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In this multi-year progression, we follow a Ficus as it is turned into a Bonsai tree. The tree had to be pruned, wired and repotted several times over 3 years time. Even though you only see Oscar on this film, these videos are team efforts. So we like to thank Bob van Ruitenbeek. Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Don't make these common mistakes when starting with bonsai! The mistakes listed in this video are not random topics - it's what we hear on our Bonsai forum on a daily base, and read in the comments of our YouTube videos. And of course we don't just list the mistakes, we share how to avoid making them so you get off to a good start. Chapters: 0.00 - Introduction 0.33 - Mistake 1: Tree selection 1.44 - Mistake 2: Watering 2.59 - Mistake 3: Substrates 4.26 - Mistake 4: Pruning 5:42 - Mistake 5: Fertilizing 7.24 - Mistake 6: Pests and diseases 8:36 - Mistake 7: Seasonal care By avoiding these common rookie mistakes, you can set yourself up for success and create a thriving bonsai tree. Make sure to read up on your exact tree species. With time, your bonsai will flourish, and you’ll develop a deeper understanding of this ancient art form. Happy growing! Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Over the years, we’ve shaped trees that carry meaning—reflections of time, craft, and intention. This Monday, May 19th at 10am PDT, a small number will become available in our first ever Mirai Tree Auction. Not to everyone—only to those ready to continue the journey. Among them: a Korean Hornbeam with enduring strength. Imported, refined, and steeped in legacy. A tree with presence. A tree with history. Now, ready for what comes next. Preview the trees now—available exclusively on Mirai Goods: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/trees?srsltid=AfmBOorQ4mngr7kUZ0qIqB-A0Cq9PCtKV8PuT9bu7KG_Op0WfuoqqtS4

Oscar styles this Mugo pine (Pinus uncinata), which was collected in the South of Germany (Yamadori). The video shows a multi-year progression, explaining which steps to take and when to perform these. And we show what the results are when applying bonsai techniques properly. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and first steps 6:23 - Initial styling 14:22 - Second styling 24:10 - Repotting Even though you only see Oscar on this film, these videos are team efforts. So we like to thank Bob van Ruitenbeek and Christiaan Yeh (Technical supervision), and Thomas Haering for maintaining the tree in the two years after its initial collection. Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

Masahiko Kimura acquired an absolutely stunning Hinoki cypress Bonsai and kept the tree for a few years, preparing it specifically for the lectures with Bonsai Empire. In this video we learn how mr. Kimura approaches a tree with the goal to display it at Japan's premier Bonsai event; the Kokufu-ten exhibition. He'll explain how to create and refine the pad structure and how to create a natural apex design. This video is a free lecture from mr. Kimura's new Masterclass, for more information go to: https://www.bonsaiempire.com/courses/kimura-masterclass-3

We visited Brandy Lamb, owner of Beckel Canvas in Milwaukie, Oregon, to share the story behind our new custom canvas bonsai tool bags. Known for their rugged tents and long-lasting gear, Beckel brings decades of craftsmanship to every piece they make. For this collaboration, Brandy and his team started with a few of their proven designs, then thoughtfully adapted them to suit the tools and needs of the bonsai practitioner. From scaling up dimensions to adding interior pockets for wire storage, every adjustment was made with intention—by hand, in their Oregon workshop. Shop the bags: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/bonsai-essentials?sort_by=created-descending See more from Beckel Canvas: https://www.beckelcanvas.com

As the 2025 repotting season winds down, we’re reflecting on one of the very first trees we tackled in this year’s monumental repotting cycle. Out of nearly 500 trees, this Korean Hornbeam raft stands out, not just for when we repotted it, but for the legacy it carries. A familiar presence on Mirai Live, this tree has become a pillar of the garden and a living symbol of long-term growth and transformation. Explore this trees evolutionary journey on Mirai Live: https://live.bonsaimirai.com/