Garden Guide: Grow a tree anywhere with Bonsai

Bonsai may seem complicated, but if you follow these steps, it's an easy and rewarding hobby that makes gardening possible no matter where you live!

Alex Calamia

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Apr 23, 2025, 9:48 AM

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Updated 2 hr ago

If you love trees but don’t have space for them, bonsai is for you. With bonsai, you can grow mature trees that stay small and live for generations. It's an art form that brings the grandeur of large trees into the palm of your hand.

I visited, Chris Hayes, co-founder of Long Island Bonsai Supply in Melville, NY. He has been nurturing bonsai trees for more than 20 years. Chris says he's always loved trees, but didn't have the room for grow them - until he started to grow bonsai. You can’t grow a redwood in your backyard, but you can create a redwood forest in miniature right on a slab of rock.

Although bonsai may seem intimidating, it's easy as long as you take the time to care for your trees. Here’s how you can get started with this rewarding hobby

Step-by-Step: How to Grow and Care for a Bonsai Tree

Choose the Right Tree

Start with a species that suits your climate in the house, or can survive our winters outside. Popular beginner trees include:

Ficus (these tropical trees are great indoors)
Juniper (easy to shape and survive outside)
Japanese Maple (More delicate, but also cold tolerant)

Understand the Soil

Unlike traditional garden soil, bonsai soil is inorganic and coarse, allowing roots to breathe and water to drain quickly. The typical mix includes:

Akadama – to retain water
Pumice – to help the roots with nutrient absorption
Lava rock – promotes drainage and aeration

Roots are the most important part of a bonsai — a healthy root system makes for a healthy tree.

Watering is Key

According to Chris, overwatering is the No. 1 mistake both beginners and experienced hobbyists make. One tip is for your soil mix to match your watering habits:

Add more akadama for water-loving species.
Use a drier mix if you water too frequently.

You can use your finger to check moisture levels daily, and never let your tree dry out completely. Chris also has ferns growing in some of his larger bonsai. They're a good sign of water issues because the ferns will show signs of drought stress before the trees will.

Shaping and Styling

Once your tree is established, you can begin styling:

Wiring: If the branches aren't growing the direction you want, wiring can bend and shape them to your desired form.
Pruning: Trim the tops and branches to control height and encourage ramification (fine branching). Don't prune off too much of the tree at one time because this promotes a flush of growth.

Pottery is just as important as shaping your trees

“A good pot accentuates the tree,” Chris says, “it doesn’t detract from it.” Consider color, shape, and texture when pairing pots with trees.

Bonsai don't have huge root systems so you can be very creative about the type of pottery you use. Chris creates unique pieces, like a Japanese maple growing out of a handmade hanging cement container. It looks like a comet!

Fertilize Smartly

Because bonsai grow in small containers and inorganic soil, they need regular feeding — but less is more. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers because these encourage uncontrolled growth. Instead:

Use a low-nitrogen organic fertilizer for mature trees. Well balanced fertilizers like fish emulsion work here.
Consider higher nitrogen fertilizers on young tree saplings if you're looking to increase the thickness of the trunk (known as nebari, or base flare).

Common Bonsai Mistakes

Overwatering: This is the most frequent issue.
Poor soil choice: Regular potting mix won't encourage the proper bonsai root system.
Over-fertilizing: Bonsai trees need fertilizer, but fertilizers that encourage growth can ruin their shape.
Wrong tree, wrong environment: Always consider the growing requirements for your tree. Some bonsai can survive the winter outside, some need a sunny windowsill instead.

Feeling inspired? Where to go next!

Bonsai blends art, horticulture, and mindfulness. You don’t need a yard or even a patio — a single windowsill can host a tiny forest.

Shop and Visit Chris at: Long Island Bonsai Supply, Dix Hills, NY - The nursery is located at Koi Market Aquatic Nursery right off the Long Island Expressway

Join the Community: Long Island Bonsai Society – Connect with other bonsai lovers, attend workshops, and learn from experts.