Native Kowhai

How do I look after my bonsai?

We have care guides on our website and we also send you guide with your bonsai tree. Our guides have detailed instructions so you can confidently look after your miniature tree.

I am purchasing my bonsai as a gift, is it OK to keep the bonsai in its box for a few days until I give it as a gift?

Ideally, no. Most likely, the bonsai tree has already spent 2-3 days (in some rare cases, longer) in it's packaging. While bonsai trees can last for up to 10 days in the box (in a shaded spot), it would be very detrimental to the trees health. Place the bonsai tree in a hidden spot outside until you plan to give it as a gift. Don't bring it inside if it rains or is 'too cold'. If you have nowhere to hide it we can happily hold off sending the tree until a specified date in the future.

How big will my bonsai get?

Your bonsai will stay small with regular pruning. How fast your bonsai grows will depend on the health of the tree, how much you're feeding the tree, the size of the pot the tree is growing in, and of course, the tree species.

Can I keep my outdoor bonsai, inside?

Keep your bonsai outside unless you have an indoor specific bonsai such as a Ficus or Jade. You can display your outdoor bonsai indoors for up to 3 days at a time. 

Why do some bonsai have a higher price than others?

The price of a bonsai tree is determined by factors such as age and tree characteristics. An older tree is always going to cost more as more time is spent growing and working on the tree (each tree needs to be watered, fed, trimmed and looked after each year). Lastly, a trees characteristics play a part in the price. This considers the overall appearance of the bonsai tree. There are actually guidelines as to what makes a great bonsai, although these are just guidelines. 

How do I know when I need to re-pot my bonsai?

A sure sign that your tree needs to be re-potted is when roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot. Another obvious sign that re-potting is needed is when your bonsai turns a shade yellow and loses its vigor. Your care guide suggests the best time to re-pot your bonsai tree

Is bonsai a type of tree?

Bonsai is not a specific type of tree. A bonsai tree is the result of pruning and wiring techniques carried out on an ordinary tree. There are however species of tree that are better suited for bonsai. 

My tree looks different than the photograph?

Bonsai are living trees that continue to grow just like their larger relatives. With the help of pruning, we can keep the bonsai in shape. However, a tree goes will go through several cycles in a year. It may flower, lose its leaves, gain a significant number of leaves, or the leaves may turn a completely different colour! 

My bonsai tree arrived with wire on it

Bonsai wire is used to move branches into a desired position. Once the branch has set in its correct place, the wire can be removed. Since bonsai are in constant development, there is a chance that wire will still be on your bonsai tree. Remove the wire after a month of receiving your bonsai. To remove the wire, start from where the wire ends (the tip of a branch normally) and begin un-winding it. Make sure that one hand is holding the branch further up as you un-wind the wire. Alternatively use a pair of bonsai wire cutters.

Why are your prices lower?

Compared with other retailers, our prices are cheaper. Why is that? Well there isn't any decrease in quality, which some people might be led to think. We have been making bonsai trees since 2009. All of our bonsai are healthy, vigorous and will last for many years to come (if properly cared for). We simply charge what we feel is fair for the amount of time and effort we put into creating the tree.

Where can I learn more about bonsai?

There is a large amount of information on bonsai that you can find online. A good start is to research your particular tree species further. YouTube always has great videos from talented bonsai artists as well. Lastly, I encourage you to find out about your local bonsai club. These clubs often run monthly bonsai meetings and are a great place to get hands on advice and experience.