Shears are an essential part of Bonsai and should be every Bonsai artists first tool.
These shears are ideal for the pruning of leaves, small branches and even root pruning to help focus the Bonsai's energy on the growing leaves, branches and roots you desire.
The reason for shears of this type being so popular among Bonsai artists is their ability to be precise and delicate. Unlike garden variety shears and scissors, these tend to get your pruning closer to the main branch, not leaving undesirable bumps on the branches.
Plus, they just feel awesome.
These handmade shears are the most popular variety in North America, given their familiarity as they function like scissors.
Long Handle Shears are 8" long and 3" wide at the handles. Since they are handmade, please allow for slight variations.
These handmade shears are the most popular variety in Japan, given their large handle and precise cut. Also easy to use with gloves.
Butterfly Shears are 7" long and 4" wide at the handles. Since they are handmade, please allow for slight variations.
Bowed Shears are a perfect blend of a traditional butterfly type bow and smaller handles. Giving users complete control of delicate and intricate work while feeling familiar like scissors.
Bowed Shears are 7.5" long and 3" wide at the handles. Since they are handmade, please allow for slight variations.
Much like the handmade version, these shears are a precision cutting tool. But instead of Carbon Steel they are machined from Stainless Steel and equipped with a plastic handle for a more comfortable feel.
Plastic Long Handle Shears are 8" long and 3" wide at the handle.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
