“Bonsai Survival Guide” : “5 Winter Bonsai Mistakes to Avoid”

Think your bonsai is safe this winter? Think again! Winter can be a challenging season for bonsai trees, especially if you’re new to bonsai care. Small mistakes during this time can lead to significant damage—or even the death—of your tree. In this quick but essential video, we’re highlighting the 5 common winter mistakes that could be putting your bonsai at risk and showing you how to avoid them. Overwatering: Bonsai trees need much less water in winter due to their slower growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in dormant outdoor bonsai. Always check the soil first—if it feels dry, water sparingly. Exposure to Extreme Cold: Many bonsai species can handle chilly temperatures, but sudden freezes can damage their roots and branches. Protect your tree with mulch, move it to a cold frame, or bring it to a sheltered spot. Delicate species? Consider an unheated garage or indoor space. Dry, Heated Indoor Air: Indoor bonsai, like Ficus, struggle with dry air from heaters, leading to browning leaves and leaf drop. Use a humidity tray, mist the leaves daily, and keep your tree away from radiators or heating vents. Lack of Light: Winter’s short days mean less light for your bonsai, which can weaken it. Place indoor bonsai near a bright, south-facing window or use grow lights. Ensure outdoor trees get as much natural sunlight as possible. Ignoring Winter Pests: Pests like spider mites and scale insects thrive indoors in winter. Inspect your bonsai regularly for signs of pests or diseases and treat them with neem oil or horticultural oil. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your bonsai not only survives the winter but thrives come spring! If this video helped, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment below which mistake surprised you most. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our bonsai tips and tricks. Thanks for watching, and happy growing! Here are five must-follow bonsai channels on YouTube: The Bonsai Zone: Nigel Saunders shares naturalistic care methods like "clip and grow," covering diverse styles. Herons Bonsai: Peter Chan’s tutorials and tips highlight decades of expertise from one of the UK’s top nurseries. Bonsai Mirai: Offers artistic and detailed tutorials for exploring the art and science of bonsai. Bonsai-En: Joshua Hooson provides practical, beginner-friendly guides and advanced techniques. Greenwood Bonsai Studio: Harry Harrington shares hands-on demonstrations and actionable insights. Perfect resources for enthusiasts of all levels! Here are other useful guides: “How to Grow a Juniper Bonsai” Even If You’re a Total Beginner!    • “How to Grow a Juniper Bonsai” Even I...   “Top 5 Easiest Bonsai Trees to Master” Perfect for Beginners!    • “Top 5 Easiest Bonsai Trees to Master...   “Preparing Your Bonsai for Winter” : Tips to Prevent Damage    • “Preparing Your Bonsai for Winter” : ...   “New to Bonsai? Here Are the Top 5 Easiest Trees to Grow”    • “New to Bonsai? Here Are the Top 5 Ea...   “Bonsai Basics: How to Start Your First Bonsai Tree”    • “Bonsai Basics: How to Start Your Fir...   “Juniper Bonsai Care” : Beginner’s Essential Guide”    • “Don’t Let Your Juniper Bonsai Die! B...