Bonsai Care & Delivery
From choosing a tree to everyday care, we are here to help. Match your routine to the species and your actual Hong Kong growing space.
BONSAI CARE IN HONG KONG
Six everyday essentials
Placement
Match your window or outdoor space to the species’ needs.
02Light
Supplement light while maintaining suitable conditions.
03Water
Check soil, water through and drain.
04Airflow
Space foliage and check drainage after rain.
05Feeding
Match labelled doses to healthy growth.
06Plant health
Identify the cause before selecting treatment.
Find your bonsai
Open a species for specific care. Photographs show shop examples, not current availability. Roots, growing medium and recent work also affect individual care.
Itoigawa ShimpakuSunlight and an open, airy canopy.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Acclimatise newly arrived trees or a move to stronger light gradually.
Water & airflow
Check below the surface as it starts drying, then water thoroughly. Avoid a completely dry rootball and keep drainage clear.
Feeding
Feed active, healthy growth according to the label. Investigate discolouration before adding fertiliser.
Pruning & repotting
Retain green foliage when shortening shoots. Assess repotting and major pruning separately.
Seasonal checks
Inspect inner foliage for dead twigs, scale or fine webbing. Browning alone does not prove water shortage.
Needle JuniperAir around the needles; balanced soil moisture.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Provide ample light and monitor soil moisture and pot temperature in heat.
Water & airflow
Check watering needs when the surface begins drying. Drain freely; misting needles does not water roots.
Feeding
Feed during steady growth, following the label. Resolve poor growing conditions before increasing feed.
Pruning & repotting
Prune selectively, retaining leafy sections rather than shearing the whole outline. Assess roots and buds before repotting.
Seasonal checks
Check for scale, webbing and persistently wet soil. Photograph both the whole tree and soil if colour changes.
Japanese Black PineStrong light; build vigour before bud work.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Black pine needs ample light; introduce stronger exposure gradually.
Water & airflow
Water as soil begins drying and ensure drainage. Rain on needles does not reveal rootball moisture.
Feeding
Match feeding to vigour and development goals, following product directions.
Pruning & repotting
Decandling needs suitable vigour, timing and aftercare; do not copy a Japanese calendar automatically.
Seasonal checks
Assess needle removal, root work and repotting together. Distinguish older needle loss from yellowing new growth.
Japanese White PineProtect seasonal growth and root conditions.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Monitor pot heat in summer and moderate intense afternoon exposure when needed.
Water & airflow
Water thoroughly and drain; avoid both standing water and a completely dry rootball.
Feeding
Feed healthy growth as directed, without concentrated doses to force buds.
Pruning & repotting
White pine bud management differs from black pine: do not apply full black-pine decandling.
Seasonal checks
Assess repotting and root pruning conservatively; investigate moisture, drainage and heat if new needles decline.
Tsuyama Hinoki CypressLet light and air reach inner foliage.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Avoid stagnant conditions and protect from drying wind and excessive pot heat.
Water & airflow
Check soil beneath the canopy as the surface starts drying. Water through, without standing water.
Feeding
Feed stable growth as directed; fertiliser cannot correct a shaded interior.
Pruning & repotting
Thin overlapping foliage and retain green growth; bare old wood may not regrow.
Seasonal checks
Remove isolated dead inner foliage. Investigate pests and moisture if browning spreads to outer tips.
Sekka Hinoki CypressOpen dense foliage; check soil directly.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Let light reach the inner foliage and avoid stagnant conditions.
Water & airflow
Look beneath dense foliage. Water through rather than repeatedly wetting only the surface.
Feeding
Feed according to active growth and the label; dense foliage is not a reason for stronger doses.
Pruning & repotting
Thin small overlapping shoots while retaining foliage; adjust to the particular cultivar and vigour.
Seasonal checks
Check for trapped moisture and dead foliage in wet weather; assess roots before repotting.
Japanese YewBalance light with aerated roots.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Offer bright partial shade in hot afternoons; shade tolerance does not mean a dark corner.
Water & airflow
Maintain moisture with free drainage; empty collected rainwater.
Feeding
Feed steady new growth as directed; allow transplanted roots to recover.
Pruning & repotting
Tidy extending shoots first. Plan major cutback and repotting around vigour.
Seasonal checks
Check for scale and fading foliage. Keep toxic foliage and seeds away from children and pets.
GinkgoEnjoy seasonal change; check water after leaf fall.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Allow seasonal changes and protect tender new leaves from excessive heat.
Water & airflow
Monitor water use in leaf. After leaf fall, reduce watering to actual demand without drying the roots.
Feeding
Feed active growth as directed; fertiliser will not prevent normal seasonal leaf fall.
Pruning & repotting
Prefer small shoot adjustments and avoid unnecessary large wounds. Repot based on roots and drainage.
Seasonal checks
Distinguish gradual seasonal yellowing from sudden scorching; local weather affects timing.
Japanese MapleGentler sun and consistent moisture.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Gentle morning sun helps protect tender leaves; avoid reflective heat and drying wind.
Water & airflow
Keep moisture even with good drainage; check shallow pots more often in wind.
Feeding
Feed established growth as directed. Check heat and moisture before treating scorched edges as a deficiency.
Pruning & repotting
Tidy long shoots; total defoliation is not routine care. Assess buds and vigour before major work.
Seasonal checks
Cultivar colour varies seasonally; Hong Kong autumn colour is not guaranteed. Inspect new leaves for aphids.
Japanese ZelkovaFine branches need steady moisture and timely trimming.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Protect tender leaves in intense heat and prevent hot wind from drying shallow pots.
Water & airflow
Check moisture under the leafy canopy; after leaf fall keep roots slightly moist.
Feeding
Use balanced feed as directed during growth, without excessive concentration.
Pruning & repotting
Shorten extending shoots while retaining leaves. Review branch structure after leaf fall; avoid routine total defoliation.
Seasonal checks
Inspect new shoots for aphids and leaves for spots. Review repotting when roots crowd or drainage slows.
Satsuki AzaleaKeep roots moist; plan pruning after flowering.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Provide gentler morning light, summer afternoon shelter and protection for flowers from hot sun and heavy rain.
Water & airflow
Do not let fine roots dry out; water through and drain. Use a suitable acidic medium.
Feeding
Choose feed suitable for acid-loving plants and follow flowering-stage directions.
Pruning & repotting
Remove spent flowers and plan pruning after bloom; late pruning may remove flower buds.
Seasonal checks
Investigate medium, water and roots before treating yellow leaves; inspect undersides for pests.
Sasanqua CamelliaSteady moisture for buds; shape after flowering.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. The shop’s sasanqua camellias need good light for bud development; protect pots from excessive summer heat.
Water & airflow
Keep moisture even and drainage clear, especially while flower buds develop.
Feeding
Feed active growth with a suitable acid-loving-plant fertiliser; do not force flowers with concentrated doses.
Pruning & repotting
Tidy after flowering and identify buds before pruning. Use a suitable medium when repotting.
Seasonal checks
Bud drop can follow moisture or environmental changes; inspect scale if black sooty deposits appear.
Sakura / Asahiyama CherryLight and steady moisture before and after bloom.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Respect the cultivar’s seasonal growth cycle and shelter from intense summer heat; supplementary light cannot guarantee future flowering.
Water & airflow
Avoid a dry rootball during leaf growth and flowering; reduce watering to demand after leaf fall.
Feeding
Feed recovering leaf growth after flowering as directed; nutrition cannot replace light or seasonal conditions.
Pruning & repotting
Identify leaf and flower buds before pruning. Plan repotting around bud development.
Seasonal checks
Future flowering depends on cultivar, weather and vigour; a grow light cannot guarantee it.
Japanese WisteriaMonitor water during growth; preserve flowering spurs.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Provide ample light for growth and flower buds, and leave room for hanging flower clusters.
Water & airflow
Check more often during vigorous growth and heat; keep slightly moist in dormancy, without year-round soaking.
Feeding
Feed as directed and avoid excessive nitrogen that favours leafy growth.
Pruning & repotting
Control long shoots after flowering while preserving short shoots carrying flower buds.
Seasonal checks
Assess repotting before bud break when roots are crowded. Limit seed pods; pods and seeds are toxic.
Hime Ringo CrabappleBalance sunlight, moisture and fruit load.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Avoid heat-reflecting corners and maintain steady care during flowering and fruiting.
Water & airflow
Check moisture carefully in flower and fruit; do not restrict water to reduce fruit size.
Feeding
Use balanced feed as directed; a heavy crop does not justify double-strength fertiliser.
Pruning & repotting
Preserve flowering spurs and thin excessive fruit according to vigour. Plan root work carefully.
Seasonal checks
Check aphids, scale and leaf spots. Assess fruit drop with moisture and vigour; cropping varies.
Kinzu / Hong Kong KumquatGood light for new leaves and small fruits.
Placement & light
An indoor window or outdoor position must meet this species’ light, airflow and seasonal needs. Supplement insufficient natural light with a suitable grow light. Check actual window light and the grow-light setup; avoid dark corners.
Water & airflow
Check soil as it begins drying; water through and maintain steady moisture during fruiting.
Feeding
Use suitable citrus feed as directed; investigate roots and moisture before increasing doses for yellow leaves.
Pruning & repotting
Identify flowering and fruiting shoots before thinning; assess roots and growth stage before repotting.
Seasonal checks
Inspect tender growth and stems for aphids and scale. Ornamental fruit is not offered as edible, especially after treatment.
Placement: choose a regular growing position
Assess indoor windows and outdoor spaces for each species
Assess an indoor window or outdoor position against the species, tree condition, light, airflow and seasonal needs. Add a suitable grow light where indoor natural light is insufficient. Junipers, pines, hinoki and most temperate deciduous bonsai generally suit outdoor conditions; a grow light cannot replace their temperature changes or dormancy requirements. Kinzu also needs an individual assessment and should not be treated as a shade-loving houseplant.
Assess the actual position
Check whether sunlight reaches the foliage, whether it passes through glass, and whether hot walls or air conditioning affect the tree. Introduce stronger light gradually. Before strong winds, move pots to a secure, ventilated position away from exposed window edges.
Grow lights: useful supplemental light
Choose a plant light
A grow light is different from a decorative lamp or reptile heat lamp. Choose coverage for the whole canopy and published light-output and distance information. PPFD data helps compare the light reaching leaves.
Set distance and duration together
Follow the fixture instructions and species requirements. Introduce lighting gradually, use a timer and retain a dark period each night. One wattage, distance or duration does not suit every tree. Watch for overheating and weak, elongated shoots.
Light is one part of the environment
Supplemental light does not automatically replace airflow, appropriate temperatures or seasonal changes. If your space is indoors only, send photographs and fixture details so we can assess it for your chosen species.
Water and airflow: observe rather than follow a calendar
Check before watering
Inspect soil daily, more often during heat, wind or with shallow pots. Check beneath the surface with a finger or wooden stick; moss colour alone is unreliable. If still moist, wait rather than watering to a fixed timetable.
Water through and drain
Water the surface gently and evenly until water exits below. Let excess drain away. If water runs down the sides while the centre stays dry, water slowly in stages and inspect the medium. Do not leave standing water in trays; misting does not replace root watering.
Check after rain too
Dense foliage may shelter the soil from rain. Persistent rain can also saturate it. Space trees apart and clear fallen leaves. A fan helps airflow but does not provide light; avoid a direct drying blast.
Fertiliser: nutrition matched to growth
What N, P and K do
Nitrogen supports leafy growth; phosphorus is involved in energy transfer and root and flower development; potassium helps water regulation and other plant processes. Balance matters. High phosphorus does not guarantee flowers, and fertiliser cannot correct poor light or waterlogged roots.
Solid and liquid products
Solid feeds release nutrients according to their formulation. Dilute liquid feed exactly as directed. Follow each product’s rate and interval; do not simply combine full doses of both. Record the product and application date.
When to pause and reassess
Restore appropriate moisture before feeding a dry rootball. After root pruning, severe wilting or unexplained yellowing, investigate first. Adjust feeding during dormancy or heat-related growth pauses; resume as directed when healthy growth returns.
Flowering trees and supplements
Use suitable acid-loving-plant feed for azaleas and camellias. Avoid excessive nitrogen for flowering and fruiting trees. Tonics, rooting products and additives are not necessarily complete fertilisers: check the stated ingredients and purpose.
Pests and disease: identify before treating
Inspect four areas
Check shoot tips, leaf undersides, branch junctions and soil while watering. Remove dead foliage and clean tools. Observe newly acquired trees separately; separate suspect plants when pests or disease are noticed.
Yellow leaves do not automatically need a spray
Review moisture, light, temperature and season, then look for identifiable pests, webbing, sticky deposits or spreading spots. Send whole-tree, underside and soil photographs with watering, feeding and treatment records.
Different products have different targets
Insecticides target specified insects; mite control needs an appropriate labelled product. Fungicides target particular pathogens or diseases, not all root problems or environmental stress. Identify the target first; routine mixed spraying is not a default care programme.
Read the complete label
Follow the permitted plants, targets, concentration, intervals, application location, protection and re-entry instructions. Confirm that indoor use is permitted before treating at home. Keep treatments away from food, children and pets. Do not improvise mixtures or double doses; observe pollinator and edible-crop restrictions.
Review progress
Photograph from the same angle and look for fresh damage or continuing spread. Dead tissue will not turn green after treatment. Judge recovery by new growth and reduced spread, and follow labelled retreatment intervals.
Hong Kong seasons: respond to the weather
Humid spring
Maintain drainage and airflow. Plan work around actual buds and growth, rather than importing a Japanese monthly calendar.
Summer heat and showers
Check water more often and protect tender foliage and overheating pots. Secure trees before storms; inspect soil rather than assuming rain supplied enough water.
Autumn breezes
Wind can dry small pots rapidly. Adjust water and feed to growth rather than stopping automatically when the month changes.
Slower winter growth
Check roots even after leaf fall; evergreens still need light. Preserve seasonal rhythms rather than forcing growth in a warm room under lights all night.
Let us look at your growing space
Send a whole-tree photograph, a close-up of the soil and a view of the growing position. Include sunlight hours, watering habits and recent feeds or treatments so we can offer relevant advice.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Further reading
From Japan to you
Air freight & delivery
We select bonsai in Japan and arrange air freight to Hong Kong. Delivery timings differ for in-stock trees and pre-orders; please check the status shown on each product page.
In stock in Hong Kong
Dispatch is generally arranged within one day of payment confirmation. We will contact you to confirm the handover and delivery date.
Pre-orders from Japan
Arrival by air freight generally takes around three weeks. Arrangements for each tree or batch will be confirmed when you order, followed by local delivery after arrival.
Local delivery
We deliver to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Delivery to outlying islands is unavailable. Please enquire about a preferred date. We will contact you if weather or logistics cause a delay.
Causeway Bay Studio pickup
Pickup is available at our Causeway Bay Studio. Please contact us on WhatsApp to confirm the time and arrangements.
Payment methods
We accept credit cards, FPS, PayMe and bank transfers.
Receiving your bonsai
Please check your tree at handover. Any dispute must be raised within one day of dispatch; returns or exchanges will not be accepted after this period.
PLAN+T · Bring nature into everyday life.