Got a Bonsai for Christmas? Here's how to look after it.

So you’ve just received a bonsai this Christmas, and you might be thinking, “Oh no… what do I do with this little tree?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Bonsai care can be simple, fun, and surprisingly relaxing. With a little guidance, you’ll be enjoying your bonsai in no time.

Finding the Right Spot

Bonsai love sunlight, but they don’t want to get scorched. Find a bright spot with morning sun and gentle afternoon light. Avoid dark corners or places right in front of strong air-conditioning vents or drafty windows as sudden changes in temperature and wind can stress your bonsai.

Watering Made Simple

Watering is the main way to keep your bonsai happy. During summer, check the soil daily by putting your finger about 1 cm into its soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. If it’s still moist, wait half a day to a day and check again.  Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to water, so your bonsai can absorb the moisture without it evaporating too quickly in the midday sun.

Spraying the leaves can help with humidity, but it doesn’t replace proper root watering. Overwatering and underwatering are the two most common mistakes, so keep an eye on soil moisture will help you get it just right.

Feeding Your Bonsai

Spring and Autumn are the main growing seasons, and your bonsai will benefit from a little fertiliser. A bonsai-specific fertiliser or a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–4 weeks is perfect. This keeps it healthy, leafy, and vibrant. In winter, your bonsai will slow down naturally, so you can pause fertilising until it starts growing again.

Pruning and Shaping

Bonsai grow, and a few gentle snips now and then will keep it tidy and encourage the shape you love. Remove new shoots that you don't want, as well as any dead or yellowing leaves. You don’t always need special scissors, small clean gardening scissors can work fine for a while, but as the bonsai grows you'll want to invest in specialty scissors that make the job easier and more accurate. Step back regularly to admire the overall shape and enjoy the process. Remember, bonsai are living art, and perfection isn’t the goal.

Seasonal Care in a New Zealand Summer

Christmas in New Zealand is summer, so your bonsai will need a little seasonal attention. Protect it from intense midday sun with a spot that offers afternoon shade. Keep an eye out for tiny pests. Wiping leaves or using an eco-friendly spray usually does the trick. Check the soil frequently, because heat can dry it out quickly. Also watch for signs of stress, like browning leaves or curling, which can indicate too much sun, water, or drafts.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make little mistakes. Overwatering or underwatering is common, so check the soil, water only when dry, and let excess water drain.

Light can also be tricky. Too dark, and the bonsai may get leggy; too hot, and the leaves can burn.

Move it as needed to keep it comfortable.

Neglecting pruning can lead to a messy shape, but a few gentle snips will help.

Drafts from open windows or air conditioning can stress your tree, so choose a calmer location if needed.

Pests can appear occasionally, but a quick wipe or gentle spray usually solves the problem.

Enjoying Your Bonsai

Bonsai are more than just plants, they’re a chance to slow down and enjoy a little piece of nature. Place it somewhere you’ll see it often, and take a moment each day to admire its shape and growth. Growth is slow and steady, and that’s part of the charm. Even if you forget about it for a few days, your bonsai is generally forgiving, but daily checks during summer will help it thrive.

Think of your bonsai as a tiny, living piece of art. With a little love, attention, and patience, it will reward you with beauty, calm, and a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy every moment!