Do little Bonsai trees need little rainstorms? We solve the mistery.

All trees would rather grow outdoors where it’s more humid than it is inside our homes and offices. So what can we do to provide humidity to our indoor Bonsai trees? Misting them?

Bonsai fans have been misting their Bonsai trees for years to help keep them moist. But it’s kind of like basting a turkey. Yes, an indoor Bonsai can benefit from misting because heating and air conditioning lowers the humidity levels to surface-of-the-moon conditions in your home. Misting brings the ambient humidity level up briefly and that's really all the benefit you get. Misting the tree is only beneficial for a short time, like maybe 15 seconds. That’s where a “humidity tray,” as it’s called in the Bonsai world, comes in.

Placing water in a humidity tray under your Bonsai a bit of extra humidity around the tree as the water in the tray evaporates. More importantly, it helps keeps the soil at the bottom of the pot by adding a little bit more moisture through the drainage holes. The bottom of the pot is where the important, extended roots live as they grow downward looking for water. Forget the fat roots growing under your Bonsai tree, the very tiny tips of the roots is where the Bonsai tree gets its water. These root tips and the soil in the bottom half of your soil can remain dry even after a heavy soaking of watering on the soil from the top until it overflows…twice!

When the water in the tray is gone, add more water. It's a good idea to separate the pot from the water in the tray by adding some pebbles to the bottom of the tray – and it makes the tray look a lot more refined. This will prevent any roots from sitting in the water. But make no mistake; humidity trays will not take the place of a good, slow, saturating watering from above, until the water runs out into the tray.

Misting allows water to drip off the foliage onto the soil below. A tree that is misted a lot has water dripping on the soil a lot, and that's not a great thing. It causes the surface of the soil to be continually wet and surfaces to be "air-tight." And this creates fertile ground, both on the soil surface and foliage, for fungus, gnats. mites, aphids, rats, mother in laws… you get my point. Misting is also the primary cause of the El Nino weather pattern.

Trees that are grown indoors can benefit from misting once a week or so to rinse the dust that naturally collects on them. Otherwise, a bonsai tree takes moisture up through the roots and supports the rest of the tree through a process called transpiration. That's all a well watered and healthy bonsai tree needs. No more mistery.

Humidity trays serve a second, very important purpose by keeping water from draining through the bottom of your Bonsai pot and running across your prized teak table and onto your shoes.

Oh! And did you know that all BonsaiOutlet Bonsai trees come with a free humidity tray and gravel? Because you shouldn’t have to shop around for the right size and then pay extra for it.

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Watering your bonsai tree is a tricky thing to get a handle on, even in the best conditions. When It's 100 degrees out, it's a whole other matter. During the summer, bonsai trees are in maximum capacity mode. They're not putting on new growth like they did in the spring. The roots have all the foliage they can handle and they're not taking on any newcomers.

• Some bonsai species require "full sun." Full sun does not mean blazing, all afternoon, direct July sun. Even full sun varieties of bonsai appreciate afternoon shade in the summer.

• Don't forget about soil temperature. A bonsai lives in a very small world. Its pot and the soil temperature can rise to very high degree when left in the sun, cooking its tender roots like a pot of linguini.  

• Avoid the temptation to water your bonsai tree just to "cool it down." Wet foliage can increase the sun's rays - each drop acting like a little magnifying glass that ultimately does more damage than good. Besides, the water belongs in the soil, not on the leaves.  

• Watch where you point that thing. The water in a hose laying in the sun can reach temperatures of scalding levels. One blast of hot water to your bonsai tree, whether on the foliage or into the soil could kill it. Turn on the hose and give a nearby ant pile a good dose of boiling water for a few moments before you water your bonsai tree.

• When it comes to water, it's always slow and steady. When soils are dry, you can water them until the water flows over the top of the pot, yet only effectively wet the top 1/4 inch of soil. Dry bonsai soil is a little bit like the dry sponge next to the kitchen sink. Initially,  the water runs off the sponge and does nothing to saturate it. It's the second and third application of water that does the trick. 

Click here for more Bonsai watering and care information.

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1. Hearing someone repeatedly pronounce "bonsai" as "Banzai" (as in a Japanes suicide bomber's scream when diving on an American carrier) makes you wince like you're chewing on tin foil.

2. Someone who knows nothing about the art of bonsai pronounces it "cruel and unnatural barbaric torturing of poor little trees" and you immediately picture yourself poking them in the eyes like the Three Stooges bit.

3. You debate so long and vocally about whether or not to prune a branch on one of your trees that your husband or wife finally yells "Just shut up and cut the damn thing off!".

4. A tornado warning is issued for damaging winds and baseball size hail and you run to get your trees under cover and leave your new SUV in the driveway to be bombarded.

5. You develop abnormally large biceps and some ruptured discs from hauling trees back and forth between inside and outside when the weather starts getting chilly and unpredictable.

6. Someone calls you to hear what's new and you spend twenty minutes on sucessfully repotting your willow leaf ficus before you discuss anyone's health or your grandchildren.

7. One of your favorite trees dies and you preserve its pathetic little corpse in a place of honor in your living room.

8.You lie awake at night diabolically plotting against spider mites,scale, and those cursed Japanese beetles.

9. An expensive tree dies and you get rid of the body before your husband or wife sees it and comments on what a waste it was.

10. Upon death of said trees in #7 and #9 above you briefly consider turning yourself in to the sheriff as a tree abuser.

AND, lastly and most importantly:

11. YOU HAVE NO TROUBLE WHATSOEVER IN CREATING A LIST LIKE THIS!!!!!!!

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Thinking of a vacation?  Don’t forget the basics!

Summer is here, and the beautiful weather insures that vacations are on the minds of many!  While our gardens are in top form it’s important to remember that not only do our pets need care while one is away soaking up the sun in abundance, but our plants, and especially our beloved bonsai’s need attention from a trusted caregiver. Whether it’s a reliable family member, a steadfast friend, or a contracted house-sitter you will want to be sure that the person in charge of caring for your bonsai while your away understands completely the importance of proper bonsai care.

Not everyone understands that neglect with a bonsai isn’t the same as neglecting to care for a traditional houseplant. While some houseplants can withstand some neglect, a bonsai’s fate can be death when attended to with an absent minded attitude. You don’t want your relaxing vacation to end with disappointment, so ensure that your bonsai attendant is armed with the following understandings:

1. In general, bonsai prefer to be moist but not soggy.  When the top half of the soil becomes dry, it is time to water thoroughly for most bonsai species being sure to water gently until water flows out the bottom; be sure to instruct about specific alterations of this rule as needed.  Misting daily in the dryer months is appreciated as it provides humidity and washes away dust.
2. Check the moisture requirement for an individual species because it may vary from the general rule. A few species need to be kept at a dryer water level and others need more frequent watering.
3. Check daily for water needs.  Don’t rely on a rigid watering schedule, but water when the tree requires it. Teach your caregiver what to look for. The smaller the pot, the more often it must be watered.
4. Instruct your caregiver how to use a humidity tray, and be sure they understand that a bonsai should never sit in a wet dish—bonsai don’t like having wet feet.

With a little guidance and a simple to understand “to do” list for your bonsai caregiver, you can leave on vacation armed with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your bonsai will be well cared for while you take some time to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit under the golden rays of the summer sun!  Have fun!

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Bonsai is…..

... A friend that grows old with you
... Something to nurture when you feel alone
... A breath of fresh air
... An expression of uniqueness
... An experience of growth
... A reason to smile
... A reminder to breathe
... An opportunity to celebrate meaning
... A conversation piece
... A companion to meditate with
... A living work of art
... A source of joy
... A symbol of perseverance and strength
... An awareness of simplicity
... The presence of nature
... A baby’s laugh
... A rainbow after the storm
... The whispering wind
... A heartbeat
... Bonsai…is a way of life.

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Spring has sprung, and the birds are singing melodic reminders to inspire the awareness that a very important person is about to be honored on a special day selected just for the celebration of her many accomplishments in life.

That’s right…mother’s day is just ahead, and what better way to honor her devoted lifetime of unconditional love, irreplaceable generosity, and one of a kind smiles, than with the beauty of a carefully selected bonsai plant for her to care for.  Not only does the gift of bonsai tell mom that you feel  her beauty stands the test of time, but that her ability to nurture lives on even after her children are grown.

Unlike a bouquet of flowers, bonsai is the gift that lives on, offering a reminder of love that gives mom a daily dose of your thankfulness for all she is, and all she has done for you over the years. Bonsai Outlet has a particularly wonderful collection of bonsai trees and supplies that offer you the chance to pick the perfect one for your mom’s personality!  So, don’t delay…you only get one mom, and she’s worth the best.

Great Mother's Day Bonsai Include:

1. 1. Dwarf Crepe Myrtle
   2. Camellia "Hot Flash"
   3. Gardenia
   4. Satsuki Azalea

Happy Mother's Day!

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The first day of spring has come and gone, but what does this mean for bonsai lovers?  It means that it’s time to get crackin’!

Already buds are swelling and getting ready to burst with photo-energy hungry leaves and blooms! Before this happens, you will want to gather up your trusty bonsai gear, add to your collection if needed, stock up on fresh, nutrient rich composted soil, and get busy with the pruning and re-potting that is vital for healthy growth.

Be sure not to miss this brief window of prime bonsai gardening festivity! It’s time to hurry up…and slow down!

Draw up a pot of jasmine tea, put on some soothing music, and get your hands into that soil where they belong. Once your fingers are in the depths of creation, the soothing energy that is within the nature of all plants permeates your being and gives you breathing room in a world that seldom slows to notice the finer moments that are available to us all. In creating space for your bonsai to become the tree it is meant to be, you will find the person you are meant to be as well.

This is bonsai.

This….is life.

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Hello everyone!

I’ve been feeling it in the air, and I know you have too…spring is about to peek its head out of the ground to delight us all! Now is the time to start planning your spring time bonsai gardening to do list!  For most bonsai’s, early spring is the best time to re pot, root trim, and shape for the upcoming gardening extravaganzas of beauty.

Do you have everything you need?  New sharp shears?  Concave cutters?  Root Rakes?  Plenty of high quality bonsai soil?

You will want to be sure to get everything together so that when the awakenings of spring begin to stir, you are ready and waiting…because with Bonsai, timing is everything. You can easily locate everything you need and want at our sister site, Bonsai Outlet.com;  And while the excitement is building for an incredible bonsai season, let me request that you share your stories with us…we want to hear about what you are doing with Bonsai!  Tell us your secrets, share your adventures, and ask us your questions!  If we all pool together, we can provide each other with a wealth of experience that will enhance our gardens, and the gardens of our neighbors which not only equates to bountiful karma…it’s also just plain fun!

Happy Spring everyone!

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As January comes to a close, another holiday is on the horizon!

Valentine’s Day marks a moment in our busy lives that is purely designated to honor the loved ones that make our world a more joyful place to live in. Shops are filled with decorations and giant chocolate hearts meant to sweeten the occasion and flower sales spike at an all time high. In this pink and red swirl of color and lace enhanced emotion, I was reflecting upon the traditional gifts of Valentine’s Day and started to wonder why it is that we often give “disposable” items like roses and chocolate to the ones we love most.  I smiled as I began to think about Bonsai trees…because unlike roses that simply wilt, and chocolate that is quickly eaten, a lovingly tended Bonsai tree can last a lifetime…or more.

At Bonsai Outlet, we have a wonderful assortment of Bonsai that are perfect symbols of love everlasting; the perfect gift for someone you love to express that your relationship is something beautiful, unique and special that will never cease growing and never stop offering joy.  This Valentine’s Day, offer your loved ones something that will last…inspire stability and nurturance…give the gift that keeps on giving.  Bonsai…it’s an inspiration!

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