The ancient art of bonsai has been traced back to the sixth century when wealthy Japanese would decorate their homes with these miniature trees. Today, bonsai are popular throughout the world for their quirky looks and calming effects. 

To help out those wanting to grow the perfect bonsai, Angie Thomas, Horticulture consultant to Yates, has put together her top tips.

Top tips for caring for a Bonsai

Add a little bit of sunshine

Ensure your bonsai gets the right amount of sunshine. Most outdoor bonsai plants should be placed in a sheltered position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoor bonsai plants prefer a brightly lit spot indoors that’s protected from direct sunlight.

Moisture is key

Bonsai like to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Bonsai plants have a very small root system that can dry out quickly, so it’s important to keep plants well-watered, particularly during hot dry weather.  

Unleash your creativity - get shaping

Bonsai can be pruned and wired into beautiful shapes. Use small sharp secateurs or scissors to remove any dead or unwanted branches and wires can be wrapped around stems to train them into living works of art.

Don’t forget to give your Bonsai a feed

Ensure you fertilise your bonsai with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, especially during their growing season from early spring to mid-autumn. 


Related products

Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food

A liquid plant food suitable for most types of plants and provides balanced feeding to promote stronger, healthier growth and greener foliage. Feeds through the leaves and roots for fast results.

Yates Thrive Natural Seaweed Tonic

A 100% bull kelp seaweed tonic. Great for improving plant resistance and protection against pests, drought and frosts -also reduces transplant shock.

More project guides & articles

Summer Insect Control

Warm temperatures encourage pests to breed rapidly and swarm your plants. The closer your vegies get to harvest, the more disappointing it is when sucking or chewing insects ruin them! Find out how to head them off.

Spring Insect Control

Every year, the spring frenzy of fresh new leaf growth and flowers encourages a population explosion of sucking and chewing insect pests. Here's how to stop the little blighters from feasting on your garden.

The Yates History of Tough Times

Kiwi gardeners are continuing to embrace vegie gardening, to take control of high living costs. It's inspired us to have a look through our archives, to see how our great-grandparents did it, with tips from Great-Great-Grandma on how to start up your own 1930s garden!