I just received my brush cherry bonsai tree, and I'm so excited! What is the best book to get on Bonsai?

Question

Also, do you know any tips and tricks you can tell me?

I live in Michigan, so keeping it outdoors is not much an option in November through April. I have a plant light on it now, and fine mist it a few times a day (I water the soil carefully with distilled water each morning)

Answer 1

I have been in a local bonsai club for about 15 years.

the 2 most authoritative and inclusive books were written by author: JOHN NAKA.
1. BONSAI TECHNIQUES PART 1
2. BONSAI TECHNIQUES PART 2

other great authors include: Peter Adams and Herb Gustafson, just to name a very few. I will include some sites for you to check out as well. (Please feel free to e-mail me with questions);
www.brusselsbonsai.com. www.miamitropicalbonsai.com
www.dallasbonsai.com . www.stonelantern.com
ps. one of the best bonsai mags. is"Bonsai Today" -

Answer 2

There are so many, but Sunset puts out a great beginners book, available at most hardware stores and nurseries.

Also, look up your tree on the internet. you'll find lots of great information on feeding, pruning, etc.

Keep a close eye on any bonsai plant, they are in tiny containers, so they dry out quickly.
Also, some are deciduous (drop their leaves) so if you have one that starts to look dead, just keep it till the spring. chances are it will come back.

Fertilizing:
learn about this. your cherry tree will need more than regular because of the limited soil. It cannot hold fertilizer like a large amount of soil.

If you keep it outside, it will dry out quicker, so be prepared to water it once a day.

Pruning,
generally, pruning is done at the end of the budding cycle, or in the fall IF there are no buds already forming.

Hope this helps, and have fun with your new bonsai!

Answer 3

As a member of the Dallas Bonsai Society for over 10 years, I have found the local libary to be an excellent choice. You can check out multiple books and get a free overview.
Remember, you plant needs to be outside almost all year long.
Keep it indoors and it will be dead in less than 6 months.
Good luck

Answer 4

My favorite is "The Bonsai Workshop" by Herb L. Gustafson. It's well written and easy for the beginner to understand. I'd also suggest going to www.bonsaisite.com and clicking on 'Books'. Herb's book is listed there plus many others.

Also click on my gray head and look at my answers. I answered a question a day or two ago about "bonsai secrets." Check it out--hope it helps.