Bonsai SuppliesBonsai supplies and accessories are available by the hundreds (perhaps thousands) --bonsai soil, wire, rakes, tweezers and even moss!You will not need them all. Many are true assets and conveniences - others are nothing more than novelties. Bonsai RakesAlthough many roots can be raked out to trim and remove soil, Some such as boxwood can not be combed. Others may need to be “sliced” with a saw or sharp knife.Used judiciously, the bonsai rake is valuable. You should have one in your tool box, but know it is not perfect for every root pruning situation. TweezersBonsai Tweezers are a convenience tool. They are often used for plucking needles and many swear by them for removing weeds.Bonsai SoilBonsai soil is one of the most difficult aspects of bonsai for the beginner (and old-timers alike). There is no simple answer.Because we are asking plants to live as long as they can in a small container, soil is a very important consideration. That being said, there is not one kind of bonsai soil that works for everyone or every plant. Fast draining is a must! If you have a respected bonsai teacher, use their recommended soil.
If you do change, remember the type of soil you use, will determine how often you water, how often you repot and possibly how often you fertilizer. Adjust things accordingly. Remember, although there is no such thing as the perfect “bonsai soil” ... for drainage and good root growth, all bonsai soils should be coarse, however they may vary in size. Read this excellent introduction to bonsai soil
by Great Britain's Harry Harrington. Black Plastic MeshIn my early bonsai years, I experimented with many things to cover the holes in bonsai pots ... pottery shards, fabric mesh and window screen to name a few. None of them were as good as the black plastic mesh packaged specifically for bonsai.Why? The holes are large enough to give good drainage and not clog. Wired into the pot, they are secure and will last for many repottings to come. MossMoss is a small, leafless, soft plant. There are thousands of different kinds. It is usually found in damp, shady spots. However, some varieties grow in full sun.Although it is a plant that doesn't bloom, and therefore has no seeds, it sends out spores to spread itself. Because bonsai are watered frequently, moss sometimes appears on its own. Its success has a lot to do with the micro-climate where your bonsai is growing. Moss “seed” (spores) is available from many bonsai suppliers. It may or may not work in your climate zone. Bonsai exhibits are known for there fantastic displays of moss on the trees. The secret? Many times the moss was “planted” the night before. I know in Miami, just before the annual show there is a mad quest for wild moss at local nurseries! Moss is only a decoration. Although pretty, it is not required to make a good bonsai. ChopsticksSeems everyone has a chopstick in their bonsai tool box – and for good reason. They are helpful in many ways: discovering nebari (roots which often flare under the soil), poking around for borers in soft wood, and checking for soil pockets when repotting to name a few.You never know where you will find bonsai supplies, take chopsticks home from your favorite Oriental restaurant. Even better are the "chopsticks" made of very hard wood, sometimes available from bonsai shops or at conventions. The Humidity TrayI call them 'drip trays' and recommend them for people growing bonsai indoors. (Not for humidity!) Find out more about humidity trays near the bottom of the Bonsai Myths page.Bonsai Wire
Although listed last on this page, bonsai wire is one of the most important bonsai supplies you will need for creating a small tree in a pot. Learn about the sizes, types and which is best! If you are a bonsai beginner, in time you will develop your own list of the most valuable bonsai supplies. The important ones are the ones that work for you! Have you seen the Basic bonsai tools page? |
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This Month's
Feature Page. . .
A mini-convention is held annually by the Kawa Bonsai Society in a small town in Florida, with surprising results. Watch the video of 'Joy of Bonsai' 2012
Bonsai Beginners,
Don't Miss ...
There are a number of bonsai articles on this site. Two of them are especially good for newcomers.
The first is important advice from an old timer and has become known as
"The Stuff Article."
Many teachers and clubs have reprinted Ten Steps for their members and students. For reprint details contact BonsaiMary.
Before you buy your first tools, be sure to read it.
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