Caring For Your Bonsai Trees

Bonsai care is both an art and a delicate science. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your bonsai journey, understanding the specific needs of your tree species is key to keeping them healthy and thriving. Each tree has its own set of requirements when it comes to water, light, and care — so let's take a closer look at the unique needs of some popular varieties, which you will find in our stock now and in the near future.

It is important to ensure that your trees get the right amount of water and sunlight. Every species has its own needs; for example, willows prefer wetter soil and grow much faster than yews, which like drier conditions and grow at a gentle pace.

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are delicate trees that prefer cool roots, dappled sunlight, and evenly moist but well-draining soil. They are sensitive to intense heat, harsh wind, and drought.

Sycamores (Acer pseudoplatanus), native to Europe and the UK, are hardy and fast-growing, with a preference for rich, moist soil. As seedlings, they benefit from steady watering, but mature trees are quite tolerant once established.

English yews (Taxus baccata) are slower-growing evergreens that prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. They are resilient, but young or recently worked yews appreciate gentle care while establishing new roots.

The weeping willow that’s common in the UK and Europe is usually Salix × sepulcralis, specifically the variety Salix × sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma', the golden weeping willow.

Salix babylonica is the original "weeping willow" from China, but Salix × sepulcralis (a hybrid between Salix alba and Salix babylonica) is what you mostly see growing on the banks of UK rivers, ponds and lakes. Though no tree likes to sit in water, willows are thirsty trees that prefer to grow close to water (and will seek out water sources with their roots if the ground is too dry for them).

To check if your tree needs water, you can use the Chopstick Test, which is a little like checking your car's oil levels with a dipstick. Insert a plain, untreated wooden chopstick or a thin wooden skewer (it's important that you don't use bamboo or coated ones) to test soil moisture by poking the end into the soil near the base of the tree. After a few minutes, pull it out and check. If it comes out damp, the soil still has moisture. If it comes out dry, it's time to water. This method can help prevent both overwatering and underwatering.

I have heard some people say that yews can do well indoors. Under ideal conditions with close monitoring, it isn't harmful to keep them in sheltered conditions for a little while (say, a few days if recovering from a storm or transplanting), but long-term indoor living would cause decline. They rely on seasonal cues: they need the cold, the wind, the rain to help them grow. Yews grown indoors become spindly, stressed, and prone to fungal diseases.

Japanese maples need seasonal changes (spring growth, summer maturity, autumn dormancy, winter rest). Indoors, they would miss these signals and get stressed; their leaves would weaken and their growth would be poor. They must be kept outdoors, though temporary shelter (like an unheated greenhouse) is fine for protection from storms or hard frost.

Sycamore trees also need a full seasonal cycle and plenty of natural light. They would suffer indoors as the conditions are too dark, too warm, without enough seasonal signals for them to thrive.

Weeping willows need space, sunlight, and lots of air circulation. Indoors, they would suffer badly from poor airflow and reduced light. Turning on a desk fan and humidifier is not enough.

Caring for your bonsai is an ongoing learning process. With the right attention, your tree will flourish. Each tree has its own personality, and by providing the right conditions and regular care, you'll enjoy the beauty of your bonsai for years to come.

If you're ever unsure about your tree’s needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, we're here to help, not judge, and we'd be happy to assist you in making your bonsai care experience a success!