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Cultivating Bonsai Trees: 8 Proven Tips to Help You Start this Fascinating Hobby

Published on
July 3, 2024

by John Campanini, Technical Director, RITree Council

Have you ever thought about growing a bonsai tree? If you have, you’re not alone. Growing bonsai trees is a fascinating and rewarding hobby anyone can learn. They combine the beauty of nature with the art of cultivation. While we’ll probably never know the date of the first bonsai tree, it has a rich history dating back over two millennia in China, with Japan shaping the art form into what we know today, starting around the 11th century.

Bonsai’s growing popularity extends to New England, which has at least one well-respected nursery, New England Bonsai Gardens. Another source is Bonsai Outlet, which is headquartered in Massachusetts and serves the entire United States. It’s a trusted online source for Bonsai trees and supplies. Bonsai trees can live for centuries with proper care, making them heirlooms that can be passed from generation to generation. Studies suggest that interacting with plants can lower blood pressure and enhance mood.

This blog post talks about the essential steps to growing your Bonsai tree, from selecting the perfect tree to mastering the art of pruning and shaping.

Benefits of Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees offer numerous benefits—from beautifying your home to fostering a sense of calm and more. Below, we list some of these benefits:

  • Reduces stress/Increases mindfulness
  • Improves air quality
  • Saves space
  • Focuses on long-term cultivation
  • Serves as a creative outlet
  • Provides a sense of accomplishment

Bonsai trees offer something other trees don’t. Put simply, they combine aesthetic appeal, stress reduction, and a connection to nature in one package. This combination makes them a highly rewarding addition to your home or hobby.

 

Tips on Growing Bonsai Tips

Growing bonsai trees can be challenging. It takes time and patience to shape the tree to your vision. But if you dedicate yourself to the project, you can develop a beautiful and robust tree. The tips below can help you start on the right foot.

  • Choose the right tree—If you plan to keep the tree indoors, select a species that thrives there. Ficus, juniper, and Schefflera are good choices for Bonsai trees. Consider the tree’s mature size, and then choose a pot accordingly. If you’re more interested in an outdoor tree, it’s best to choose one native to where you live.
  • Lighting—Bonsai trees need ample indirect sunlight. A lack of sunlight can cause weak foliage and other tree problems. These trees need 5 to 6 hours of sunlight, whether indoors or outdoors. South-facing windows are ideal in the Northern Hemisphere. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
  • Watering—Bonsai trees come in small pots, so they dry up quickly. Water your bonsai trees deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch. But be careful. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Avoid letting the tree dry out completely.
  • Soil—Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix that allows for good aeration and prevents root rot. You can find pre-mixed bonsai soil at most gardening stores. Pumice mixed with organic mulches can make a good mix for young trees. A suitable mixture for most trees is Akadama, pumice, and lava rock in a 1:1:1 ratio.
  • Fertilizing—Bonsai trees need fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) but sparingly. Use a balanced bonsai fertilizer according to the package instructions. You can use solid or liquid fertilizer. The brand and type of fertilizer won’t make a difference. Just remember to apply smaller quantities than with regular plants.
  • Pruning—Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the size and shape of your bonsai. Prune leaves and branches throughout the growing season. Research proper pruning techniques for your specific species. You can start pruning bonsai trees as early as one to two years old after sprouting seeds or cuttings.
  • Repotting—Repot your bonsai every 2-3 years or when the roots become pot-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh bonsai soil mix. Also, place a layer of soil in the pot before positioning. Remove the plant carefully from the pot. Use a rook hook or chopsticks to start untangling the roots, removing any excess soil as you repot.  
  • Wiring—You can use aluminum or copper wire to shape the branches of your bonsai tree. However, wiring should be done carefully to avoid damaging the bark. If you intend to wire the whole tree, work from the trunk to the branches. Then, start wiring the second branches. A rule of thumb is to use wires that are about 1/3 of the thickness of the branch you are wiring.

Bonsai trees provide beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature. A rewarding experience growing bonsai trees can seem challenging at first. But with patience, dedication, and the tips described above, you can cultivate a tree that transforms your space for years.

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