Bonsai
Bonsai section
Bonsai is a way of growing, not a species. Every guide links to the botanical entry for its species.
Guides by species

Level · Intermediate · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Bougainvillea bonsai
Bougainvillea glabra

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Buddhist pine bonsai
Podocarpus macrophyllus

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Chinese elm bonsai
Ulmus parvifolia

Level · Beginner · Indoors
Dwarf schefflera bonsai
Heptapleurum arboricola

Level · Beginner · Outdoors
European hornbeam bonsai
Carpinus betulus

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Ficus microcarpa as bonsai
Ficus microcarpa

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Heavenly bamboo bonsai
Nandina domestica

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Jade plant bonsai
Crassula ovata

Level · Beginner · Outdoors
Japanese garden juniper as bonsai
Juniperus procumbens

Level · Intermediate · Outdoors
Japanese maple as bonsai
Acer palmatum

Level · Intermediate · Outdoors
Japanese white pine bonsai
Pinus parviflora

Level · Intermediate · Outdoors
Japanese zelkova bonsai
Zelkova serrata


Level · Intermediate · Outdoors
Pomegranate bonsai
Punica granatum

Level · Intermediate · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Rosemary bonsai
Salvia rosmarinus

Level · Advanced · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Serissa bonsai
Serissa japonica

Level · Beginner · Outdoors
Trident maple bonsai
Acer buergerianum

Level · Beginner · Indoors or outdoors depending on climate
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) as bonsai
Ficus benjamina
Techniques covered
Each guide covers these points for its species.
- 01Placement
- 02Watering
- 03Soil mix
- 04Pruning
- 05Wiring
- 06Repotting
- 07Seasonal care
Further reading
- WateringWater houseplants by observation, not by the calendarWhy fixed watering schedules fail, how to check the potting mix, water well, choose your water, and recognize too much or too little water.
- LightHow to judge the light in your homeDirect sun, bright indirect, medium or low light: how to read the light in a spot, the signs of poorly suited light, and how to fix it.
- RepottingHow to repot a houseplant, step by stepWhen to repot, how to spot a root-bound plant, choosing the pot and potting mix, the steps of repotting, special cases, and mistakes to avoid.
- Bonsai basicsChoosing your first bonsai: indoors or outdoors?The species decides where a bonsai lives. Compare six easy trees, indoor and outdoor, learn what to check before buying, and avoid common mistakes.