Design Bonsai · Bonsai guide
Bonsai care and maintenance
Begin with the species, the season and the condition of your tree. There is no single routine for every bonsai.
Where should I position an outdoor bonsai?
Choose exposure for the species and local climate. Protect vulnerable roots from severe frost and avoid drying winds.
Can I display an outdoor bonsai indoors?
Outdoor trees need seasonal conditions. Keep indoor display brief; a heated room is not their permanent growing space.
How often should I water?
Check the substrate rather than following a fixed timetable. Water gently and thoroughly when needed; conditions change throughout the year.
Should I feed my bonsai?
Feed according to species, growth and the product instructions. Excess fertiliser does not compensate for poor growing conditions.
How and why should I repot?
Repotting renews substrate and manages roots. Timing and root reduction depend on species and vigour. Seek specific guidance before cutting roots.
Which soil should I use?
Use a bonsai substrate suited to the species, balancing drainage and moisture retention. Acid-loving plants need an appropriate mix.
How should I prune?
Pruning methods and timing vary by species. Distinguish small maintenance cuts from major structural work.
How and why should I wire?
Wire helps position branches. Bend carefully and inspect regularly so thickening branches do not become marked by the wire.
Further reading: RHS guide to growing bonsai.
Living trees and sculptural bonsai
These questions concern living trees. The wire bonsai, artificial compositions and preserved-moss artworks shown in the portfolio are different kinds of work. Ask about the materials of an individual piece before applying plant-care advice to it.