Complete Bonsai Care: Water, Feed, Prune, Train, Repot

Bonsai isn’t a species—it’s a discipline. Miniaturizing full-size trees through centuries-old techniques.

Watering

Free-draining soil + small pot = frequent checks. Finger-test or moisture meter. Species, sun, season dictate frequency.

Fertilizing

Spring + Fall. Chelated iron, N, P, K. Water first, apply half-strength.

Humidity

Tray with water + pebbles (pot elevated). Evaporation = constant humidity. Misting is temporary.

Light

Full sun (south/east/west). North needs grow lights. No incandescent—too hot, incomplete spectrum.

Pruning & Shaping

• Balance: canopy mirrors roots.
• Start young; continue lifelong.
• Butterfly shears for leaves/small branches. Concave cutter for large limbs.
• Hide cuts; minimize visual scars.

Pest/Disease Defense

Health = resistance. Light, air, clean soil. Insecticidal soap on schedule if needed.

Training (Wiring)

Copper wire or hemp rope. Base to trunk to branches. Bend gently; remove when wire bites bark (snip at bends—don’t unwrap).

Soil

Free-draining mix: conifer or tropical blend. Repot with dry soil.

Repotting

Every ~5 years (check annually). Trim roots to fit same pot (max ⅕ removed). Shade 1 week post-repot.

Bonsai is patience made visible. Daily attention, decades of beauty.