Learning Resources
Guides, tips, and links to help you on your bonsai journey
Free bonsai care library
Bonsai Wonderland is a free, ad-free care reference we recommend to members: 169 species care guides, a diagnose-by-symptom problem finder, and an honest “most common cause of death” for every tree — the fastest way to keep your bonsai alive.
Explore the care library →Bonsai care guides
In-depth, free guides from the Bonsai Wonderland care library — from choosing your first tree to watering, repotting, styling, and seasonal care.
Getting Started with Bonsai
New to bonsai? Here are the fundamentals every beginner should know.
Start with Hardy Species
Chinese elm, juniper, and ficus are forgiving species perfect for beginners.
Water Properly
Water when the soil surface feels dry. Most bonsai die from overwatering.
Provide Adequate Light
Most bonsai need several hours of direct sunlight daily. Outdoor placement is often best.
Be Patient
Bonsai is measured in years, not weeks. Enjoy the journey of cultivation.
Recommended Resources
Every Bonsai Hobbiest Needs A Succession Plan
Resource helps collectors create a Succession plan for their prized Bonsai Trees and other Bonsai possessions. Bonsai is a generational hobby, trees will far outlive their owners in most cases, take care of this for loved ones so they don’t have to worry about it.
Rootpods - Best air layering option out their -grower tested.
Grower tested and approved, this design of as air layering pod has solved most of the issues that exist with pre made pods and makes the process of applying and managing dozens of air layers fast and efficient.
Bonsai Wonderland
An informational site that will help you determine the best way to care for your trees, let you diagnose issues, or shop for necessities.
Pine Seedlings as Bonsai Material
Early work on pine seedlings to set the up as future useful bonsai materials.
Bonsai Care - Juniper (Nana)
Holly's guide to juniper care.
HoneyHill Bonsai
Honey hill Bonsai Growers is a micro- nursery located north of Charleston. We offer pre-bonsai of all sizes and ages from seedlings to field grown trunks that are decades in the making. Kyle Purvis owner and on site artist teaches at the on-site studio, as well as offers workshops, tree styling, emergency care and boarding services for those traveling. To inquire about services or materials email [email protected].
Making it Grow - Bonsai Basics:How to get started
Our own Jim from Growing-Hobby.com at the PeeDee State Farmers Market is demonstrating...
Propagating Black Pine Bonsai
Black Pine seedling propagation
Herons Bonsai
My, Jay Jordan's, favorite bonsai channel.
Bonsai Mirai
Awesome videos on how to style and maintian a lot of different types of bonsai.
Club Library
Members have access to our lending library, which includes over 100 bonsai books, magazines, and instructional DVDs. Borrow materials at any monthly meeting and return them within 30 days.
Our collection covers topics from basic care to advanced styling, species-specific guides, pot selection, display techniques, and more.
Popular titles include:
- The Complete Book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson
- Bonsai Techniques I & II by John Naka
- The Art of Bonsai by Yuji Yoshimura
- Bonsai with American Trees by Paul Weismantel
Know a Great Resource?
Help fellow members discover valuable bonsai content. If you've found a helpful book, website, or video, let us know and we'll consider adding it to our recommendations.
Send suggestions to [email protected]