Finding the right soil mixes for my trees has proved surprisingly tricky – and not for lack of trying. I’ve experimented broadly over the years, and have benefitted from the advice of both American and Japanese bonsai professionals. Still, I find room for improvement. In the past few years, I’ve moved to mixes that retain […]
Bonsai Care
The bonsai care category includes topics like Watering, Fertilizing, Repotting and Bonsai Soil. You can also find information about the Pests commonly found on bonsai, and read Interviews with bonsai professionals.
Drying bonsai soil
To date, my summer has been filled with some traditional, and some not-so-traditional, activities. I went canoeing last weekend on the Russian River. When I got home, I set about drying some dirt. Watching summer days shorten has become a cue for me to begin preparing bonsai soil. I wash the dirtiest soils and dry and sift […]
Young summer buds on black and red pine bonsai
Summer buds start forming on black and red pines within days of decandling. I try to wire trees that need it before summer buds appear to avoid damaging them. What do I do when small buds appear but I still want to wire a tree? When I’m feeling ambitious, I go ahead and wire with […]
Basic bonsai tool care
I don’t know a lot about taking care of bonsai tools. I sharpen them when they dull and I occasionally oil them to prevent rust. Here’s my basic set-up: Sharpening stones I’ve been using the same sharpening stone holder since I started bonsai. It’s great for keeping the sharpening stones in place. Sharpening stone holder […]
Basic Bonsai Tools
Part of the fun of visiting large bonsai exhibits is shopping in the vendor area. Sometimes there are hundreds of shiny, new tools for sale. After taking a good look at each, I usually tell myself – or try to anyway – that I have enough for the time being. And sometimes that works. The […]