Are you interested in bonsai tree care? If yes, these books are perfect for you!
Bonsai trees come in many varieties. Starting your bonsai journey means mastering the basics. This includes learning the right way to care for your tree.
These bonsai care books offer all the knowledge you need. You’ll learn about planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and much more.
- Related article: Growing Bonsai Trees for Beginners
5 Key Takeaways on the Best Bonsai Books
- For the Basics – “The Little Book of Bonsai” by Jonas Dupuich and “The Bonsai Beginner’s Bible” by Peter Chan. These books are perfect for beginners. They cover everything from how to take care of your bonsai to how to wire and pot them.
- Step-by-Step Guides – “Bonsai Basics” by Christian Pessey and Rémy Samson and “Modern Bonsai Practice” by Larry Morton. These books give you clear steps on how to prune, repot, and style your bonsai.
- Deep Dives into Techniques – “The Complete Book of Bonsai” by Harry Tomlinson and “Bonsai Techniques” by John Yoshio Naka. If you want to learn about different bonsai styles and advanced care, these books are for you.
- Caring for Indoor and Outdoor Bonsai – “Indoor Bonsai for Beginners” by Werner M. Busch and “The Bonsai Handbook” by David Prescott and Colin Lewis. They help you pick the right bonsai for your home and how to take care of it, whether it’s inside or outside.
- Learning with Pictures – Books like “Modern Bonsai Practice” and “The Bonsai Beginner’s Bible” are full of pictures. They make it easier to understand bonsai techniques, especially if you’re a visual learner.
9 Best Bonsai Books
Starting your Bonsai journey with the right books can make all the difference. I know there are countless Bonsai books out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to a few essential reads. These titles are perfect for anyone eager to dive into the art of Bonsai and begin their collection.
You can easily find all the Bonsai books I’m recommending online.
1.The Little Book of Bonsai by Jonas Dupuich
I recommend this book to anyone starting their bonsai journey. Published in 2020, Jonas Dupuich’s guide is a concise and approachable introduction to bonsai. Known for his popular blog “Bonsai Tonight,” Dupuich brings his expertise into this book, making it a valuable resource for beginners. The book covers essential techniques and offers practical advice on caring for bonsai trees.
What it talks about:
- Basic Bonsai Care
- Wiring and Pruning Techniques
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Bonsai
- Selecting the Right Container
- Pest and Disease Management
2. Bonsai Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing, Training & General Care by Christian Pessey and Rémy Samson
This book is great for novices looking to understand the fundamentals of bonsai. Published in 1993, it provides clear, step-by-step instructions on various aspects of bonsai care. The authors include a seasonal checklist, making it easy to follow along throughout the year.
What it talks about:
- Bonsai styles
- Pruning and wiring
- Fertilizing and repotting
3. The Complete Book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson
I love this book for its comprehensive coverage of bonsai techniques and styles. Published in 1990, it is a classic in the bonsai community. Tomlinson’s detailed illustrations and photographs make it easy to understand complex concepts, making it a must-have for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
What it talks about:
- History of bonsai
- Species-specific care
- Advanced styling techniques
4. Modern Bonsai Practice: 501 Principles of Good Bonsai Horticulture by Larry Morton
The Ultimate Bonsai Handbook was written by Yukio Hirose, one of the top Shohin bonsai artists in Japan and a foremost bonsai expert. This is the best book for beginners with over 1,000 photos to show readers how to grow and care for 70 different types of bonsai trees.
The book employs the “learn by imitation and observation” approach, so it’s a great book to get started with. It covers everything you need to get started with.
What it talks about:
- How to choose bonsai types
- Bonsai tree shapes and displaying them
- Bonsai tools, containers, and soils
- Pruning, wiring, propagating
- Root trimming, transplanting, fertilizing, and watering
5. The Bonsai Beginner’s Bible by Peter Chan
Peter Chan, a renowned bonsai expert with a premier nursery in the UK, Herons Bonsai, authored The Bonsai Beginner’s Bible. He has won 21 Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show and authored six bestselling bonsai books. This compact guide is perfect for beginners, offering practical advice on all aspects of bonsai care.
What it talks about:
- Growing bonsai from seed
- Shaping with wires
- Choosing the best bonsai soil
- Pots and containers
The book is rich with stunning photographs that simplify complex concepts, making it easy to follow. It covers care tips for over 180 popular bonsai species.
The easy-to-read format and a comprehensive index make finding information quick and straightforward.
6. Principles of Bonsai Design by David De Groot
This book is great for those looking to master the art of bonsai design. Published in 2015, De Groot covers not only the design aspects but also container selection, display, and evaluation. It is a comprehensive guide that will be referred to again and again.
What it talks about:
- Design principles
- Container selection
- Display and evaluation
7. Indoor Bonsai for Beginners: Selection, Care & Training by Werner M. Busch
I recommend this book to anyone interested in indoor bonsai. Published in 2005, Busch’s guide covers everything from selecting the right tree to daily care and maintenance. It is richly illustrated, making it an excellent resource for visual learners.
What it talks about:
- Indoor bonsai species
- Care and maintenance
- Training techniques
8. The Bonsai Handbook by David Prescott and Colin Lewis
I recommend this book to both beginners and experienced bonsai enthusiasts. Published in 2015, this comprehensive guide covers almost every aspect of bonsai cultivation.
David Prescott and Colin Lewis combine their expertise to provide clear, practical advice, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the art of bonsai. The book includes step-by-step illustrations and detailed photographs, making it easy to follow along.
What it talks about:
- Cultivation and propagation
- Pruning and wiring
- Indoor and outdoor species
9. Bonsai Techniques by John Yoshio Naka
Published in 1987, it is considered a seminal work in the bonsai community. John Naka’s detailed instructions and illustrations make it a valuable resource for those looking to master advanced techniques.
What it talks about:
- Advanced pruning
- Wiring techniques
- Bonsai aesthetics
Best Bonsai Books Final Thoughts
These 9 bonsai books dive into all sorts of topics about bonsai trees. They are a goldmine of info, making them great for anyone from total newbies to seasoned bonsai enthusiasts.
You’ll discover the rich history of bonsai, the core principles that guide the craft, and a variety of techniques. Plus, there’s guidance on growing bonsai from seeds and a thorough, step-by-step look at mastering bonsai art.
Best Bonsai Books FAQs
1. What Are the Best Books for Beginners Learning About Bonsai?
For beginners, The Little Book of Bonsai by Jonas Dupuich, Bonsai Basics by Christian Pessey and Rémy Samson, and The Bonsai Beginner’s Bible by Peter Chan are highly recommended. These books offer clear instructions and practical advice. They are also tailored to those new to bonsai.
2. Which Bonsai Books Offer In-Depth Coverage of Advanced Techniques?
Books such as Bonsai Techniques by John Yoshio Naka and Principles of Bonsai Design by David De Groot provide detailed information on advanced techniques and design principles, suitable for more experienced bonsai enthusiasts.
3. Are There Bonsai Books Focused Specifically on Indoor Care?
Yes, Indoor Bonsai for Beginners: Selection, Care & Training by Werner M. Busch is dedicated to indoor bonsai care, covering everything from tree selection to maintenance and training techniques.
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