Bonsai Tree Care

• How to water a bonsai tree correctly — Techniques to avoid over- or under-watering. Find out more
• Pruning deciduous bonsai in autumn — When and how to prune for next season’s growth. Find out more
• Winter pruning of bonsai trees — Timing and approach for colder months. Find out more
• How to wire bonsai trees — Proper wiring methods to shape branches safely. Find out more
• Which bonsai are easiest to grow — Top beginner species and why they’re forgiving. Find out more

A bonsai is a living, trained tree presented in miniature form for artistic appreciation. Bonsai are created through root and branch management, pruning, wiring, pot selection and seasonal care. They’re not a species but a horticultural practice; any suitable woody plant can be trained as a bonsai with the right techniques.

• Bonsai soil types: Use free-draining, aerated mixes appropriate to species — common components include akadama, pumice, lava rock and horticultural grit.
• Indoor vs outdoor mixes: Indoor bonsai often need mixes that retain slightly more moisture; outdoor mixes favour fast drainage to protect roots in wet weather.
• Kyodama & specialist substrates: Premium substrates improve root health and encourage balanced moisture retention — our soil guides explain blends for different trees. Find out more

• Check, don’t schedule: Water when the top layer of soil begins to feel slightly dry; small pots dry faster and need more frequent checks.
• Technique: Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot base, ensuring the whole root mass is wetted.
• Seasonal variation: Increase frequency during hot, windy weather; reduce in winter when growth slows. Avoid prolonged waterlogging to prevent root rot.

• When to repot: Young trees typically every 1–3 years; mature specimens less often (every 3–7 years) depending on root development and pot size.
• Best time: Repot in species-appropriate windows—early spring is standard for many temperate species, when buds are swelling but before active shoot growth.
• Practical steps: Remove carefully, prune back roots as needed, refresh substrate and settle the tree at the correct depth. Follow our repotting practical guide for full procedure. Find out more

• Structural vs maintenance pruning: Major structural cuts are scheduled when the tree is least active; maintenance pruning is ongoing to refine silhouette and encourage ramification.
• Wiring basics: Choose correct wire gauge and wrap without constricting; check regularly and remove once the branch holds shape.
• Styling progression: Develop a tree gradually — avoid drastic changes on premium specimens and document each stage for long-term planning.

• Spring: Growth phase — increase watering, begin feeding and perform structural pruning and repotting as needed.
• Summer: Watch for heat stress and increased watering needs; monitor pests and provide shade during intense sun.
• Autumn: Reduce feeding, prepare for dormancy in outdoor species, and perform autumnal pruning where appropriate.
• Winter: Protect tender species from frost, reduce watering, and use sheltering techniques (mulch, frost cloths, sheltered benches) for potted trees. See winter-specific guides. Find out more

• Common pests: Aphids, scale, spider mites and vine weevil can affect bonsai. Early detection and targeted treatment preserve health.
• Fungal issues: Overwatering and poor airflow cause root rot and leaf fungi — improve drainage and increase ventilation.
• Troubleshooting checklist: Discoloured leaves, excessive leaf drop, slowed growth—follow our diagnostic flowchart for likely causes and remedies.

• Training from seedlings and yamadori (field-collected trees): Timing, root work and ethical sourcing considerations for collectors.
• Bonsai seed kits and propagation: Starting from seed and early-stage wiring/pruning for long-term development. Find out more
• Bonsai in a rolling boil (sanitisation and root treatment)—advanced root care methods. Find out more
• Transitioning bonsai outdoors: How to harden indoor trees for outdoor life and vice versa. Find out more

• Starter tools: Basic shears, concave cutters, root rake and wire — our starter kit is ideal for new collectors.
• Substrates & fertilisers: Species-appropriate mixes and balanced feeds to support year-round health.
• Display & climate equipment: Humidity trays, grow lights for indoor specimens and winter wraps for outdoor pots.

• Choosing first trees: Start with forgiving species and small pre-styled specimens to learn watering, pruning and wiring.
• Scaling up: Add variety in age and style as your confidence grows; document care routines and seasonal tasks.
• Community learning: Join workshops, follow video tutorials and seek local club advice for region-specific care. Find out more

• Repotting theory and practice — step-by-step demonstrations from All Things Bonsai. Find out more
• Practical examples — seasonal work on black pine, deciduous maples and established outdoor collections. Find out more
• Time and bonsai trees — how patient progression shapes mature specimens. Find out more