I am wondering if I could use pots with no drainage holes? If not how to I add the drainage holes. I have another question as well. I have several Bonsai Tree's that I do not know the name of and would like to know what kind of tree's and plants that I have. Could you please help me with this? I am also confused on what kind of soil to use. I know I can make my own, but not sure what to buy. Can send pictures of the tree's and plant's if you need them. I will have to send them next week as I will be having surgery tomorrow. Thank you for your help, this is my first attempt to Bonsai a plant and I want to do it right, I also want to learn how to take care of the ones that I have now.

sramsey2015 wrote: I am wondering if I could use pots with no drainage holes? If not how to I add the drainage holes.

No, you really need those holes in your pots. Use a drill and do those holes or simply buy a pot with holes in it.

sramsey2015 wrote: I have several Bonsai Tree's that I do not know the name of and would like to know what kind of tree's and plants that I have. Could you please help me with this?

Yes, post some pics and people around here would certainly help you.

sramsey2015 wrote: I am also confused on what kind of soil to use. I know I can make my own, but not sure what to buy.

That is the million dollars question. People in Bonsai just don´t seem to reach an agreement, so it would depend on a lot of factors. Read this and draw your own conclusions:

www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/bonsai-soil-requirements
www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/akadama-soil

sramsey2015 wrote: Can send pictures of the tree's and plant's if you need them.

Yes, please. Do that.

sramsey2015 wrote: I will be having surgery tomorrow.

Good luck with your surgery and Godspeed.

sramsey2015 wrote: I also want to learn how to take care of the ones that I have now.

First, we are really going to need those pictures


Alain

sramsey2015 wrote: I am wondering if I could use pots with no drainage holes?
I have several Bonsai Tree's that I do not know the name of
I am also confused on what kind of soil to use.
I also want to learn how to take care of the ones that I have now.

You don't know why bonsai pots have drainage holes, you don't know what trees you have, you don't know about soil, and you don't know how to take care of the trees you have... that's not a good basis to start with Bonsai.

First decide what type of tree you want to acquire, evergreen or decidious. Trees should be outside, I do not recommend choosing an "indoor tree", they are harder to care for.

I'd recommend a tree native to your area - there are quite a few that are suitable, like carpinus, juniper, bald cypress, mulberry.

Once you have made your choice, start learning about the requirements of your tree.
Then start learning bonsai-basics .

Understand that creating a bonsai tree requires years of training and growth, and lots of patience.

If you want to drill holes in pots you need a slow speed drill and a set of glass/ceramic drill bits. It is a slow process and can't be rushed or you will shatter the pot. Avoid very hard fired ceramics, they are really not practical to attempt to drill. I have a lot of trees and often buy interesting looking pots & planters from charity shops to save a bit but these nearly always need drainage holes so I get a bit of practice with this!

Dave

Without drainage holes, the water you use to water the tree will be absorbed by the soil, however the excess water (in which will always be there when watering due to the soil not absorbing all the water) will be contained, for a long while like a cup. This will cause no oxygen to be supplied to the roots, which will make them rot. Drainage holes let the excess water escape and a very decent amount of water is left in the soil to be absorbed by the roots, abd the excess water being drained allows space in the soil for oxygen.

Studying when beginning this journey is extremely rewarding and definitely necessary. It helped me a mile

I have bought this Japanese Holly Bonsai yesterday from a local garden centre. The pot is 20cm deep, 12cm wide and 35cm long. It has no drainage hole at the bottom. The shop told me that it doesn't need drainage hole as it has stones at the bottom and moss on the surface covering the soil, just keep the soil moist and it will be fine.
Can anyone give me some advice or your thoughts?
Thanks.

I think the store is setting you up for disappointment.

I do not grow plants in pots that cannot drain.

I would say no. But it is not totally digital. It is possible to grow plants in pots without drainage holes, just soo much harder. So, really, why even bother trying?

I attached a photo for you.

Ilex crenata needs to be grown outdoors. Indoors it will eventually die.