dry.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Repotting

Chinese Elm bonsai tree needs to be repotted every year when younger and once every two years when the tree is older. The reason for frequent repotting is because Chinese Elm bonsai likes a lot of water which causes soil to break down over time. Fresh soil holds water better and also provides roots with more oxygen. Have a great day.

Buying Chinese Elm Bonsai

There are a lot of different places you can get a Chinese Elm bonsai from. My friends and I buy all of our bonsai trees online from "Bonsai Boy" Nursery located in New York. I tried buying bonsai trees from other sites, but they had much higher prices and the trees were not always properly trained. "Bonsai Boy" has the lowest prices and highest quality bonsai trees you can find. This family operated company has been in business since 1993. It has been really great experience for me. To buy Chinese Elm click on the links below:

Buy Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree-Extra Large - Only $129.95
Buy Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree Large - Only $59.95
Buy Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree-Medium - Only $49.95

If you know other good places, please let me know so I can post them on my site. Have a great day.

Susan Brian

Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

Botanical name for Japanese Maple bonsai is Acer palmatum. Native to Japan, Japanese Maple is one of the most popular deciduous bonsai trees. It has flexible branches that response very well to training and wiring.

Leaves go through wide range of colors, from green to orange, to deep red, as they mature. Many styles can be applied to Japanese Maple, including semi-cascade, triple-trunk, raft, curved-trunk,broom, group planting, and clump styles.

Japanese Maple Bonsai Watering

Japanese Maple bonsai tree needs more water during growing season. From middle of spring to the end summer water once a day in the evening when the temperature is cooled down. In the winter water when necessary to prevent soil from drying up.

Japanese Maple Bonsai Hardiness


Japanese Maple bonsai tree can tolerate freezing temperature for a short period of time when mature enough. I would recommend protecting it from sever freezing to avoid frost damage. Japanese Maple bonsai tree does the best in the temperatures from 30F - 90F. The ideal landscape is USDA Zone 5 or 6 depending on the variety.

Japanese Maple Bonsai Pruning

During growing season cut back leaves of healthy trees to reduce leaf size and intensify fall leaf color. To maintain the style you can pinch new shoots regularly. This will promote a beautiful network of branches. Winter is a good time to prune main branches.

Japanese Maple Bonsai Fertilizing

Fertilize every other week from spring to the end of summer. Use nitrogen-free fertilizer during fall. There is no need to fertilize during winter.

Japanese Maple  Bonsai Repotting

Young Japanese Maple bonsai trees need to be repotted annually. Well established maples, that is older than 10 years, should be repotted once every three years in the spring before buds open. Best soil to use is Japanese Akadalama clay.

Japanese Maple Bonsai Pets and Diseases

Japanese Maple bonsai tree generally is problem-free. Make sure to provide good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew development. If the tree is stressed, aphids and scale might also be a problem. During growing season check leaf surface regularly to catch any problem before it becomes severe. Have a great day.

Buying Japanese Maple Bonsai

There are a lot of different places you can get a Japanese Maple bonsai from. My friends and I buy all of our bonsai trees online from "Bonsai Boy" Nursery located in New York. I tried buying bonsai trees from other sites, but they had much higher prices and the trees were not always properly trained. "Bonsai Boy" has the lowest prices and highest quality bonsai trees you can find. This family operated company has been in business since 1993. It has been really great experience and I feel lucky finding them. To buy Japanese Maple click on the links below:

Buy Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree Small - Only $39.95!
Buy Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree Large - Only $69.95!
Buy Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree (29 years old) - Only $295.00!

If you know other good online bonsai stores, please let me know so I can post them on my site. Have a great day.

Susan Brian

Trident Maple Bonsai Tree

The botanical name for Trident Maple bonsai is Acer buergerianum. Acer buergerianum is native to eastern China and Japan. Trident maple got its name because it has leaves with three-pointed lobes.

One of the main features of Trident Maple is that it can take heavy root pruning, which makes it perfect for bonsai. You can use different styles with Trident Maple bonsai tree, including curved-trunk, broom, group plantings, and clump styles. Root-over-rock style is also very popular because of the rapid root growth.

Trident Maple Bonsai Watering

Needs to be watered on the daily basis during its growth period, from the middle of spring to the end of summer, since roots have high water content. Trident Maple bonsai tree requires much less water during winter time, so keep the soil moist but well drained.

Trident Maple Bonsai Pruning

Trim new shoots during growing season keeping one pair of leaves on old trees and two pairs of leaves on young trees. You need to keep only one pair of leaves per shoot when they grow at each leaf node. Leaf cutting ensures that leaves are small. During summer cut back weak branches by 1/3. That will strengthen the branches and encourage new growth.

Trident Maple Bonsai Fertilizing

Start feeding with general fertilizer from spring to early fall. It is better to use nitrogen-free fertilizer in early fall to avoid color diminish of autumnal leaves. You don't need to fertilize during winter.

Trident Maple Bonsai Hardiness

Trident Maple bonsai tree can tolerate freezing temperature for a short period of time when mature enough. I would recommend protecting it from sever freezing and also early in the winter because its fast-growing roots are sensitive to frost damage. Trident Maple bonsai tree does the best in the temperatures from 35F - 90F. The ideal location is USDA Zone 5.

Trident Maple Bonsai Repotting

Established Trident Maple bonsai tree needs to be repotted once every two years. Younger tree needs to be repotted yearly during spring before buds open. The best soil for Trident Maple is Japanese Akadama clay.

Trident Maple Bonsai Pets and Diseases

Trident Maple bonsai trees are generally problem-free. They could be sometimes attacked by aphid. Other maple pests include borers, scales and whiteflies.

If you have poor air circulation or dry roots, powdery mildew might develop. Under a lot of stress they may be affected by leaf spot and anthracnose.


Buying Trident Maple Bonsai

There are a lot of different places you can get a Trident Maple bonsai from. My friends and I buy all of our bonsai trees online from "Bonsai Boy" Nursery located in New York. I tried buying bonsai trees from other sites, but they had much higher prices and the trees were not always properly trained. "Bonsai Boy" has the lowest prices and highest quality bonsai trees you can find. This family operated company has been in business since 1993. It has been really great experience and I feel lucky finding them. To buy Trident Maple click on the links below:

Buy Trident Maple Bonsai Tree Medium - Only $59.95!
Buy Trident Maple Bonsai Group - Only $295.00!
Buy Trident Maple Bonsai Tree (41 years old) - Only $700.00!

If you know other good online bonsai stores, please let me know so I can post them on my site. Have a great day.

Susan Brian

Bonsai Repotting

Bonsai should be repotted every few years. The best time of the year for repotting is during spring or early summer when buds are starting to swell. The frequency of repotting depends on the plant specifications, but repotting technique is the same.

Flowering apples and cherries should be repotted in early fall. Azaleas and quince should be repotted immediately after they have finished flowering. Bonsai repotting has many advantages. It improves soil quality because soil breaks down over time. Fresh soil helps to bring more air to the roots of the plant.

Repotting process involves removing old roots making room for new ones, which helps to keep your bonsai small. Bonsai repotting also helps water retention since fresh soil holds water much longer. You can prevent potential pests and diseases by checking roots after removing your bonsai from the pot.

Repotting is very easy to do. You just need to follow the steps.

Step 1 - Tools

First step of bonsai repotting is to get all the tools and materials you need. The ideal soil mix differs for deciduous, conifers and flowering trees. To see what soil is best for your bonsai check the species profile. Make sure you are using similar soil to the type the bonsai tree was originally developed in.

Also, it is very important to use a good quality compost that might be a little more expensive, but is well worth it. As a general rule, bonsai will thrive in soil mix made up of equal parts of peat, sand and loam.

Besides soil, you will new container, mesh, scissors, and potting tools. New container should be clean and dry. Don’t try to reuse the old one because it would not be big enough. Use larger container that complements your bonsai in size, shape and color.

You will need plastic mesh for covering the drainage holes of the bonsai container. Window screen can also be used. Mesh has the advantage of stopping unwanted visitors, like wood louse, from getting into the pot.

Step 2 - Watering

A day before repotting, evenly water the soil, providing good drainage. This will help roots quickly become established in the fresh soil.

Step 3 - Getting soil of the roots

Loosen the edge of the bonsai with a transplanting spatula and then carefully remove soil ball from the pot. Use root teaser to get compost of the roots. You can use kitchen fork, but it is better to use chopstick to avoid root damage.

Step 4 - Root trimming

After removing extra soil from the roots you should have about one-third of the roots exposed. Use root cutter to prune half of the exposed roots along with old damaged, rotten, or very long roots. Root pruning rejuvenates the tree by bringing the feeding roots closer to the trunk.

Step 5 - Preparing new container

New container should be soaked in water for a few days and dried before repotting. Cut out piece of plastic mesh big enough to cover a drainage hole of the container and place inside of the pot securing it with pieces of plastic-coated wire. Repeat for each drainage hole.

Step 6 - Adding soil

Spread a layer of well-washed pea-shingles or gravel in the bottom. Then add a thin layer of soil mix.

Step 7 - Bonsai planting

Place the bonsai in the pot and adjust the soil so the rootball’s top is slightly below the rim. Then add very finest soil within ¼ inch or so from the rim to allow for watering. Use a compost firmer to pack the soil so no air pockets are left. Firm lightly with special trowel. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of pea-shingle or use moss. It will help soil to stay moist after each watering.

Step 8 - Bonsai watering

Water thoroughly and keep the tree protected from wind and sun to prevent moisture evaporating too quickly. Don’t feed until new growth is well under way.

Have a great day!

Susan Brian

Bonsai Fertilizing

Healthy bonsai need to be fertilized regularly. The most important elements in the bonsai fertilizer are potassium (K), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Other elements appear in fewer quantities and are not as important. To give you a general idea, nitrogen (N) promotes leaf and branch development and growth in general. Phosphoric acid (P) enhances root and cell tissue development. Potassium (K) helps production and circulation of sap, flowering and fruiting.

With so many different bonsai fertilizers available in the store, it can be very overwhelming to pick the right one for your bonsai tree. Bonsai fertilizers are applied in two basic forms solid and liquid. There are few types that you can buy:

Inorganic granules are relatively inexpensive and very easy to use. It has a slow-release formula and because it is produced from chemicals it is more durable and will last longer than organic fertilizer. All you need to do is to scatter granules all over the soil surface. Don’t mix it with the soil to avoid root burn.

Inorganic liquid fertilizer needs to be mixed with water and applied during watering times. Unfortunately, heavy rains often wash a lot of it away so it needs to be reapplied every two weeks. It is also very inexpensive and easy to find at your local nursery, supermarket or garden center.

Traditional Japanese bonsai fertilizer comes in organic blocks. It is not easy to find at your local store and it is expensive comparing to inorganic.

Keep in mind that the fertilizer you choose is not as important as using it correctly. Never exceed the amount specified on the package label. The fertilizer requirements of plants vary throughout the year and bonsai’s age and type. Start feeding your bonsai in the spring when you see the first few new leaves. From spring to fall you can use general fertilizer. Closer to fall your bonsai starts to set new flower buds for next year, so it is time to reduce nitrogen and increase phosphoric acid and potassium.

The rule of thumb is that you need to feed the plant only when it is in active growth. Fertilizing bonsai at the wrong time can change the growth schedule which can be very harmful for the tree. After repotting your bonsai, wait at least three weeks or until the plant is displaying active growth before feeding it.

Buying Bonsai

You need to consider few things before buying a bonsai tree. First decide where you are going to put your bonsai tree, whether you would like to grow it outdoors or indoors. This will directly determine your choice of bonsai tree.

Outdoors or Indoors

A lot of people think that bonsai are houseplants but most of the bonsai are hardy trees and cannot live indoors. Imagine digging out a maple tree from your yard and bringing it indoors. I will not survive for long. Bonsai maple is just a smaller version of the real tree.

If you want to grow your bonsai tree outdoors make sure your winters are not too cold and not too warm for the species you select.

If you want to grow your bonsai tree indoors make sure it is getting enough light, humidity and is also protected from freezing temperatures.

There are three types of bonsai plants available:

• Tropical plants. These plants like warm and humid weather and cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 50F.
  
  
• Subtropical plants. These plants, coming from Mediterranean type of climate, prefer warm temperatures and drier conditions than tropical plants. Some of them can even tolerate freezing temperature for a short period of time when mature enough. They don’t like heated dry rooms and need to be misted with water few times a day. You can grow them outdoors if you live in a warm climate.
  
  
• Temperate plants. These plants used to long winters and long summers. They need to grow outdoors because indoors they don’t get enough light and cold temperature exposure. Trees like pine, maples, oaks, spruce, hemlock and elms must live outdoors to stay healthy. They are also called “hardy” species.

Bonsai Tree Style

Another thing to consider, besides the environment, is the style you want to use for your bonsai. There are a lot of different bonsai styles ranging from neat to weird looking animal-like Chinese bonsai, also called Penjing. Not every plant species is suited to each bonsai style.

Where To Buy Bonsai Tree

Once you have decided on growing conditions and bonsai style, it is time to buy the plants. When it comes to buying a plant for bonsai you have several sources:

1. Specialized nurseries

It is always best to buy from the dealer that is specializing in bonsai, because they know what trees are suited for the local climate and how to take care of them. Trained staff provides bonsai trees with proper care assuring that you are getting a perfectly healthy tree, unlike department stores and farmers market, where employees know nothing about bonsai.

2. Garden center

Most of the garden centers sell established bonsai trees, but be careful buying plants that are newly potted and pruned to create an instant bonsai. Avoid buying plant that has torn or damaged leaves. Shrunken and dried buds might be an indicator of incorrect watering. Buds should be well formed and shapely bursting with life and strength. And don’t forget to check for pests and diseases.

3. Online store

When purchasing from Internet, make sure you are buying from a reputable bonsai website. Also check their shipping and return policies in case something is wrong with the tree and you want to return it.

4. Raising your own

I think that raising your own bonsai is a lot of fun. You can raise plant from seeds, grafting, cuttings, or air-layering. But keep in mind that you need a little more experience and knowledge to do it the right way and it will take several years before a well established bonsai is formed. It is not very reliable method which also requires a great deal of patience.

5. Modifying plants

You can get an established plant from the garden center and create your own bonsai tree through pruning. Make sure you are starting with a perfectly healthy plant. I always recommend asking for bonsai care information and recent history like trees’ origins, last repotting, age and etc. You should avoid buying pre-packaged bonsai kits or bonsai in the display boxes.

Bonsai Watering

Bonsai trees need water to survive. Regular tree in the natural environment needs a great deal of water that it can get by forming deep root system, which extends far into the ground. Bonsai plants need considerably less water proportional to its size. Even if your bonsai is growing outside you need to make sure it is getting enough water.

During winter outdoor bonsai usually gets enough water from the rain and snow. But check to see if soil is moist enough. Since bonsai are grown in shallow pots, which don’t hold much compost, it is important that you water your bonsai daily during spring and summer, since it is growing time. For outdoor bonsai the best time for watering is in the evening after sunset. If the summer is very hot it is ok to water you bonsai also during the day. Avoid getting water on the foliage since sun may cause water droplets to act as a lens and burn bonsai leaves.

Indoor bonsai need watering all year long but a little less during winter. Don’t let the soil to dry out completely. Some plants, that prefer moist conditions in the wild, can die after just one day without enough water. Also, two overwatering can kill you bonsai. If soil becomes too dry, it is hard for the water to penetrate through. Soil needs to be moist but well drained. As each plant has different water requirements it is impossible to give specific water amount.

The best water for bonsai is rainwater or well water. Tab water is not the best choice for bonsai. Alternatively use water softening tablets which will soften the water by reducing the pH. Many indoor bonsai, especially tropical ones, like to be mist because the air in the room can get very dry. Mist them with clean water using fine mist.

Always water bonsai with fine rose to prevent damaging the delicate leaves or washing away compost in newly potted or repotted containers. Water the soil till it reaches the rim of the container. Then wait and see if the water is coming out through the holes in the base of the container. Wait for 5 minutes and repeat the process again. The flowing water forces stale air out of the soil and draws in fresh oxygen as the water moves from the top to the bottom of the pot.

If your bonsai have accidentally dried out completely you can try saving it by placing container in a shallow basin of water. Leave it in for about half an hour. Remove the pot and stand it with one end raised to drain excess water. Next step is to cover your bonsai with see-through plastic without touching the branches of the tree. This will create a little bonsai greenhouse. It might take from few days to several months for the plant to recover.

If there is no one to care for your bonsai while you are on vacation consider finding a bonsai nursery which offers vacation care service. A lot of them have very reasonable prices. Unlike your friends and neighbors, bonsai experts know how to keep your bonsai alive and healthy while you are on vacation. Alternatively you can bury the pots in the moist, shady spot covering the surface of the soil by ½ inch of earth. This should keep the pots moist for a week or two.

Another way to prevent the soil from drying out completely, while you are away, is to use capillary matting. Capillary matting usually is used in greenhouses to water plants. Cut out a piece of matting to fit at the bottom of your pot. Also, cut out 1 inch wide strips and insert one through each drainage hole in the base of the container. The ends of the strips should be placed in the water so they will slowly absorb water and get it into the pot.

Bonsai Books

If you are serious about bonsai these bonsai books below are a must have. From buying and maintaining to advance training techniques these books have all information you need for creating a successful bonsai garden.

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)

This bonsai book is great for beginners. It covers all the important areas like trimming, shaping, wiring, feeding, and watering. Easy to understand 101 steps and clear illustrations make this book a perfect starting point for those who are interested in bonsai art.

It is full of useful information and beautiful pictures. If you got a bonsai tree as a gift and don't know what to do with it, this book will guide you through the basics. It also got very good reviews on Amazon.com

The Complete Book of Bonsai

This book is a comprehensive, practical guide to the traditions and artistic principles of growing and maintaining bonsai trees. This bestseller offers full-color pictures of over 100 different species plus growing, watering, pruning, propagation, and other tips for each kind of tree.

One of the great features in "The Complete Book of Bonsai" is its quick start approach. Harry Tomlinson minces no words while introducing the art of bonsai, getting straight to its essence. Immediately after introducing the basic tools and concepts, he shows the reader how to create his or her very first bonsai in only minutes from common garden center stock. Instruction is so detailed and well presented that even a beginner could have really awesome results on their first attempt.

If you are interested in growing bonsai tree from the seed this book covers all aspects of bonsai propagation providing you with easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving

From advice on evaluating and selecting plants, to assessing plant health and troubleshooting, the "Bonsai Survival Manual" provides the comprehensive information every bonsai gardener needs for success. Includes detailed horticultural profiles of 50 popular commercial varieties, with at-a-glance information on their specific requirements.

Bonsai Survival Manual is one of the top rated books on Amazon. It covers outdoor and indoor bonsais with the detailed two page profile on each species and colorful pictures. This book is more about bonsai tree care and troubleshooting than training techniques. Bonsai Survival Manual saved a lot of bonsai trees from dying and can help you grow a healthy beautiful bonsai.

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Let me know if there are other books you like that I should add to the list.

Susan Brian