Q&A for How to Prune a Bonsai Tree

First remove any dying branches, then gently dig out the plant including the roots, and remove any dead or decaying roots. Place the plant in a bowl of lukewarm water while you prepare a new pot. Fill the container with a mix of perlite, moss, and potting soil. Place the tree in the soil mixture then place the container in lukewarm water for several minutes. Allow the container to fully drain then place it in a warm and shady location with proper ventilation.

Use bonsai clippers to properly trim a bonsai tree, then cut minimally to remove dead branches.

You should water the bonsai when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the soil is well draining so the plant is not sitting in water.

The most recommended for beginners are the jupiter bonsai and the ficus variety.

That all depends on the tree variety and where it is in its growth. Likely, you'll need to keep a close eye on your bonsai and prune it regularly.

It sounds like the tree is in a bad way; 95% of the time, a tree like this will not survive. If you wash the remaining base of the tree and remaining roots, dip it in cloning powder, and plant it in a special root developing medium, you may just save it.

The main root better know as the "tap root" is viewed under the tree after carefully removing the planting mixture. The tap root is thicker and protrudes directly from the main tree trunk. This can be trimmed away, BUT do not damage the smaller hair-like roots called "air roots."

Feed Bonsai trees with bonsai fertilizer (Peter's is fine) in the spring/ summer.

Yes, if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, you could have an experienced bonsai pruner do it for you (or show you how).

Water three times per week in summer. Fertilize the bonsai with Peter's fertilizer every other week or after heavy pruning.

Depends on the species. I would say a general average is around 10 years.

Blooming depends upon the type and age of the tree. For example, Hollys bloom in the winter while Azaleas bloom in the summer. Search your web browser for your specific bonsai tree.

Yes. The main root is thick and long. It is difficult to manage in a small container.

None. Bonsai dwarfing is not produced by chemicals. The growth of the tree is limited by carefully trimming the branches and roots.

I would not do this is. Your tree is not going to gain much as little is taken via the leaves. Also it will leave your leaves marked once the water has dried off. The fertilizer is the food for your tree and that needs to go to the roots. A gentle spray of water on the leaves once a day is good. Try to use water that has settled for this, and a fine sprayer if you have one.

A bonsai is just a dwarfed tree, so if it is trimmed to stay small for its age, it probably counts as a bonsai.

Yes. Just be sure to wash it off almost immediately to eliminate any unwanted pests.

Yes. Pruning your bonsai is a weekly process in the summer, because the trees grow faster for longer periods of daylight. Prune off the LARGEST leaves and any dead branches or shoots.

No, take it to a nursery and have them check it out.

Watch your tree, and from time to time take it out of its pot and see if there are any small roots that are long and encircling the roots against the pot. If so, repot your bonsai. Afterwards, give it time in a partly shaded area. Don't feed it for a month. Once it is settled in, use a good open soil like Akadama with lava and a touch of rotted compost or bark flakes.

Once the bonsai tree begins to send out new branches and leaves, it is time to prune back largest leaves, dead branches, and aesthetically displeasing branches. This will continue all throughout the spring and summer, but it will lessen in the fall.

Until you get vine clippers, use 2 pairs of ordinary scissors - one heavy pair for small branches and one small pair for leaves (even nail clippers will work in a pinch).

I have 3 main clippers for my bonsai tree. First comes the basic crossover, fairly strong secateurs for lopping limbs. I have 2 sets of vine clippers with quality steel (usually Japanese steel); these are what you need for trimming your bonsai (they need to have longish points to get between branches). Then I have a pair of Ratchet secateurs, ideal to cut through thick branches. Loppers are strong enough, but unsuitable due to their size. I also own a bonsai saw, which I use if I am really reshaping the whole tree and cutting large branches and stems.

The Golden Gate ficus is a good indoor Bonsai. It is very easy to care for, and can take a variety of light conditions. For outdoors, a juniper is a good choice, as is boxwood.

I inherited an older, poorly maintained bonsai that was very overgrown and in sad shape. The first thing I did was the basics of proper watering and feeding. When it started to respond and look lush and healthy, I slowly and carefully began to prune it to bring it into a more pleasing shape. It looks so much better now, but still needs work. Hopefully your tree will also respond to some loving care!

It sounds like it needs more light. Large and sparse leaves sometimes indicate low light levels, while smaller and more numerous leaves can indicate sufficient light.

If the bonsai is a deciduous tree or broadleaf, then it will lose its leaves in late autumn to prepare for the dormant period over winter. Some semi-evergreen trees make and lose some leaves all the time. Otherwise, it could be sick. Make sure you're not watering too much. Check the soil, this has to be porous with grit and small stones to allow water to pass through easily, that is how it gets the oxygen it needs. Make sure you feed your tree, the original soil will only last a couple of months. I use solid blocks of fertilizer pushed below the surface, they last a couple of months.

The simple answer is: not for a while. Take the tree and check it for damage and see whether it still has moist soil (it likely won't). Water it with something like fish emulsion/root promoter or similar. Dilute this to 1/10 the recommended dose. Each week, switch between this and an all-purpose liquid fertilizer (also at 1/10). Once you see strong new growth, you can begin trimming the tree. This can be as little as 4 weeks, or maybe a bit longer.

Don't cut it in the middle of winter. You should do all the pruning before winter and just let it sit.

Your bonsai may have powdery mildew. Check a plant nursery for a proper diagnosis of your tree.