Bonsai
tree care

Bonsai care and maintenance

Caring for a Bonsai tree is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. However, as Bonsai trees are planted in small pots there are a few basic guidelines for placement, watering, and repotting your trees.

Care and maintenance for Bonsai video
BONSAI CARE INTRODUCTION

Bonsai tree care

Though Bonsai trees are more delicate than the average indoor plant, a few basic rules should enable anyone to take care of their tree properly. Pay particular attention to where you place it and how to water it properly.

In this section of our website we explain the basic and advanced Bonsai care techniques. It is also important to adept these care guidelines to your specific tree species. In our online Bonsai Courses we also explain the essential Bonsai techniques, so make sure to check a few of the free previews there as well!

Placement

Determining what the optimal spot is to place your Bonsai trees can be hard, as several factors (local climate, time of year, etc.) should be taken into consideration. But the decisive factor is the tree species, and in particular; is your Bonsai an indoor or an outdoor tree?

Watering

The most important part of taking care of your Bonsai trees is watering. How often a tree needs to be watered depends on several factors such as; species of the tree, size of the tree, size of the pot, time of year, soil-mixture, and climate. I can’t tell you how often you should water Bonsai without knowing what kind of tree you have. However, understanding a few basic guidelines will help understand and identify when a tree needs to be watered.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing regularly during the growing season is crucial for Bonsai to survive and thrive. Trees are usually able to extend their root system in search of nutrients, but since Bonsai are confined to the relatively small pots they are planted in, they need proper fertilization to replenish the soil's nutritional content.



Advanced Bonsai tree care

Repotting

To prevent your Bonsai from being pot-bound and ultimately starving to death, it's crucial to repot, or transplant regularly. A tree becomes pot-bound as it uses up the available nutrients in the soil and the roots grow to the shape of the pot. Due to the lack of space and nutrients, the trees stop growing, and if no action is taken, it will surely die. Repotting or transplanting your Bonsai will resupply the tree with the nutrients it needs to grow and flourish.

Substrate

Using the right soil mixture for your Bonsai trees is crucial. Soil is important to supply your trees with nutrients, but it also needs to drain properly, provide enough aeration, and retain water. Most online Bonsai shops offer ready-mixed soils, but preparing a soil mixture yourself saves money, and gives control over the exact mixture for your particular tree species.

Pot selection

A tree is a tree, a pot is only a pot. It does not become a Bonsai until these two are combined and form a harmony together. A large part of the art of Bonsai is the experience of a tree that has become detached from its ground and now lives in a pot.

Pests and diseases

Like any other living plant, Bonsai trees can be infected by any kind of pest or disease. However, when your plants are healthy and cared for properly, the risk of infection is reduced to a minimum.

Overwintering

As with most Bonsai techniques, determining the optimal care for your trees in winter will depend on where you live and the tree species you have.

Master the art of Bonsai

Master the art of Bonsai
Triangle
Overview of our courses

Master the art of Bonsai

Online Bonsai Courses Learn from leading Bonsai experts at your own pace, from the comfort of your living room!