Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Whether you’re buying your first bonsai, looking for the perfect gift, or simply want to know more about caring for your tree, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.

Is there a receipt in the box?

No. As many of our bonsai are purchased as gifts, we don’t include receipts or order confirmations inside the package. Your order confirmation and receipt are sent to the billing email address provided when you place your order. Gift messages and bonsai care instructions are included with the tree where applicable.

What should I do when my bonsai arrives?

Your bonsai has been carefully prepared and watered before dispatch. Once your tree arrives, carefully remove it from the packaging. Check the soil and follow the directions on the care guide included. Your tree should then be placed in the appropriate location for its species.

Don’t worry if your bonsai looks slightly different after its journey. A little movement, leaf drop or minor stress can occasionally occur following transportation and changes in environment. Full care instructions are provided with every bonsai.

How long can my bonsai stay in the box?

All bonsai are thoroughly watered before dispatch to help prevent them from drying out during transit.

In our experience, most bonsai should be fine in their packaging for around 5 days after delivery. However, this can vary depending on the species and conditions. We recommend unpacking your bonsai as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.

Can I overwater my bonsai?

Yes. Although bonsai need regular watering, constantly keeping the soil saturated can cause problems with the roots. The aim is to keep the tree appropriately hydrated while allowing the soil to begin drying before the next thorough watering. Always make sure excess water can drain freely from the drainage holes in the pot.

How do I know if my bonsai needs water?

The easiest way is to check the soil. If the soil feels damp, your bonsai probably doesn’t need watering yet. If it feels barely damp, it is time to water thoroughly. It’s better to check your bonsai regularly than to rely on a strict watering timetable.

How should I water my bonsai?

When your bonsai needs watering, water it thoroughly from above until water begins to run from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root system receives water. Allow excess water to drain away and never leave your bonsai standing in a tray of water for prolonged periods.

How do I feed my bonsai?

Bonsai need nutrients to remain healthy and produce new growth. We recommend feeding indoor bonsai weekly with Bonsai Direct Fertiliser. Outdoor bonsai should generally be fed weekly during the growing season, from March to October.

Always follow the instructions on your chosen fertiliser.

Find out how to feed your bonsai

Where should I put my indoor bonsai?

Indoor bonsai should be placed somewhere with plenty of natural daylight. Avoid very hot or draughty locations and keep your bonsai away from radiators, heaters and other sources of heat. We also recommend avoiding positions immediately next to televisions or other appliances that may create heat.

Although your bonsai needs plenty of light, avoid placing it in strong, direct sunlight unless the care instructions for your particular species recommend it.

Can I put my bonsai outside?

This depends on the species of bonsai.

Some bonsai species are naturally suited to outdoor conditions and should spend much of the year outside. Other species are grown as indoor bonsai and need protection from cold temperatures. Always check the care instructions supplied with your particular tree before deciding where to position it.

How much light does my bonsai need?

Light is essential for a healthy bonsai. As a general rule, bonsai should be placed somewhere with good natural daylight. However, the ideal amount of light varies between species.

If your bonsai is an indoor variety, avoid placing it in a dark corner or somewhere with very little natural light.

Why is my bonsai losing leaves?

Leaf loss can happen for a number of reasons and does not always mean that your bonsai is dying. A bonsai may lose leaves because of a change in environment, transportation, changes in temperature or light, watering problems or natural seasonal behaviour.

First, check that your bonsai is receiving the correct amount of light and water for its species. If you’re concerned about your tree, contact us with details of the bonsai and, where possible, photographs so we can help.

My bonsai looks different from when I bought it. Is this normal?

Yes. Bonsai are living trees, so their appearance naturally changes over time. Your tree may produce new leaves and shoots, lose older leaves, change colour with the seasons or develop new growth. The bonsai you receive may also look slightly different from photographs shown online because each tree is unique.

Choosing Your Bonsai

Do bonsai stay small?

Bonsai are trained and maintained to remain miniature, but they are still living trees. They will continue to grow and require regular care such as watering, feeding, pruning and, when necessary, repotting to maintain their health and shape.

Do bonsai need pruning?

Yes. Pruning is an important part of maintaining a bonsai. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape and can encourage healthy new growth. The amount and timing of pruning depends on the species and the time of year.

If you’re new to bonsai, always make sure you know which type of pruning your particular tree requires before cutting it.

Do bonsai need repotting?

Eventually, all bonsai will need to be repotted.

Repotting provides fresh growing medium and gives the roots room to remain healthy. However, it should not be done unnecessarily and the correct timing depends on the species, age and condition of the tree. If you have purchased a bonsai from us, it will not need repotting for at least a year.

Still Have Questions?

We know that every bonsai is different, and sometimes you need advice specific to your tree.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.