Complete Beginner's Guide to Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese traditional art form that expresses natural landscapes within a pot. Despite seeming "difficult," beginners can fully enjoy it by mastering the basics. The peaceful time spent with a tree enriches daily life.

Choosing Tree Species

Beginners should start with hardy, fast-growing species.

• Pine/Juniper (Shouhaku): Five-needle Pine, Black Pine, Shimpaku Juniper. Evergreen for year-round enjoyment
• Deciduous (Zouki): Japanese Maple, Zelkova. Autumn color and fresh spring growth provide seasonal changes
• Flowering: Chojubai, Ume (Plum). Bonsai that produce flowers

Soil and Pots

Soil - **Akadama is the base**: For pine/juniper: Akadama 5 : Kiryu sand 3 : Fuji sand 2 - **Deciduous**: Akadama 7 : Leaf mold 3 - Balance between drainage and moisture retention is key

Pots - **Size**: Choose based on trunk thickness and tree height - **Material**: Ceramic is standard. Glazed and unglazed types available

Watering

The most important task in bonsai care.

• Basic rule: Water thoroughly when the soil surface turns white-dry
• Method: Water 2-3 times with a watering can, covering evenly
• Summer: Morning and evening, twice daily. Watch for drying
• Winter: Soil dries slowly, so reduce frequency
• The saying "Three years to master watering" reflects its depth

Pruning and Wiring

Pruning - **Purpose**: Shape the tree form and remove unnecessary branches - **Timing**: Deciduous after leaf drop. Evergreens before spring - **Basic rule**: Remove upward, inward, and crossing branches; keep outward-facing buds

Wiring - **Purpose**: Correct branch direction and angle - **Material**: Aluminum wire is easiest for beginners - **Timing**: Align with growing season. Remove before wire cuts into bark

Recommended Species

1. Five-Needle Pine — The iconic bonsai. Hardy, manageable, with a majestic presence
2. Shimpaku Juniper — Beautiful contrast between white deadwood (shari) and green foliage
3. Japanese Maple — Enjoy fresh green, autumn color, and bare winter silhouette through all seasons
4. Chojubai — Small red flowers in spring. Also popular as a good-luck charm

Benefits of Purchasing on Bri-Choku

On Bri-Choku, you can purchase directly from bonsai growers.

• Finished bonsai: Carefully managed specimens from experts
• Raw material available: Find unstyled material for the joy of creating your own design
• Care advice: Consult experts directly about watering and pruning timing
• Fair pricing: Quality bonsai without middleman markup