What if caring for a tiny tree could teach you patience, presence, and even a new way of looking at life? That, my friends, is the magic of the art of Bonsai. It is a very specific practice that requires very specific care that I often get questions about. And so today I've decided to re-release an old episode where I interviewed Bonsai master, Bjorn from Eisei-en Bonsai.

You might know him from his incredible YouTube videos all about Bonsai basics: what makes Bonsai different, their growing media, how you care for them, the fascinating history, and the philosophy behind Bonsai. I am so excited to re-release this episode because I just gifted my husband his first Bonsai, so I can't wait to send him this episode so he can support his bonsai that he's keeping in his office. 

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:04:44] How Bjorn became the bonsai expert he is today
• [00:05:35] How long does a bonsai apprenticeship take? What are typical duties for a bonsai apprentice?
• [00:07:31] Bjorn shares his experience in Japan and being an apprentice
• [00:09:16] How to properly pronounce ‘bonsai’ and what it means
• [00:09:40] What is a bonsai? How do you classify a tree as a bonsai tree?
• [00:10:56] Can you turn any tree into a bonsai?
• [00:11:54] Apical dominance vs lateral dominance
• [00:14:14] How to measure bonsais and the different bonsai size classifications: shohin and chuhin
• [00:16:03] Where did bonsais originate from?
• [00:17:43] How do you differentiate between indoor bonsais and outdoor bonsais? What are great plants for both types?
• [00:19:29] How much light do bonsais need?
• [00:20:25] The basic bonsai potting mix: pumice, lava rock, and akadama (yes, it’s Japanese!)
• [00:22:01] How much fertilizer does your bonsai need? What kind of fertilizer should you apply to your bonsai?
• [00:23:26] Bonsai and teabags: how to ‘tea’ your bonsai when adding fertilizer
• [00:24:19] Why growing bonsais is about practicing control
• [00:25:00] How to take care of sick bonsai trees and what the long-term goal is for growing bonsais
• [00:26:02] What bonsais can teach us about patience
• [00:26:20] Where to get the best soil mixes for all plant needs
• [00:27:36] How to keep deer and wildlife from your garden
• [00:29:27] Do you want your bonsais to bloom?
• [00:30:51] How often should you water bonsais? Bjorn gives us the how-to and why’s on watering bonsais
• [00:34:32] Bonsai and shade cloths: where should you place your bonsai? What is a bonsai’s ideal light situation?
• [00:36:20] Bonsai pruning 101
• [00:37:32] Plant nerd facts: what are the growth hormones auxin and cytokine and what do they do?
• [00:40:05] Why are bonsai trees in small and shallow pots?
• [00:41:20] How much of a bonsai tree’s roots should you prune?
• [00:42:48] Why spring is the best time to prune your bonsai
• [00:43:41] Root galls and how to properly remove them
• 00:45:58] How do you prune bonsai shoots? When and how do you use copper or aluminum wires to shape your bonsai?
• [00:49:32] The concept of mochikomi
• [00:50:28] The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to bonsais
• [00:52:08] Bjorn’s recommendations for beginner bonsai growers
• [00:55:39] Where to get the best bonsais online
• [00:56:43] Winterizing your bonsai tree
• [00:58:27] What is the best bonsai tree pest treatment?
• [01:00:10] Why everyone should try bonsai!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Knoxville Bonsai Society
• Brussels Bonsai
• Eisei-en Bonsai's YouTube video Sekka Hinoki from Simple Material
• Bloom and Grow's YouTube video Top 5 Bonsai Trees (Indoor and Outdoor Options) with Bjorn from Eisei-en Bonsai

 

Ready to learn how a tiny tree can grow your joy?

Check out the full show notes and blog for the philosophy and basic care principles that make Bonsai a beautiful, lifelong practice!

 

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