I am having trouble with my Juniper Bonsai, I am on my 3rd one. What is the trick?
Ans. The trick is to keep them in an east facing windowsill where it gets sun and it remains cool. Plant outside in the summer. You see, the tree needs to go dormant so you need to either keep it outside in the winter or by the windowsill. Many people keep them under a deck, in the garage, or even in the shed. They do not need too much sunlight in the winter, but....remember to water!

Which bonsai are best for indoors?
Ans. Any tropical or sub tropical tree -- there are so many to choose from. For example the Hawaiian umbrella trees do great indoors. They require little maintenance. A nice gift is an indoor flowering tree. Take a look here: Indoor Bonsai Trees. or Flowering Trees.

How do I know when to trim branches from my bonsai?
Ans. Your bonsai is already in its final shape when you receive it but you may change it whenever and however you like. Overtime your bonsai will grow and change its appearance. Pinch with your fingers, or try a nice pair of sheers. Check out our Bonsai Tools section.

What are the best bonsai trees to give to a beginner?
Ans. Tropical or semi-tropical trees are best because they do well indoors. The Hawaiian umbrella trees are best. They remain indoors all year round, just like a house plant. Take a look at our first bonsai tree section and indoor bonsai section. You may want to consider the bonsai starter kit.

When do I fertilize my bonsai?
Ans. Fertilizer should be applied on a monthly basis all year except winter, don't forget to water! There are liquid fertilizers and solid fertilizers that are usually pellets. The pellets simply sit on the soil and is absorbed into the fertilizer after you water.

If I wanted to transfer my bonsai to another pot, what soil do I use?
Ans. A good question. Typically, if your bonsai is a tropical bonsai use a tropical mix, and if a conifer use a conifer mix. They are both offered at Bonsai Boy of NY After more experience with bonsai, some like to prepare their own soils based on a mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The rule of thumb is that the soil must pass through the soil almost as quickly as it is poured in. Take a look at this site for a good article on bonsai soils: Soils for Containers and Bonsai.

Can I start a bonsai from scratch?
Ans. It is very difficult to start a bonsai tree from scratch, best to start off with a bonsai starter kit. But if you are daring...start off with a small Japanese maple or juniper. The sprouts can often be found around your house. That is the first step, then there challenge of making them into an art form. I recommend reading, taking some classes and some experimentation. Click here for some good books on Bonsai. Or if you would like to grow from a seed, check out some Bonsai seeds.

How often do I water my bonsai?
Ans. Bonsai trees must never be allowed to go completely dry, water well and allow to dry down without going completely dry and water again. Every few days is fine and don't forget to water in the winter too.

What is the best fertilizer to use?
Ans. Any fertilizer is good. Use at one half the manufacturers recommended strength and water the tree before applying any fertilizer so as not to burn the roots. You can apply liquid fertilizer or fertilizer pellets. Just a matter of preference. There are even organic fertilizers. Click here for fertilizer

I am afraid to put my indoor/outdoor bonsai outside, will it freeze? How do I do this?.
Ans. If your indoor/outdoor tree has not been acclimated to the cold (left outside through the fall) it is best to keep your indoor/outdoor bonsai on a windowsill until the outdoor temps stay above 45F at night. If you want to keep it outside, put in the garage, or even in the shed. You can even plant the bonsai perhaps on the side of the house, under an overhang or even under a deck. This provides more protection against the elements. Remeber it is a small specimen and the roots are very susceptible to the cold. So for this reason, many people bury the bonsai with the pot in the ground.

What is a good bonsai tree for a beginner, or somebody who has never had a bonsai?.
Ans. I recommend a Hawaiian Umbrella Tree. One for under $30 or a very small one. This is a nice tree, easy to maintain and it stays indoors. As easy to maintain as a house plant. He or she will love it!!

I want to learn about bonsai trees and was wondering if you had any information as how to get started?
Ans. There are many great links on the internet about bonsai. You can learn a lot from typing "the art of bonsai" into google. We also have a few books you can read that will help you get started -> Bonsai Books.
But if you would like some hands on experience, I recommend getting in touch with your town's or school district's adult education program. They usually have a class or two on learning bonsai. You get to create your own bonsai tree from scratch. You will also be shown the proper techniques of using the wire to shape the trees. These classes are a great place to start.