When I first started with Bonsai plants I will be honest and tell you that I thought I was just buying a decorative desk plant. I did not realize I was starting a long-term relationship. Over the last few years I have killed a few trees and yes it happens to the best of us. I learned a lot of hard lessons and eventually discovered the peace that comes with this ancient art. If you are looking to get into bonsai then please do not just follow the textbook. Learn from my mistakes and real experiences.
The First Tree Mistake
Most people including myself start by buying a Juniper Bonsai from a roadside stall or a mall. They look amazing like a miniature forest. My mistake was that I kept it on my office desk. I learned that Junipers are outdoor trees and they need the sun and the cold to survive. Mine turned brown and brittle within three weeks because it could not breathe indoors. If you want an indoor plant then go for a Ficus or a Jade. I have a Ficus now that has survived three house moves and it is tough as nails.
Choosing Your Species and Knowing Your Environment
Through my experience I have realized you have to pick a plant that fits your lifestyle. If you are a busy beginner then get a Jade Bonsai. I once forgot to water mine for ten days during a trip and it was perfectly fine because its thick leaves store water like a cactus. For those who want something beautiful the Japanese Maples are breathtaking. The way the leaves change color in my garden during autumn is something I look forward to every year. If you live indoors then stick with Ficus Retusa as it is very forgiving of the low humidity in our homes.
The Watering Trap Where Most People Fail
I used to water my bonsai every morning like clockwork and that was a huge mistake. One of my favorite Chinese Elms developed root rot because the soil stayed mushy. My pro tip is to use the chopstick method. Stick a wooden chopstick into the soil and if it comes out damp then leave it alone. If it is dry then water it thoroughly until it leaks from the bottom. Every tree is different and some are thirstier than others.
Soil and Why I Stopped Using Regular Mud
In my early days I thought dirt is dirt. I used regular garden soil and my tree almost died because bonsai pots are tiny. Regular soil packs down too tight and the roots cannot breathe. I started mixing my own soil using Akadama and Lava rock. It looks like gravel and not dirt but since I switched the growth has been incredible. It drains instantly which is exactly what these miniature trees need.
Shaping Your Tree and Why It Is Not Just Trimming
I used to be terrified of pruning because I did not want to hurt the tree. But a mentor once told me that you are not hurting it but you are guiding it. I once left the copper wire on a branch for too long and the branch grew and the wire bit into the bark. It left an ugly scar that still has not healed. My advice is that if you are wiring your bonsai to get that classic slanting look then check it every week. Take the wire off as soon as the branch stays in place.
The Secret Ingredient Called Patience
We live in a world of instant gratification but bonsai does not care about your schedule. You cannot force a branch to grow faster. This hobby taught me to slow down and watching a new bud break after a long winter is a small victory that makes all the effort worth it.
Troubleshooting and Why You Should Not Panic
If leaves start falling then do not throw the tree away immediately. If you see yellow leaves then check if you are overwatering. If the leaves feel sticky then it is probably aphids. I usually spray mine with a mix of water and a few drops of mild dish soap or Neem oil and it clears right up.
Final Thoughts for New Bonsai Parents Do not be afraid to fail. Your first tree might not live forever but the knowledge you gain from it will stay with you. Bonsai is a living art and like any art it takes practice.
Frequently Asked Questions from my own experience Can I grow a bonsai from a seed? You can but it takes years and I prefer buying pre bonsai material from a nursery to save time. How much should I spend? Start cheap because a twenty dollar Ficus is perfect for learning. Do not buy a five hundred dollar tree until you can keep a cheap tree alive for at least a year.