These instructions apply to most trees. Specific needs for each cultivar will be mentioned in individual tree descriptions.
Sourcing/Collecting
Bonsai trees can be made from popular landscaping trees and purchased from nurseries.
An important aspect of bonsai is showcasing the tree's age through the beauty of the trunk. Choose trees in larger growing pots with ample branches, even if they cost a little more.
Dig around the tree’s base to check for a radial root spread. A bonsai with an unattractive base can never be properly styled.
Keep an eye out for opportunities when people redo their gardens and remove old trees. Ask for permission to dig up mature trees.
When collecting, retain as many roots and as much original soil as possible. Plant collected trees in a porous mix with good water retention to keep roots moist while allowing airflow. A mix of coarse sand or perlite with peat moss in equal parts works well.
The best time to collect trees is in the spring or cooler seasons. Trim off redundant branches and as much foliage as necessary to compensate for root loss. Allow the tree to recover and leaf out before trimming further, then carve stubs into a more natural taper.
Environment
Most trees thrive in full sun as long as the roots are not allowed to dry out. Place your bonsai in full sun with adequate watering, or keep it in partial shade or an area with morning sun.
Winterize your bonsai to prevent the root ball from freezing. Options include bringing the tree indoors, burying the bonsai, or using other methods to protect it from freezing.
Styling
You can follow traditional rules to create a meticulous and impressive tree. Bonsai masters in Japan are often referred to as master craftsmen for their precision.
Alternatively, you can express your creativity by styling the tree in a way that is personally pleasing. The starting point is defining your vision for the tree and working patiently toward that goal over time.
Bonsai should emulate nature, inspired by personal encounters. For example, you might design a formal upright tree to mimic a heritage tree you admire or create a windswept style reminiscent of a tree at the top of a mountain. Formal styles are helpful as starting points for your design.
Style your bonsai to look natural, as though it could have grown that way in nature. Growth is always directed toward light, influenced by the sun’s orientation and shaped by wind and snow.
Use the clip-and-grow method by cutting off redundant branches and letting new growth fill in desirable spaces. To speed up development, use wiring or guy wires. Allowing the tree to grow naturally can give each bonsai a unique character.
Fall is the best time for styling and wiring, as fewer leaves obstruct your view, branches are more supple for bending, and slower growth reduces the risk of girdling.
Use guy wires to gradually pull stiff branches into a drooping position to simulate the weight of age. Create jin (dead branches) and shari (exposed deadwood) on hardwood trees to enhance the illusion of age.
Trimming and Pruning
Bonsai cultivates patience and persistence!
Prune excess growth and crossing branches after they harden to align with your design while nourishing the tree. Arrange branches to let light in, encouraging back budding and showcasing the beautiful trunk and branches. Aim for the metaphor: “birds can fly through.”
Start by working on the roots, as they are difficult to correct on older trees. Then define the apex and work from the top down and the bottom up until satisfied with the design.
Be bold and make drastic cuts; trees will produce new branches, offering ample design options. Follow the mantra “Coarse to Fine.” Focus on the framework before getting bogged down by details.
Potting/Repotting
Evergreen trees like pine, juniper, and boxwood are traditionally planted in muted brown pots to emphasize their masculinity. Deciduous trees often use colorful pots to complement soft green foliage or the winter silhouette. Choose a pot that suits the tree and pleases you—rules of thumb are merely guidelines.
Repot bonsai every few years to prevent the roots from becoming root-bound, which restricts water and air penetration. Use window screen mesh at the pot's bottom to reduce repotting frequency by promoting root pruning.
The best time to repot is in the spring. In mild climates, repotting can also begin in the fall as long as the root ball won’t freeze.
Plant trees off-center in slightly narrower pots than the tree’s canopy to introduce asymmetry. The pot’s height should approximate the width of the tree base.
Bonsai Pots
The unique BH pots address a common issue: dried-out root balls that don’t readily absorb water. Our design retains water temporarily, allowing the root ball to rehydrate while maintaining aeration.
Propagation
Most trees can be propagated from seeds or branch cuttings using soft, semi-soft, or hardened wood.
Use cuttings for uniformity in forest-style bonsai or to create bonsai with desirable traits. Plant cuttings in equal parts peat moss and perlite, using rooting hormone to increase success rates. Seeds can be planted in most potting mixes.
Refer to specific tree descriptions for detailed instructions or check out the many how-to videos on YouTube.
Soil Composition
Bonsai trees are grown in shallow pots, so soil must retain moisture while maintaining porosity for air circulation.
The BH standard soil mix—equal parts sandy loam, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite—is an excellent starting point. Sandy loam can be substituted with high-quality topsoil or coarse sand if unavailable. This mix works well for most plants, including succulents.
Watering
Bonsai must be kept well-watered, especially during summer heat. How much and how often to water depends on your soil mix, exposure, temperature, and wind.
Check the soil daily. If it feels dry, water thoroughly, allowing the root ball to absorb moisture. In summer, water in the evening to prevent rapid evaporation. Avoid leaf spotting by directing water to the roots if using hard water.
Winterize bonsai by burying them to keep the root ball moist and prevent freezing.
Fertilizing
Start fertilizing in spring, increase frequency during warmer months, and taper off as temperatures drop. Use slow-release fertilizer, chicken manure pellets, or fish and kelp emulsion. Avoid fertilizers containing salt.
Apply less than the recommended dosage to prevent root damage from accumulation. Occasionally spray a diluted water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., Miracle-Gro) to keep foliage green.
Disease and Pest Management
Keep your bonsai area clean to avoid many problems. Popular bonsai species are chosen for being pest- and disease-resistant, but all trees benefit from occasional sharp sprays of water to remove debris. Do this early in the morning or in the shade to prevent hard water spots.
To eliminate pests, address ant infestations using Amdro or Advion Ant Gel. Check under pots for snails.
For light infestations, use insecticidal soap like Safer’s. For general pest and disease prevention, use BioAdvanced All-in-One Rose and Flower Care.
For persistent issues like scale or spider mites, try Malathion. Use a copper-based fungicide or lime sulfur to treat fungal infections. Always follow label instructions.