If you desire to grow your bonsai mainly indoors, choose a plant which tolerates low light and
also purchase the necessary items to keep your bonsai happy under indoor conditions, such as
grow lights, misters, and humidity trays. Always ask your seller what may be needed for your
situation.
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai
The price of bonsai can vary greatly. Many have been shipped from half way around
the world while others may be very old. What a bonsai is worth is entirely up to you.
You may purchase an already established bonsai or you can purchase "bonsai stock" also known as "pre-bonsai" or even purchase plant material from a nursery or local home center such as
Home Depot and trim, pot and train it into a bonsai.
The most important thing to remember is to begin with a healthy speciman. Newbies to gardening
and first time buyers should purchase during the growing season and not when a plant is in its
dormant state. This will help to determine the health and vigor of the stock.
Dormant Trident Maple Bonsai
Watch out for trees which have wire markings on the trunk and branches. When plants are wired
for shape and movement you must be vigilant about watching for the wire to begin to dig into the
branches as the tree grows larger. Wire markings can take several years to heal over and detract
from the look of the tree. Bonsai Wire
Damage From Bonsai Training Wire
If the plant is not wired into its pot, you should lift the speciman out and look at its root system.
Well developed bonsai have a fine root system with most of the larger, thicker roots removed over
time. Developing a fine root system is the key to a large tree in a small pot which still allows the
bonsai to acquire all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. The plant should feel firm in its pot,
without being root bound. The soil should not be waterlogged.
Avoid a recently repotted bonsai. Occasionally, a plant will go into "shock" after repotting, and will
require special care until it regains its strength. This is especially true after a hard pruning or
having the roots drastically reduced.
Avoid plants with damage to the branches and leaves which could be signs of disease. Look for bonsai
or bonsai stock with a nicely tapered trunk and branches. Lower branches should be thicker than the
branches at the top. Always check for plant pests as some plants are more susceptible to disease and
certain pests.
Weeds are not normally a large issue and and can be removed, however they may be a sign of lack of
proper care and you should be sure to check weedy pots for uninvited guest pests! Moss growing on
the soil can be good and bad, too thick and completely covering the pot can make it tougher to water.
Water tends to roll over the moss and out of the pot. Be sure to ask the seller for watering requirements.
Ask your seller how long the plant has been it the pot and when will it require repotting, how long has
this plant been in training, does this plant take foliage and root reduction well, What are the watering
requirements as well as its fertilization needs. Also good to ask is whether there is anyone who can help
you if you have any issues with your new bonsai prospect.
Bonsai Care
How To Repot A Bonsai
Lavendar Starflower Bonsai Blooms
The key to choosing the proper bonsai is research, research, research. Make a list of your perspective
plants and look up their care requirements. Do not purchase your bonsai until you are prepared to commit
to maintaining it. Bonsai in small pots require consistant watering. Bonsai also need regular fertilization
due to the small size of the pots and frequent waterings which can leach nutrients out of the soil. Don't
choose a plant which is poisonous if leaves or berries are eaten. After making your choice of species
try to find a tree with character and style.
Also, with flowering plants flowers may grow from new growth or the previous years growth. Some plants may
need to have a certain number of years growth before they will begin to flower or fruit. Another reason
research is key.
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