Watering, pruning, placement & beginner tips
Bonsai is not a plant species — it is an art form. A tree that lives in a tray and still looks like an ancient giant.
The word bonsai comes from Japanese and means “planting in a tray.” It is not a specific tree species, but a technique — in theory, any tree can become a bonsai. In Japan, bonsai is an art form that has been practiced for over a thousand years. In Europe, it is a hobby that has grown significantly in recent years.
That’s exactly what this is about: the basics of bonsai care — no esoteric nonsense, just practical tips that actually work.
Quick profile: Bonsai
What bonsai is: a shaping technique, not a species
Origin: China (origin), Japan (perfection)
Indoor varieties: ficus, Carmona, privet
Outdoor varieties: maple, pine, juniper
Location: depends on the variety (indoor/outdoor)
Watering: regularly, never let it dry out
Lifespan: decades to centuries
Difficulty: moderate to demanding
Indoor vs. Outdoor Bonsai
The most important point many beginners don’t know: most bonsai belong outdoors. Japanese maples, pines, junipers, beeches — these are trees that need the seasons, including cold winters. Keeping them indoors is like locking a dog in a drawer.
Indoor bonsai are tropical or subtropical varieties that can stay indoors all year round: Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng' (the most common bonsai for beginners), Carmona (Fukien tea), privet, and Sageretia. They need plenty of light and cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C.
Outdoor bonsai stay outside all year round — on the balcony, terrace, or in the garden. In winter, they need protection to prevent the pot from freezing solid (wrap it in fleece, place it on Styrofoam), but they still need to experience the cold. In Austria, native species such as hornbeam, field maple, and larch do especially well.
Important: Keeping an outdoor bonsai (e.g. Japanese maple) indoors permanently does not work. It will die within a few months. Conversely, an indoor bonsai (e.g. ficus) must not overwinter outdoors in Austria.
Watering Bonsai
Watering bonsai is the most critical part of care. Bonsai sit in very small pots with little soil — they dry out much faster than regular potted plants. In summer, that can mean watering daily, sometimes even twice a day.
The rule is: Water when the surface of the soil has dried slightly. Not on a schedule, but as needed. More often in summer, less in winter. Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
Tip: The immersion method works best: Place the entire pot in a tub of water until no more air bubbles rise. Then take it out and let it drain. This ensures the entire soil mass is evenly moistened.
Pruning Bonsai
Pruning bonsai is at the heart of the bonsai art. There are two types of pruning:
Maintenance pruning: Regularly trim back new shoots to maintain the shape. On deciduous trees, cut new shoots back to two or three leaves once they have five or six leaves. This encourages branching and keeps the tree compact.
Structural pruning: More intensive pruning to reshape the tree’s basic form. Best done in spring, before new growth begins. This is when you decide which branches stay and which go — it takes experience and a good eye for proportion.
Bonsai for Beginners
The best bonsai for beginners is the Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'. It forgives care mistakes, also tolerates darker spots, and is affordable. At MoBlumen, it is available from EUR 25.00.
Other good bonsai for beginners: Chinese privet (robust, tolerates pruning well), Sageretia (beautiful small leaves), and for outdoors, hornbeam (native, winter-hardy, very tolerant of pruning).
What beginners should avoid: expensive Japanese pines or junipers — they are demanding and do not forgive mistakes. Start by practicing with a sturdy ficus, then work your way up.
Bonsai at MoBlumen Vienna
Bonsai trees — from EUR 25.00, delivery in Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bonsai
In theory, just as old as a tree in nature — centuries. In Japan, there are bonsai that are over 500 years old. A well-cared-for bonsai can easily live for decades and be passed down from generation to generation.
No. A bonsai is not being tortured — it is being cared for. The technique uses natural growth processes. The tree is regularly pruned, fertilized, and repotted. A well-cared-for bonsai is healthy and can live for centuries. It is more comparable to topiary pruning in the garden.
For indoor bonsai: too little light, overwatering, or drafts. For outdoor bonsai in autumn: normal — deciduous trees shed their leaves in autumn. For outdoor bonsai in summer: too dry, sunburn, or pests.
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