Hey Lykkers! Ever walked past a little twisted tree in a shallow pot and felt completely drawn to it? That's the magic of bonsai. These tiny, ancient-looking trees may be small, but they carry a sense of calm and strength that instantly grabs us.

If you've recently brought one home, you're probably wondering: how do we actually take care of it?

Good news—we've gathered expert tips from bonsai grower Gerrit Lodder to help us raise our mini trees the right way. Let's get into it together.

Indoor or Outdoor?

The first thing we need to figure out is where our bonsai belongs—inside or outside. This isn't just about home decor. Some trees thrive indoors, others absolutely need the outdoors to stay healthy.

According to Gerrit, “Bonsai trees are either indoor or outdoor types. Indoor trees usually come from tropical areas, while outdoor ones grow in places with changing seasons.”

So for indoors, we can try a ficus or Chinese elm—ficus is especially great if we don't have high humidity. For outdoors, we might go with a Japanese maple, a pine, or a juniper. Knowing where our tree comes from helps us find the perfect home spot for it.

Watering Basics

Watering bonsai is a bit different from watering other houseplants. The key is keeping the soil moist—not soaking wet, and definitely not dry.

“Because bonsai pots are small, they can't hold much water. That's why regular watering is so important,” Gerrit tells us. For outdoor bonsai especially, daily watering might be needed in summer. Indoor trees also need attention, just with a little more flexibility.

A quick trick? Stick your finger about half an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Mornings are best, so the tree has time to absorb the moisture and dry out a bit before night.

Finding the Right Light

Most bonsai trees like indirect sunlight, but some can handle direct light too—especially indoor varieties.

“If you're keeping your tree inside, make sure it gets a lot of natural daylight,” says Gerrit. “Avoid artificial lighting—it's just not enough for most bonsai.”

For outdoor trees, a sunny spot is great, but too much harsh afternoon sun in summer might stress them. It helps to move the tree as needed with the seasons, so it stays comfortable without getting too cozy or too cold.

Choosing the Right Soil

Bonsai soil needs to do two things: drain well and hold just enough moisture. To make this happen, we often mix in small stones or rocks, which create little air pockets and help keep things balanced.

If we don't want to guess, there are pre-mixed bonsai soils (often labeled “conifer mix”) made just for this. They're designed to help our tree roots breathe and stay healthy.

Feeding and Repotting

Since bonsai live in tiny pots, they rely on us for food and space. That means fertilizing and repotting are key.

Outdoor bonsai should be fed during their growing season (usually spring and summer), while indoor trees can be fed all year. The best fertilizers have equal parts phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Just make sure the soil is damp before feeding—dry soil plus fertilizer can hurt the tree.

As for repotting, fast-growing trees need it every year. Older, slower ones might only need it every 3–5 years. Early spring is the best time to repot—just before new growth starts. If the roots are circling around the pot or the leaves turn pale, it's time.

Pruning for Shape

Now comes the creative part—shaping our tree! Pruning helps us control how our bonsai grows and gives it the beautiful, balanced shape we want.

“Trim new shoots, but try to keep the natural look of the tree,” Gerrit suggests. Good pruning scissors are a smart investment. They help avoid any damage while we work.

When shaping, we often focus on the top, since growth is strongest there. But we also need to encourage branches to grow lower and spread out for that lush, full canopy.

Ready to Grow?

Taking care of a bonsai isn't just about gardening—it's about creating a living piece of art that reflects our patience and love. It might take time to learn, but once we get the hang of it, there's nothing like watching our little tree thrive.

So Lykkers, are you ready to start your bonsai journey? Whether it's your first tree or your fifth, we're rooting for you—literally! Let us know how your bonsai is doing, or if you've got any tips to share with the community.

Happy growing! 🌱

Bonsai tree care

Video by Bonsai Empire