Bonsai and penjing can seem incredibly intimidating when someone first wants to begin. Hearing about trees that have lived for centuries as well as the very idea of growing something as grand and majestic as a tree in a tiny little pot totally intimidated me and kept me away from even trying for quite a long time. The seeming difficulty of growing a tree, one that could live for centuries, is absolutely real. Each bonsai, living inside a small pot that requires a lot of care and attention, takes a long time to grow and be trained, but can then be killed by a lack of care in a matter of days. Nothing is meant to survive, though, and dead trees can be replanted with new living ones. With some diligence, research, and learning, you too can grow your very own bonsai.
And the good news is that growing your own bonsai isn’t terribly difficult, and really only requires a bit of personal discipline to keep them watered correctly and out of danger from extreme temperatures. Trees are naturally resilient. They have developed over millennia to be resistant to a great number of blights and have adapted to thrive in their particular ecosystems. This is why considering the zone of the specific species is important. Be sure to get a tree that will thrive in your particular growing zone. Refer to this map to find out what zone you live in, and select a variety of tree that will thrive in your local climate. This is the top consideration for people who are new to growing, as you can pick something that will naturally do well! Growing trees from other zones will be more difficult and require more attention and care than native varieties.
The tree and the pot you plant it in go together, obviously. I guess you probably figured that much out already. Do keep in mind the size of the tree and the size pot it is in already. You will want a pot that is deep enough to accommodate the root structure. The roots need the soil to hold in moisture and delivery nutrients to the tree, as well as provide support to help keep the tree standing (though you will probably want to also tie it down with bonsai wire). Color of the pot is also a consideration, as you will want to pick out a color that will match any potential blooms and leaves. Drainage holes are also required, so that excess water doesn’t collect and waterlog the roots. Drainage holes are also useful for running strands of bonsai wire for tying down your tree.
I use EB Stone Bonsai soil. It seems to work quite well for my cases, and is a proper bonsai soil that provides adequate drainage. You can use whatever brand you like, but make sure that it is a type that drains well or that, too, could leave to waterlogged roots. Some trees require a specific pH or the tree will die. Be sure to do some research on your tree to see if this is the case and plan accordingly. Personally, I’ve been growing native Pacific Northwest varieties and have not noticed that I need anything too specific. Soil that provides good aeration, drainage, and nutrient retention will help lead to healthy root development, and keep your bonsai thriving for a long time.
Other things you may want to have in your bonsai project include rocks, moss, and miniatures to decorate your scene. Stones help provide that contrast between the living and the non-living, and can give the illusion of mountains in the distance. I also like to sift some bonsai soil to get pure “dirt” to dress the top of my builds, or cover with small bits of bark mulch. Sifting things like your soil and mulch can give you great little “bits” you can use to decorate your project. Moss can be used to give the illusion of grass beneath your tree.
To pot your bonsai, run some wire through the drainage holes to use for tying down your tree. Lay down a thin layer of soil in the bottom of your pot so that the roots are not directly touching the bottom of the pot. Remove your new tree from the grow pot it came in by turning the tree sideways, give the plastic pot a little squeeze, and pull. Typically, the roots will have clumped together and everything will come out in one piece. Use chopsticks or something similar to pick apart the roots and remove the old soil. We want fresh, new soil to cover the roots so that we can be sure they are getting fresh nutrients. Take your time and try not to damage the roots, but you can (and maybe should) give them a slight trim before replanting. From my research, up to a third of the roots can be safely removed.
Stand the tree in the dirt you layered down, and twist the wire around the base of the tree to give it added support. I like to run the wire through the roots under the main trunk of the tree, and twist the two ends together to secure the tree. Trim the ends, and push them down to hide them under the soil. Pack in your bonsai soil around the roots, pressing down firmly to ensure contact with roots. Once filled with soil, give the tree a good soak with your watering can, then press down on the soil one last time and filled in with some more soil if required. Finally, you can add your rocks, moss, and other decorative objects to your bonsai. Make sure to keep your project in shade or sun as required by the variety and water when the soil is starting to get dry. Consequently, during time of rain, go and dump any trays under your bonsai to prevent waterlogging. Planting a new bonsai is quite easy and can be a fun project!