How to Make BonsaiWhen someone asks how to make bonsai, I take a deep breath. There are many answers to this question!
Any way you can propagate a plant, you can start a bonsai. Seeds, cuttings, air layers, nursery stock and “pre bonsai” can all be “how to make bonsai” beginnings. You can learn on your own. However, 'hands-on' bonsai instructions from a teacher, will likely get you started faster and in the right direction. Where to Find Bonsai TeachersThere are many clubs and societies throughout the world.
Most welcome beginners and are happy to answer questions about how to make bonsai. Some hold how to make bonsai lessons. In addition, clubs can help you find sources of bonsai supplies. Many have highly qualified instructors. There is also a huge amount of bonsai information online. (Some legitimate, some not.) If you want to learn traditional bonsai, be wary of online new, easy and unique ways of how to make bonsai. Before You Buy ...Review this 'Basic Things to Look For' List Bonsai KitsBeginners often start with a 'how to make bonsai starter kit.' Kits usually include a small plastic bonsai pot, a little bag of soil and either "bonsai seeds" or a very small plant.I have seen very few kits with good starter trees. Many are nothing more than rooted cuttings or young seedlings. Kits of this type are a very slow way to begin. Especially if you are buying online ... read descriptions carefully. If you are a little more anxious to get started, gather your own supplies. Starter Trees
Bonsai starter trees are often ordinary nursery stock from garden centers. Remember, these starter plants do not necessarily have to be actual trees. Shrubs, vines and even some succulents can work as good bonsai starters. Another way to get a 'head start,' is to dig up a tree in the wild or perhaps your neighbor's yard (with permission, of course.) Pre-BonsaiBonsai dealers often have what is called “pre bonsai.”A good pre bonsai is a plant that someone else discovered as having good bonsai potential. It should be slightly trimmed and/or root pruned to get you started. Your PlantOnce you get your starter plant, remove a little of the top soil, see if it has more “nebari” than you thought.(Mentioned on the 'Basic Things to Look For' List.) 
Set your tree on a turntable. (It doesn't have to be expensive. My first bonsai turntable was an old $1. garage sale lazy-susan. I admit the “real” bonsai turntable that came later was very nice to have.) Keep turning your plant. Study it. Try to imagine it as a bonsai. Find the front. Observe the branch placement. In order to prune properly you must have a plan. If you have a good teacher or book, you now have a plan. The first thing to cut is what you know you don't want! Prune off long new shoots, growth that is going straight up or down and remove any branches below your choice of a first branch. Now look again. Are you beginning to see a future in your little tree? Root PruningRoot Pruning instructions can be very different from one species to another. The amount of roots to be removed, where you live and the proper time of year are vital questions.Don't be over-anxious to get your starter into a bonsai pot. Do not root prune without advice! A Note from Bonsai Mary - It's impossible to teach bonsai on one page. I have offered this page to give some very basic beginnings of bonsai instructions, and encourage you to pursue bonsai as a hobby. Many thanks to the
Buffalo, NY Bonsai Society
for use of all the bonsai tree pictures on this page. Top of 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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