Plant Care
Juniper Bonsai
📖 About the Juniper Bonsai
The Juniper (Juniperus procumbens, or “Shimpaku” in some varieties) is one of the most iconic bonsai species. Known for its lush, scale-like foliage and ability to thrive in cascading or semi-cascade styles, it’s a classic choice for beginners and advanced bonsai artists alike.
⚠️ Important: Junipers are outdoor bonsai only—they cannot survive long-term indoors.
☀️ Light
Outdoor required: keep your Juniper bonsai outdoors year-round.
Full sun: at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Winter: hardy, but protect if temperatures fall below 14°F (-10°C).
💧 Watering
When to water: water when the top ½–1" of soil feels dry.
Best method: submerge the pot in water until bubbles stop (about 3–5 minutes), then let drain fully.
Extra care: mist foliage daily during the growing season to encourage health and vibrancy.
🚫 Never let the soil dry out completely or stay waterlogged.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Hardy to heat and cold once acclimated.
In harsh winters, protect from strong winds or keep in an unheated garage or cold frame.
Some Junipers turn purplish-brown in winter as a natural frost-protection mechanism—this is normal and they’ll green up again in spring.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Maintenance pruning: pinch new growth with fingers rather than scissors to prevent browning tips.
Structural pruning: best in early spring or late fall.
Wiring: safe year-round, but check often to avoid scarring.
Popular styles: cascade, semi-cascade, literati, multiple-trunk.
🌱 Fertilizing
Use organic pellets monthly in spring and summer, or liquid fertilizer weekly.
Reduce feeding in autumn, stop during winter dormancy.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
It’s normal for Junipers to show slight stress after shipping.
Place immediately in a bright outdoor spot, resume normal watering, and let the tree adjust.
❄️ Special Note
Junipers cannot survive indoors for long periods.
Display indoors only for 1–2 days maximum—always return to outdoor conditions afterward.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Outdoor, full sun
💧 Water when soil begins to dry
🌡️ Protect below 14°F (-10°C)
✂️ Pinch, prune & wire as needed
🌱 Fertilize in spring/summer
Barbados Cherry Bonsai
📖 About the Barbados Cherry
The Barbados Cherry (Malpighia punicifolia) is a subtropical fruiting bonsai admired for its glossy green foliage, delicate pink flowers, and bright red cherries. Native to the Caribbean and tropical Americas, it’s a favorite among bonsai lovers for both its ornamental beauty and its edible fruit.
✨ Note: Your tree may not always have flowers or fruit depending on the season—but even without blooms, the Barbados Cherry remains a beautiful bonsai with lush green foliage and strong branching.
☀️ Light
Loves full sun to partial sun—at least 5–6 hours of direct light per day.
Outdoors is best for healthy growth and flowering.
Indoors, place near a bright south-facing window or use grow lights.
💧 Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, but never waterlogged.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Mist occasionally to boost humidity, especially indoors.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Thrives in warm climates: 65–90°F (18–32°C).
Protect from cold: below 50°F (10°C) may damage the tree.
Not frost-tolerant—bring indoors during cooler months.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Barbados Cherry responds well to pruning and shaping.
Best pruned after flowering or fruiting cycles.
Naturally suited for formal upright and informal upright bonsai styles.
🌱 Fertilizing
Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
A bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus) helps encourage flowers and fruit when conditions are right.
Do not overfertilize, as it can reduce flowering.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaves or small twigs may drop after shipping—this is normal.
Place in a bright, warm spot and resume normal watering.
New growth will appear once the tree adjusts to its new environment.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Needs full to partial sun
💧 Keep soil moist, don’t let it dry completely
🌡️ Protect from temps under 50°F
✂️ Prune after blooms/fruit for best results
🍒 Flowers and fruit appear seasonally—foliage stays beautiful year-round
Parrot's Beak Bonsai
📖 About the Parrot’s Beak
The Parrot’s Beak (Gmelina philippensis) is a tropical shrub prized in bonsai for its unique cascading growth habit and its striking yellow, beak-shaped flowers that resemble a parrot’s beak. Native to Southeast Asia, it is a fast grower with glossy green foliage and a natural tendency to drape, making it perfect for bonsai artists who love dramatic styling.
☀️ Light
Thrives in full sun to bright partial sun.
Outdoors is ideal—Parrot’s Beak loves warmth and light.
Indoors, it needs a very bright location, preferably a south-facing window or under grow lights.
💧 Watering
Likes consistent moisture—do not let it completely dry out.
Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry.
Needs good drainage to avoid soggy roots.
Benefits from misting in dry indoor environments.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Prefers warm, tropical conditions: 65–90°F (18–32°C).
Protect from cold—anything below 55°F (13°C) can stress the plant.
Not frost-tolerant, must be overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Naturally grows in a cascading style, making it ideal for cascade or semi-cascade bonsai designs.
Responds well to pruning—trim regularly to encourage branching and shape.
Flowers grow on new shoots, so light pruning promotes fresh blooms.
🌱 Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer.
Cut back fertilization in winter when growth slows.
To encourage flowers, use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the blooming season.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Some leaf drop may occur after shipping—this is normal.
Place in a bright, warm area and resume normal care; new growth will appear quickly.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Loves full to partial sun
💧 Keep soil evenly moist, never bone dry
🌡️ Tropical species—protect from temps under 55°F
✂️ Easy to prune, naturally cascading
🌼 Produces yellow, parrot-beak shaped flowers
Grewia Tree
📖 About the Grewia
The Grewia Bonsai is a rare and captivating species native to Southern Africa, prized for its delicate purple star-shaped flowers that bloom generously throughout the warmer months. Its small serrated leaves, flexible branches, and strong root system make it a rewarding species for training and styling.
This bonsai is a favorite for collectors seeking something both ornamental and unusual, since its flowers set it apart from many traditional bonsai varieties.
☀️ Light
Loves full sun to partial sun.
Best flower production occurs when it receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Indoors, place by a very bright window or under grow lights.
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry.
During flowering season, regular watering is essential to encourage blooms.
Ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid root rot.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Thrives in warm climates, ideally 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Protect from frost—temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.
Outdoors in warm zones, it can be grown most of the year; otherwise, bring indoors during colder months.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Responds well to pruning and wiring.
Regular trimming after flowering maintains compact shape and encourages more blooms.
Works beautifully in upright or informal styles.
🌱 Fertilizing
Use a balanced bonsai fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
A fertilizer higher in phosphorus can help encourage heavy blooming.
Reduce feeding in the winter when growth slows.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Flowers may wilt or drop during shipping, but new blooms will develop with proper care.
Place in a bright, warm spot and resume a steady watering schedule.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Full to partial sun for best flowering
💧 Keep soil moist, not soggy
🌡️ Protect from cold (below 50°F)
✂️ Prune after flowering for shape and bloom encouragement
🌸 Produces stunning purple star-shaped flowers
Brazilian Rain Tree
📖 About the Brazilian Rain Tree
The Brazilian Rain Tree is a tropical bonsai favorite, native to South America. It’s admired for its delicate compound leaves, elegant trunk with fluted bark, and unique nyctinastic behavior—the leaves fold up at night or during rain, giving the tree a “sleeping” appearance. With time, the bark exfoliates to reveal a smooth, pale surface, adding an aged and natural look.
This species is considered one of the most rewarding tropical bonsai due to its beauty, fast growth, and responsiveness to pruning.
☀️ Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light or full sun outdoors in warm climates.
Indoors, place by a south-facing window or under strong grow lights.
Protect from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
💧 Watering
Prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged.
Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil begins to dry.
Increase watering in hot months or active growth periods.
Enjoys high humidity—mist the foliage occasionally.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
As a tropical tree, it does best in warm, humid environments.
Protect from cold; bring indoors when temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
Keep away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Very responsive to pruning—regular trimming encourages fine branching.
Works well in informal upright, broom, or natural styles.
Avoid letting new shoots grow too long before trimming back.
🌱 Fertilizing
Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.
🌙 Unique Feature – Nyctinastic Leaves
Leaves close at night or when it rains.
After shipping, leaves may remain closed for several days due to stress—this is normal and temporary.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaves may arrive closed or drooping—this is normal. Provide light, warmth, and water, and they will reopen within a few days.
Allow the plant time to adjust before heavy pruning or repotting.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright light indoors / partial to full sun outdoors
💧 Keep soil consistently moist, never bone-dry
🌡️ Protect from temps below 50°F
✂️ Fast-growing, responds well to pruning
🌙 Leaves close at night or during rain
Schefflera Dwarf Bonsai
📖 About the Schefflera Bonsai
The Schefflera arboricola, also called Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is one of the most forgiving indoor bonsai species. With its glossy compound leaves, strong root structure, and ability to form beautiful aerial roots, it’s a popular choice for both beginners and advanced bonsai enthusiasts. Unlike Junipers, Schefflera bonsai thrive indoors and adapt well to a variety of environments.
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Can tolerate lower light levels better than most bonsai, making it great for homes and offices.
Can also grow outdoors in warm, tropical climates, but avoid harsh direct midday sun.
💧 Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
Schefflera enjoys higher humidity—occasional misting helps, especially in drier homes.
🚫 Do not let soil dry out completely.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Thrives between 60–85°F (15–29°C).
Protect from cold drafts; do not expose to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Great indoor bonsai for most climates.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Pruning: Schefflera is very responsive and will produce new shoots quickly after trimming.
Styling: Best suited for banyan-style bonsai because of its ability to produce dramatic aerial roots.
Wiring is possible, but clip-and-grow is often easier with this species.
🌱 Fertilizing
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce feeding to once a month in fall and winter when growth slows.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
May drop a few leaves when adjusting to a new environment—this is normal.
Place in a stable indoor location with good light and resume watering normally.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright, indirect light (indoor-friendly)
💧 Keep soil evenly moist, mist occasionally
🌡️ Avoid temps below 50°F (10°C)
✂️ Fast recovery from pruning, great for banyan-style
🌱 Fertilize regularly during active growth
Mini Green Jade (Variegated)
📖 About the Mini Jade Bonsai
The Mini Jade (Portulacaria afra), also called Elephant Bush or Small Leaf Jade, is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It’s a favorite in bonsai because of its tiny round leaves, fast growth, and extreme drought tolerance.
The Variegated Mini Jade adds a rare twist, with leaves patterned in soft cream and green tones, making it a stunning choice for collectors. Both are hardy, forgiving plants—perfect for beginners yet versatile enough for advanced bonsai training.
☀️ Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light.
Can tolerate full sun, but protect from scorching in very hot climates.
Indoors: place near a sunny south- or west-facing window for 4–6 hours of light daily.
💧 Watering
Being a succulent, Mini Jade stores water in its leaves and does best with infrequent watering.
Water deeply only when the soil is fully dry—typically once every 1–2 weeks.
🚫 Avoid overwatering, as it can quickly lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Protect from frost—bring indoors when temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
Enjoys dry air, no special humidity required.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Pruning: Responds very well—clip to encourage dense branching.
Excellent for informal upright, broom, and cascade styles.
Trunk and branches thicken quickly, making them rewarding to shape.
Leaves are small and naturally reduce in size, making them perfect for bonsai.
🌱 Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
Stop or reduce feeding in winter.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaves may wrinkle slightly after shipping but plump up once watered.
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors, to avoid sunburn.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright light, can handle full sun
💧 Water only when soil is fully dry
🌡️ Protect from temps under 50°F
✂️ Easy to prune, fast growth, great for shaping
🌱 Fertilize monthly in growing season
Fukien Tea
📖 About the Fukien Tea
The Fukien Tea Bonsai is a popular indoor species known for its shiny dark-green leaves, small white flowers, and tiny red berries. Native to China and Southeast Asia, this tree brings year-round beauty and is often considered a “classic” indoor bonsai for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Its glossy foliage and ability to flower multiple times a year make it a living piece of art for any space.
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Can handle some direct morning or late afternoon sun but avoid harsh midday rays.
Indoors, place near a south or west-facing window with filtered light.
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Mist the foliage occasionally to increase humidity.
Sensitive to overwatering—ensure the pot has good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Best kept in warm indoor conditions: 60–85°F (15–29°C).
Protect from cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, and frost.
Not frost-tolerant—bring indoors when temps fall below 55°F (13°C).
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Fukien Tea responds well to pruning and can be shaped year-round.
Pinch back new shoots to encourage a fuller canopy.
Can be styled into upright, informal upright, and broom styles.
🌱 Fertilizing
Fertilize every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Reduce feeding in winter months when growth slows.
A bloom booster (high in phosphorus) can encourage flowers when the tree is mature and healthy.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaf drop may occur after shipping—this is normal.
Place the tree in a warm, bright location and resume a steady watering schedule.
Within a week or two, new growth will appear.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright, indirect sunlight
💧 Keep soil moist but never soggy
🌡️ Protect from temps below 55°F
✂️ Pinch new growth to maintain shape
🌼 May produce tiny white flowers and red berries
Chinese Elm Tree
📖 About the Chinese Elm
The Chinese Elm is one of the most popular bonsai species worldwide, known for its graceful “S” shaped trunk, fine branching, and small serrated leaves. Native to China and Japan, this hardy species is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced bonsai enthusiasts. It adapts well to different environments and can be trained in many styles, making it a true classic in the bonsai world.
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light indoors or full sun outdoors.
Outdoors, it thrives best with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Indoors, place near a south- or west-facing window.
💧 Watering
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Avoid letting the root ball dry out completely—this can cause leaf drop.
Mist occasionally to provide humidity, especially in air-conditioned homes.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Hardy and adaptable: can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Outdoors, it withstands light frost but should be protected from freezing temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Indoors, keep away from cold drafts or direct heat vents.
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Responds very well to pruning—trim back new shoots to maintain shape.
Works beautifully in informal upright, broom, and cascade styles.
Fine ramification (branch structure) develops with consistent trimming.
🌱 Fertilizing
Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced bonsai fertilizer.
Reduce fertilizing in winter when growth slows.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaves may drop after transit—this is normal. With steady watering and light, new leaves will emerge.
Place in a bright, stable environment while it adjusts.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright, indirect light indoors / partial sun outdoors
💧 Keep soil moist but not soggy
🌡️ Protect from frost under 40°F
✂️ Easy to prune and style, great for beginners
🍃 Vigorous grower with elegant branching
Serissa Bonsai
📖 About the Serissa
The Serissa foetida, often called Snow Rose or Tree of a Thousand Stars, is a flowering bonsai admired for its tiny white blooms, delicate leaves, and elegant branching. Native to subtropical Asia, this bonsai can flower several times throughout the year when cared for properly, making it one of the most enchanting bonsai species.
It is considered more sensitive than other tropical bonsai, so consistency in care is essential. With patience and the right environment, it rewards growers with beautiful blossoms and refined structure.
☀️ Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light indoors or partial sun outdoors.
Avoid harsh midday sun, which may scorch the leaves.
Requires steady light exposure for consistent flowering.
💧 Watering
Keep soil slightly moist at all times, but avoid soggy conditions.
Water when the top of the soil feels just barely dry.
Serissas are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering—regular monitoring is key.
Prefers higher humidity; mist the foliage occasionally.
🌡️ Temperature & Climate
Ideal temperature: 60–75°F (15–24°C).
Avoid placing near drafts, heating vents, or sudden temperature changes.
Protect from cold—bring indoors if temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
✂️ Pruning & Styling
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage denser branching.
Can be styled in many bonsai forms (informal upright, broom, cascade).
Flowers typically appear on new growth—light trimming helps encourage blooming.
🌱 Fertilizing
Use a balanced bonsai fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce feeding during winter or dormant periods.
🌼 Flowering Notes
Produces tiny white (or sometimes pink-tinged) flowers several times per year.
Flowers best when given steady light, consistent watering, and moderate fertilization.
After shipping or repotting, flowering may pause temporarily.
📦 Post-Shipping Care
Leaves may yellow or drop due to stress from transit—this is normal and temporary.
Give the plant a stable location with bright light, warmth, and careful watering.
Avoid repotting or heavy pruning until it stabilizes.
✅ Quick Care Recap
🌞 Bright indirect light or partial sun
💧 Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
🌡️ Protect from temps below 50°F
✂️ Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooms
🌼 Flowers multiple times per year with proper care