Bonsai Tools for Beginners: What to Buy First

You don’t need a full tool kit to start growing bonsai. Bonsai care comes down to four tasks: watering, pruning, wiring and repotting. Only watering happens every day; the rest follow the seasons and the way your tree grows.

This guide separates the tools you need for your first tree from the ones you can buy later.

Tools to get first

A fine-rose watering can

Watering is the most basic part of bonsai care and is usually done daily. Bonsai pots are small and dry out quickly, so this is the tool you will use most. Our guide on how often to water a bonsai explains how to judge when it needs water.

A strong stream of water can wash soil out of the pot. Choose a can with a fine rose that releases water gently.

Pruning shears

Pruning removes unwanted or overgrown branches to shape the tree. Ordinary garden shears will do at first, but for small twigs the narrow blades of bonsai pruning shears are much easier to work with.

A cut branch cannot be put back, so picture the finished tree before you cut.

Tools that can wait

Training wire

Metal wire is wrapped around branches to guide the direction they grow. Because the wire must not damage the branch, it’s easier to start once you are comfortable with watering and pruning. Soft aluminum wire is the usual choice for beginners.

Concave cutter

Used to remove thicker branches at the base. It leaves a hollow cut that heals over less visibly. You will only need one once you start removing larger branches.

If you are planning a trip to Japan, Japanese-made tools are easy to pack, while living trees are not — see whether you can bring a bonsai home from Japan.

Tools in this guide

• Fine-rose watering canGet first
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• Bonsai pruning shearsGet first
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• Aluminum training wireLater
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• Concave branch cutterLater
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