FAQs - Bonsai frequently asked questions

Here you will find expertly answered frequently asked questions relating to Bonsai Trees, Bonsai Care, Bonsai Soil, Bonsai Pots and more.

 

Bonsai Trees

Here are some of the top questions we receive about Bonsai trees.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Yorkshire bonsai is here to help you enjoy the beautiful ancient art of bonsai.

The browning of leaves on your Buddhist pine (Podocarpus micro) could be due to several factors:

  1. Underwatering: Buddhist pines prefer consistently moist soil. If the soil is too dry for extended periods, it can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Check the moisture level of the soil and ensure it's kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
  2. Overwatering: While they like moisture, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can also cause leaves to brown. Ensure that the pot has good drainage, and you're not letting the roots sit in water.
  3. Light Conditions: Buddhist pines prefer bright, indirect light. If the tree is placed in too much direct sunlight, the leaves may burn, leading to browning. Conversely, too little light can stress the plant and cause browning leaves.
  4. Nutrient Deficiency: If the soil lacks essential nutrients, the tree may start to show signs of stress, such as browning leaves. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer could help address this.
  5. Temperature or Humidity: Sudden temperature changes or exposure to cold drafts can stress the tree, causing the leaves to turn brown. Similarly, if the indoor humidity is too low, it could cause leaf damage.

The best types of Bonsai tree for the UK would be a Ficus and Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

A Ficus can do well indoors in normal conditions, good for when the colder Autumn and Winter months come round.

A Chinese Elm can also do well indoors, but also thrive with some outdoor time during summer.

The best types of indoor Bonsai tree would be a Ficus, a Chinese Privet and a Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

A Ficus can do well indoors in normal conditions, good for when the colder Autumn and Winter months come round.

A Chinese Elm can also do well indoors, as they are a hardy species.

Check out our full indoor bonsai tree collection to select your perfect tree.

The best types of Bonsai tree for the beginners would be a Ficus bonsai tree or a Juniper bonsai tree.

A Ficus does best indoors while a Juniper can do well outdoors.

However, ensure to protect from frost during the winter months.

The best types of Bonsai tree safe for pets would be;

  • Juniper
  • Fukien Tea
  • Pine
  • Spruce
  • Elm

Bonsai is an ancient art of caring for a tree which is kept in a container/pot.

Bonsai first originated in the ancient Chinese empire and has grown in popularity worldwide,

See examples of Bonsai Trees here.

We recommend repotting your bonsai tree approximately every 2-3 years depending on the size of the tree.

Ensure you replenish the soil and check the root health when you repot the tree for long lasting bonsai health.

We recommend repotting your bonsai tree in the Spring. Only do this approximately every 2-3 years depending on the size of the tree.

Ensure you replenish the soil and check the root health when you repot the tree for long lasting bonsai health.

Like most trees, Bonsai can lose their leaves due to the season.

However, some trees can lose their leaves due to the stress of moving location.

Another reason a bonsai may lose its leaves is it may be a sign of inadequate care. Under/over watering, poor location, temperature or improper soil/fertiliser.

Ensure to read the appropriate Bonsai tree care guide to help your tree thrive.

Bonsai Pots

Here are some of the top questions we receive about Bonsai Pots


Our pots are best described as frost resistant. Generally, they will tolerate being outdoors throughout Winter, however, as they are hand made, it is possible that there are micro imperfections in the clay which, during the most extreme colds of Winter, could potentially allow tiny droplets of water in. When these droplets freeze and expand it is possible the pots could crack. Although we've never actually experience this happen thus far, it is possible and for that reason we cannot say the pots are "Frost Proof" but, for the vast majority, they will survive a normal UK Winter fine. Actually, a common cause of pots cracking arises from allowing the roots of the tree to grow too much, before trimming back and repotting. It is worth checking each of your trees before Winter arrives to ensure they have enough room to grow as Winter subsides and Spring starts to move in. Additionally, if a particularly cold patch of weather is expected, then you can always be extra safe and temporarily move your trees indoors, or into a cold-frame, for that added layer of protection.

Typically a bonsai tree is kept in a small or shallow pot for a desired aesthetic or for the health of the bonsai tree.

A shallow bonsai pot will allow for better water drainage.

Repotting your bonsai tree is essential for them to slowly adjust to the small area.

See our Bonsai Pots here.

Traditionally the best material for a Bonsai pot is a ceramic or porcelain.

This is because of the way they are made it helps them not retain or absorb water to help the health of your tree.

See our Bonsai Pots here.

Bonsai Soil

Here are some of the top questions we receive about Bonsai Soil

When choosing the ideal soil and substrate mixture for your bonsai tree you should always look at the specific Bonsai care guide for your tree.

Once you know the ideal type and mixture, Yorkshire Bonsai has a wide range of Bonsai Soil and Substrates to choose from.

Shipping policy

We currently primarily only ship inside the UK. However, if you would like an item delivered outside of this area then please get in touch with us and we can provide a cost.

All UK orders are generally delivered within 5 working days. Expedited delivery can be purchased during the checkout with Express (2-3 days) and Next Day (next working day) options available.

Returns and exchanges

Our returns policy contains more detailed information but below are the most frequently asked questions.

Contact our support team using the customer support links in the footer and we can provide you with a shipping label - this would need to be printed and attached to the parcel securely.

The cost of returning an item, or items, depends on many factors; the time that has passed since the order was received, the reason for return, the condition of the item being returned, the type of item being returned.

Please contact us before returning any item(s) so that we can assess what is required.