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 →

Getting Started with Bonsai

New to bonsai? Here are the fundamentals every beginner should know.

1

Start with Hardy Species

Chinese elm, juniper, and ficus are forgiving species perfect for beginners.

2

Water Properly

Water when the soil surface feels dry. Most bonsai die from overwatering.

3

Provide Adequate Light

Most bonsai need several hours of direct sunlight daily. Outdoor placement is often best.

4

Be Patient

Bonsai is measured in years, not weeks. Enjoy the journey of cultivation.

Recommended Resources

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

Jamestown finest bonsai afficianado.

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]