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About bonsai

The bonsai category on GrowerDirect lets you welcome bonsai of many tree types — pines and junipers, deciduous trees, flowering and fruiting trees — directly from the growers who trained them. Bonsai care differs by tree type, and outdoor management is the norm. Check the form, root condition, and past growing environment, then choose a tree you can enjoy for a long time.

7 things to know before growing bonsai

1. 1Understand the differences between tree types

   Pines and junipers tolerate dryness fairly well and are developed slowly over time, while deciduous types flush quickly and offer seasonal change. Flowering and fruiting trees need care timed to their bloom or fruit. Before starting, confirm the nature of your tree type.

2. 2Master the basics of watering

   Because bonsai grow in a limited amount of soil, watering is the heart of their care. The basic rule is to water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes once the soil surface dries. Drying changes with season and weather, so judge by the soil, not by days.

3. 3Keep bonsai outdoors as the default

   Most bonsai are trees and need sunlight, air, and seasonal temperature change. Kept indoors too long, they weaken from a lack of light and air, so the default is an outdoor spot with good sun and airflow. Bring them inside only briefly for viewing.

4. 4Shape the tree with pruning and wiring

   Bonsai are shaped by pruning overgrown branches and by wiring to guide branch direction. It is important to work at a time suited to the tree type and its growth, and to remove wire before it bites into the bark. Shape little by little and watch the tree grow.

5. 5Understand repotting and root care

   Bonsai are repotted every few years, trimming overgrown roots and replanting in fresh soil. This prevents root-bound conditions and keeps growth healthy. For many tree types, the period just before buds move is considered suitable; repot at intervals suited to the tree.

6. 6Know the timing and method of fertilizing

   Because bonsai have little soil, fertilizer must be supplied during the growing season. Overfeeding, however, causes leggy growth that spoils the form. The basic approach is to feed sparingly mainly during active growth and to ease off in midsummer and dormancy.

7. 7Plan winter care and check the tree before choosing

   Most bonsai overwinter outdoors, but some tree types need the pot protected from cold wind and freezing. When welcoming a tree, check the trunk, branch vigor, and root condition. On GrowerDirect you welcome trees directly from the grower, so you can verify the growing environment before choosing.

Frequently asked questions about bonsai

Q.Are there bonsai that are easy for beginners?

A.Hardy, free-flushing deciduous types and easy-to-manage small bonsai are generally considered beginner-friendly. Traits differ by tree type, so weigh placement and the time you can give, and choose with the grower's advice.

Q.Can bonsai be grown indoors?

A.Most bonsai are trees and are grown outdoors with sunlight, air, and seasonal change. Kept indoors too long they weaken, so bring them in only briefly for viewing and otherwise keep them outside.

Q.How often should I water?

A.Rather than a fixed number of days, judge by whether the soil surface has dried. In summer it dries fast and may need watering several times a day, while in winter it eases off. It also varies with tree type and pot size, so water based on the soil.

Q.Is wiring always necessary?

A.It is not mandatory; the form can be maintained with pruning alone. Wiring is a tool for guiding branch direction. Left on, it bites into the branch, so it must be removed at the right time.

Q.What are the benefits of buying directly from a grower?

A.You can check the form, root condition, and how the tree was raised, and hear type-specific care advice straight from the grower. With fewer distribution steps, environmental stress on the tree is also reduced.

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