Insights
Guides, tips and stories to help your bonsai thrive.
June 21, 2026
Bonsai Soil Mix: Akadama, Pumice, and Lava Rock Explained
Bonsai soil mix demystified: akadama, pumice, lava rock — what they do, ratios for each species, and what I have learned to avoid.
June 21, 2026
Repotting Bonsai: When and How to Do It Right
Repotting bonsai: when to intervene, what substrate to use, and how to care for the tree after repotting.
June 21, 2026
Yamadori Bonsai: Collecting Trees From Nature and Caring
Yamadori bonsai: how to collect trees from nature, first placement and care in the crucial early years.
June 21, 2026
Bonsai Fertilization: When, How Much, and What to Use
Bonsai fertilization: types, seasons, doses and common mistakes from Mediterranean practice.
June 21, 2026
Bonsai for Beginners: 5 Easy Species to Start With
Bonsai for beginners: the 5 easiest species to start with, from Chinese elm to wild olive.
June 21, 2026
Bonsai Summer Placement: Sun, Shade, and Sirocco
Bonsai summer placement: which species tolerate full sun and how to manage the Mediterranean sirocco.
June 21, 2026
Bonsai Ramification: How to Develop Fine, Dense Branching
Bonsai ramification: how to develop fine, dense branching with targeted pruning and defoliation.
May 26, 2026
Air Layering Bonsai: How I Multiply Trees Without Losing Them
Air layering bonsai: how I propagate trees in Mediterranean climate, with timing, materials, and aftercare from 20+ years of practice.
May 24, 2026
Is My Bonsai Dead or Dormant? How to Tell
Not sure if your bonsai is dead or dormant? Use the scratch test and bud check to find out, and learn what to do next.
May 24, 2026
Spider Mites on Bonsai: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Them
Spider mites on bonsai are easy to miss until the infestation is well established. Learn how to detect them early, treat effectively, and keep them from coming back.
May 22, 2026
Acer Bonsai Burned Leaves: Why Japanese Maples Suffer in Summer
Acer bonsai burned leaves are common in Mediterranean summer. Why Japanese maples are sensitive to sun and how to protect them, from 20+ years of practice.