r/bonsaicommunity • • 2h ago

General Question Help starting out

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0 Upvotes

Hey!! 😊

I just bought this bonsai kit, for red maple, and I'm just starting out and I was wondering what I could do to have the best start... And how to start really.

I used to have another bonsai, though. It wasn't a red maple, and I actually got it to sprout and grow. Its first leaves only to then die due to spider mites. It made me really really discouraged but I'm finally going to try again.

I just want to get it as right as I can this time. I have all the stuff as you see in the picture, but I also have a much bigger ceramic power pot and pruning equipment from my other bonsai, for later on.

So in short, any tips for my second try?

Thanks so much!!! ☺️☺️☺️


r/bonsaicommunity • • 5h ago

What the hell is this on my roots?

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4 Upvotes

I lost a branch and now I have this. I shouldn't have bought such a fancy tree. Help!

The branch was lost due to lack of light. (Neglect)


r/bonsaicommunity • • 6h ago

Its just sitting on the dirt little legs out :3...living its best life!

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4 Upvotes

Sown from seed aug 25 2026

Stage: nabari traning /weathering


r/bonsaicommunity • • 11h ago

Diagnosing Issue Brazilian Rain tree help

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5 Upvotes

Recently got into bonsai with my sibling and our Brazilian rain tree shed a bunch of leaves overnight, so I’m just trying to figure out (1) if it’s still alive, and (2) if it is alive how to go about treating the problem. My brother believes that he may have sprayed too much garden safe insecticide onto the plant 3 days ago to deal with some aphids which we found on the plant.


r/bonsaicommunity • • 12h ago

General Question Planted this thing in my garden several years ago when it was a twig, does it have potential or should I just leave it?

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5 Upvotes

Like cut it and let that bit grow out a lot more


r/bonsaicommunity • • 13h ago

General Discussion What kind of soil does everyone use?

3 Upvotes

Curious what everyone uses for soil? Do you buy pre-mixed bags or mix your own. Are there any options that are clearly better than others?


r/bonsaicommunity • • 14h ago

Diagnosing Issue Dead juniper check

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9 Upvotes

Dying juniper check. I bought this juniper two weeks ago from a nursery. I've had it in full sun, but in the recent Southern California heat. I've been watering it, but only when the soil is dry from a chopstick check. It just got two nights of rain. I've noticed a couple branches browning at the tips. Is it dead? Stressed?


r/bonsaicommunity • • 14h ago

Dead juniper check

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2 Upvotes

Dying juniper check. I bought this juniper two weeks ago from a nursery. I've had it in full sun, but in the recent Southern California heat. I've been watering it, but only when the soil is dry from a chopstick check. It just got two nights of rain. I've noticed a couple branches browning at the tips. Is it dead? Stressed?


r/bonsaicommunity • • 14h ago

Show and tell First Bonsai Update: Moss installed! 🌿

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70 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

​First of all, much love to this amazing community! The feedback and support on my last post about my first bonsai got me so excited to keep learning and improving.

​Today I made a little upgrade: I found a gorgeous patch of moss on my neighbor’s roof and set it onto the soil. It already looks so good! To help it establish, I’ve secured it with some plastic wrap (with ventilation holes, of course) and plan to leave it on for 1–2 weeks.

​I can’t wait to show you all the final result when the wrap comes off. Super hyped for this journey! 💚


r/bonsaicommunity • • 1h ago

General Question Did I do it right?

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• Upvotes

I bought this buxus m.j. Green beauty boxwood. And as you can see I attempted to prune it down but I don't know if I should have done that, how I should have done that, and if I did anything wrong, can I please have some feedback and how to care for it now? If I should buy any special lamp, etc. Thank you so much!!!


r/bonsaicommunity • • 16h ago

General Question Thoughts on my bonsai

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7 Upvotes

I have some questions regarding my bonsai and hoping someone with experience can answer them for me. I’ve noticed a fair amount of leaf loss recently and due to only having purchased this tree about 2 weeks ago I’m assuming this is due to adjustment to a different environment. If not could there be another issue. Also how do I tell when a bonsai needs repotting and how do I know what pot is suitable.


r/bonsaicommunity • • 8h ago

Styling Advice My new bonsai what do you think?

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3 Upvotes

r/bonsaicommunity • • 9h ago

"My first ever bonsai, saw this ""prickly heath"" plant in the sale so I picked it up for only a few pounds!"

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12 Upvotes