Tel. 01749 344274
www.mendipbonsai.co.uk
MENDIP BONSAI STUDIO
Byways. Back Lane. Downside. Shepton Mallet.. Somerset BA4 4JR
Tel. 01749 344274
Bonsai growing guide
For beginners
By John Trott
Where to position my bonsai
Bonsai kept as outdoor bonsai should be placed
in a sheltered spot if possible, free from strong
winds and with some shade during the day. A
bamboo or reed screen is ideal. Some species
such as Japanese maples require protection
from spring frosts which can damage the devel-
oping new growth. Wooden stands are best to
raise the trees off the ground to avoid damage
from animals etc.
Watering requirements
Your bonsai need regular daily watering in hot
dry weather. The best time to water is in the
evening, rain water is best although tap water
can be used. A fine rose on the hose or water-
ing can is best, ensure the soil is completely
soaked. A morning watering if possible is also
beneficial, but avoid getting the foliage wet if a
hot day is forecast. You can also use the com-
plete immerse method as in the indoor guide.
In the winter your tree should receive enough
water from the rain. If the tree is kept in a
greenhouse it may
require water eve-
ry 2-3 weeks. Ev-
ergreens such as
pines and junipers
need water if they
are still growing in
late winter/ early
spring.
OUTDOOR BONSAI
M E N D I P B O N S A I
S T U D I O
B Y W A Y S .
B A C K L A N E .
D O W N S I D E .
S H E P T O N M A L L E T .
S O M E R S E T . B A 4 4 J R
P L E A S E R E A D T H E F O L L O W I N G
I N F O R M A T I O N C A R E F U L L Y A S
T H E B O N S A I Y O U H A V E J U S T
P U R C H A S E D I S A L I V I N G P L A N T
A N D W I L L R E Q U I R E Y O U R
A S S I S T A N C E T O S T A Y A L I V E
ME N D I P B O N S A I ST U DI O
bonsai styling
A multi trunk juniper bonsai styled from nursery stock.
Try your hand at styling your own bonsai. Check out
your garden centres, often you can pick up suitable
material to work on.
Feeding your outdoor bonsai
Feed every 10-14 days with proprietary liquid bonsai
fertilizer. Alternatively use slow release pellets or
blocks such as rape seed cake or bio gold which will
last 1-3 months.
Japanese white pine
Informal upright style
The care of your bonsai is is very important to
keep the tree in perfect health and harmony.
Where to keep my bonsai ?
The placement of the tree should be in a light posi-
tion, but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the
leaves and speed up the water evaporation from
the compost. Avoid draughts, so do not place near
a window or door which can cause a sudden drop
in temperature. Do not place your bonsai on top
of a source of heat, for exam-
ple on top of shelf with a ra-
diator underneath or on top
of a electrical appliance. A
steady temperature rather
than one which fluctuates a
lot is highly recommended.
Watering requirements
Your bonsai needs regular watering, it needs to be
moist but not over wet. The best method is to
completely immerse the pot in water so the water
level is above the soil. Wait until all the air bubbles
have stopped rising, then place the pot on a drip
tray. What water drains off will evaporate and
keep the foliage in a humid state. The warmer the
room the more often you may need to water your
bonsai. Test the surface of the compost, if it is
moist wait a day or so then test again. It could be
once a day or once a week! Do not let your bonsai
dry out completely.
Feeding your bonsai
Water your bonsai before you feed to avoid root
burn. You can use a proprietary bonsai fertilizer or
one low in nitrogen such as baby bio. This will
insure the growth is not too vigorous.
INDOOR BONSAI
Feeding frequency
Feed once every 2 weeks from March to October,
then only once a month.
If your bonsai starts to show a change of colour
with leaves turning yellow do not be alarmed. This
is normal if the tree has been in a draught, over-
watered or change of temperature. The leaves will
fall off only to be replaced by a new set of leaves 4
to 6 weeks later.
Remember when the leaves have fallen off the
tree, it is not dead, but just temporary dormant.
Pruning your indoor/outdoor bonsai
It is important to regularly trim your bonsai to
keep its shape or style. This is called the clip and
grow method. When a new shoot has elongated,
and has between 6 to 8 new leaves, it should be
trimmed back to between 2 to 4 leaves. This may
be every 2 months or so depending on the vigor of
the tree. With regular pinching back the tree will
fill out better. A pair of snips/scissors will do.
Wiring your indoor/outdoor bonsai
If you need to shape your tree other than by the
clip and grow method, the alternative is by the
wiring method. You can
use anodized aluminium
or copper wire which
has been annealed. The
wire comes in various
sizes from 0.5 to 6.00
mm in diameter. The
wire is wrapped around
the trunk or branch then
bent into the shape your
styling requires.
Chinese juniper. Informal upright style
Learn more about the art bonsai
Practical workshops
The mendip bonsai studio operate a range of
practical workshops catering for the complete
beginner up to experience bonsai enthusiasts.
These workshops are run through-out the year
and are very popular with people as they are run
at the week ends, but for those who prefer a
week day you might like to consider a one to
one workshop. You can bring your own trees
or we can supply stock for you to work on at
very reasonable and competitive prices. I can
also visit you for a day workshop to advise and
work on your trees also at a reasonable cost.
I lecture and conduct demonstrations for
clubs and societies through-out the UK.
We stock a vast supply of bonsai, pots, bonsai
sundries, etc. also a large selection of Japanese
maples and pines for garden culture.
please note
Mendip bonsai studio is a private nursery and is
not open to the general public other than by
appointments only.
MENDIP BONSAI STUDIO
Byways. Back Lane. Downside. Shepton Mallet..
Somerset BA4 4JR
Tel. 01749 344274
www.mendipbonsai.co.uk
M E N D I P B O N S A I S T U D I O
Hinoki cypress
forest group planting.
