4 tips on bonsai for beginners

11 Sep 2015

The art of bonsai has been part of traditional Japanese culture for thousands of years. Here are some practical ways to care for these beautiful miniature trees in your garden. 

1. Choose the right location

While different tree species have different care guidelines, most bonsai must be kept outdoors where they can get dappled sunlight during the day or gentle morning light. Don’t put them in full afternoon sun in summer or full shade.

2. Water your bonsai

One of the most common reasons bonsai plants die is due to dehydration. Their intricate top growth is supported by a shallow root system, so it’s important that you water your plant properly.

To make sure you’re watering your bonsai enough,  check the potting mix is moist and water it if it’s starting to get dry. However, in summer, you’ll probably need to water it every day and then a couple of times a week during summer.

You may want to use a mister, or you can place your bonsai in a container of water for two to three minutes, then let it drain. Make sure the soil is covered and one inch of the trunk is submerged before you take it out.

3. Give your plant the right food

Because bonsai trees grow in small pots, regular fertilisation is required to replenish their nutrients. You may want to give it a seaweed-based food every four weeks or so, from spring to autumn.

4. Enjoy the art of pruning

Perhaps the most meditative and enjoyable part of caring for your bonsai is trimming it. In fact, some even say it’s a great way to relax and reduce stress.

It’s also a fine balancing act. The aim of pruning is to try to maintain

the shape of the tree as it grows and balance the top of the growth with the roots. Less foliage on the top means the roots have less to support, so trim the branches and roots equally. 

Pruning is best done on healthy trees and during winter, evergreen and deciduous trees can be heavily pruned to remove unwanted branches. All flowering trees should be pruned after flowering. Don’t use regular scissors when pruning either, make sure you use proper bonsai clippers.

For more tips and tricks, visit the Bonsai Society of Australia: bonsai.asn.au