Bonsai FAQ

Water when the top half-inch of soil feels slightly dry — never on a fixed schedule. Depending on species, season, pot size and light, that may be daily in summer or every few days in winter. When you do water, water thoroughly until it drains from the holes in the bottom of the pot.

Yes — but only certain species. Tropical and subtropical trees such as ficus, jade, Chinese elm and money trees do well indoors near a bright window. Temperate trees like juniper, maple and pine must live outdoors and experience the seasons, or they will slowly decline.

For indoors, a Ficus Ginseng is nearly indestructible and forgives missed waterings. For outdoors, a juniper is the classic choice — hardy, inexpensive and wonderful for learning to wire and prune. A starter kit is also a gentle, low-cost way to learn the basics.

More than most people expect. Indoors, place your tree at the brightest window you have (south-facing is ideal) or supplement with a small grow light. Outdoors, most species want several hours of direct morning sun with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

No — they simply ask for consistency. A few minutes of attention each day (checking soil moisture, turning the tree toward light) is more important than any advanced technique. Choose a species suited to your space and the tree will meet you halfway.

With good care, longer than you. Bonsai in Japan have been passed down through families for centuries — the Yamaki pine in the U.S. National Arboretum is nearly 400 years old. The pot restricts a tree's size, not its lifespan.

Young trees every one to two years; older trees every three to five. The best time is early spring, just as buds begin to swell. Repotting refreshes the soil and lets you trim circling roots, keeping the tree healthy in its small container.

Wire lets you bend branches gently into position, where they set over months of growth. Applied correctly and removed before it bites into the bark, wiring is completely harmless — it is the primary way bonsai artists create graceful, natural shapes.

Yes. Because bonsai grow in a small amount of soil, nutrients wash out quickly. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every couple of weeks during the growing season, and little to none in winter.

No — bonsai (盆栽, "planted in a container") is a horticultural art, not a species. Almost any woody tree or shrub can be trained as bonsai. Juniper, ficus, maple, pine, azalea and elm are simply the most popular subjects.