bonsai.

This is a collection of notes about each type of bonsai tree I own and guides for care collected from various sources. I have always had an appreciation of bonsai and Japanese gardening, but these became a more serious interest sometime in 2019 and I acquired my first tree in early 2020. I remain a beginner, especially not having any outdoor space to utilize for the hobby until 2022, but I'm excited to grow more now without the limitation.

general pruning and wiring tips.

• prune before watering
• cut back twigs so there's only 3-4 nodes
• cut only developed wood
• leave 3-4 leaf pairs when cutting back to develop fine branch structure, 2-3 nodes for especially fine structure
• side that leaf closest to cut is on is the side the next branch will develop from
• clip crisscrossing branches
• cut or wire branches going up, save branches going down, manage branches going to sides
• only prune a few times per season, let grow wild until enough new branches develop wood and then prune back, even if certain branches seem like you definitely don't want them
• leave wiring on for no more than 4 weeks to prevent scarring, leave tree wound cover on for 6 weeks

general fertilizer tips.

• Spring: high Nitrogen content fertilizer like NPK 10:6:6
• Summer: a more balanced fertilizer like NPK 6:6:6
• Autumn: a low Nitrogen fertilizer like NPK 3:6:6
• "More and more, experts are favoring using a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season, and slowly decreasing the amount applied towards the end of the growing season."

when something goes wrong.

• Yellowing or crisp leaves - Too much sunlight.
• Leaf scorch - In winter/spring indicated that soil is too dry in, in summer indicated soil is too wet.
• Pests - Often will hide on the undersides of leaves and cause visual abnormalities. Spray with a natural pesticide and soak leaves from the top and bottom thoroughly.

chinese elm ("elmer").

Photo: Mar 2023

• Acquired in January 2020 from Kimura Bonsai at their former location in Northridge, CA. This was is my first tree which I kept alive indoors under grow lamps in our 1-bedroom apartment until June 2022 when we were able to move to a place with outdoor space. I learned a ton about pest and mold control as I was constantly fighting them off. Now that the tree is outdoor and thriving where it belongs, this has become a lot more manageable. All trees, including bonsai, belong outdoors and will merely survive indoors. I knew this going in but was excited to get into the hobby and I definitely learned a ton keeping it alive.
• Also known as a Lacebark Elm or Drake Elm.
• Repot every two years. (Next repotting: Late Feb 2026 before growing season)
• The soil should contain around 75 % of inorganic matter like aggregate rock or other hard material. Some examples are coarse sand, decomposed granite, and crushed lava rock. The remaining 25% should be organic matter made of decomposed plant material like composted bark or leaf mulch. The material shouldn’t be new or partially decomposed, as that would generate heat, thereby damaging the roots. If you can’t find the organic matter easily, you can go for the bark that orchid growers use or a non-water-retaining potting soil. (Current soil: Akadama mix)
• They need a lot of light. It would be best to expose them to the morning sunlight as it’s good due to its low intensity. Bear in mind that direct afternoon sunlight in summers can cause burns in the leaves.
• Usually the Chinese elm is overwintered as an indoor bonsai. Due to the high temperatures in the room, an elm bonsai consumes a lot of energy in winter.
• To get enough energy (sugar) by photosynthesis before winter, we cut bonsai of the Chinese elm only until mid August.
• After that we let the bonsai tree grow, overwinter it (at about 6-8°C or like a Mediterranean bonsai more cool in a unheated plastic tent) and prune it next February, shortly before the new shoots come out.
• Helpful hint: Don't overwinter a bonsai of the Chinese elm too warm. A very bright and very cool location is optimal. Even light frosts are tolerated by this bonsai tree species.

cork bark chinese elm.

Photo: Mar 2023

• Acquired in January 2023 from Kimura Bonsai (Kashi no Ki-en Garden) in Castaic, CA.
• Repot every two years. (Next repotting: Late Feb 2025 before growing season. Spread roots to develop nebari.)
• Soil, watering, pruning, and repotting requirements are the same as standard "lacebark" Chinese elm bonsai.
• Prune back 2-3 nodes for especially fine structure.
• The cork bark Chinese elm bonsai benefits from receiving plenty of fertilizer. You don’t need to use fertilizer when the tree becomes dormant during winter. When fertilizing, use a mix of liquid and solid options to help your tree grow.

japanese beautyberry (callicarpa japonica).

Photo: Mar 2023

• Acquired in January 2023 from Kimura Bonsai (Kashi no Ki-en Garden) in Castaic, CA.
• Need to do more research on this tree, haven't found much solid information on their care. My first flowering/fruiting bonsai.
• Prune and re-wire early Spring. (Next repotting: Late Feb/Early March 2025 before growing season.)
• Seems to prefer shade/partial shade. Developed leaf scorch in full sun during July, moved to shade and began growing berries and flowers again almost immediately.
• Roots thrive in a cool, moist substrate high in organic matter.
• Beautyberry at maturity is an irregular upright form with graceful arching branches.

bonsai wishlist:

• Japanese maple
• Wisteria
• Juniper/California Juniper
• Chili pepper ("Bonchi")

watering guide for bonsai-sitters:

• The bonsai in winter will most likely each need watering every 2-3 days if it hasn't rained. If the soil still seems damp on the second day wait till the 3rd. If it gets hot out (75+ degrees) check to see every day if the soil has dried out faster and water more if needed.
• The soil (akadama) turns from a dark brown to a light tan when it is starting to dry out so you can check visually. Soak the soil until it's completely wet and water is running out the bottom of the pot.
• In the summer, expect to water every day. If the soil is still damp about an inch deep, you may consider delaying watering for another day or half day. Water in the evening for best retention. Japanese beautyberry may require less watering than elms so watering all trees without checking soil moisture individually is to be avoided.

"All art is a proxy for something else. And I feel that bonsai, if not overtly figural, is at least a proxy for our hopes of the future, as a post-dated love letter."

— Michael Hagedorn