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Supply & Sources

Some Basic Tools - There are many different types of tools that are used to create bonsai but we have created many bonsai with three basic typed of tools. The three basic tools are basic scissors, concave cutters, and a chopstick.

Basic Scissors - Scissors are used to cut the foliage, smaller branches, and roots. There are many specialized types of scissors. No matter what your scissor of choice may be, it is important to maintain a sharp edge on all of your tools in order to cleanly cut through branches and not smash them. Cutting branches cleanly helps to promote healing and reduces the chances of disease. Scissors used to cut branches should be kept separate from those used to cut roots. Scissors used to cut roots dull much more quickly than those used to cut branches. In keeping two separate sets of scissors you will ensure that your scissors used to prune foliage and small branches are kept sharp.

Concave Cutters - Concave cutters are used to cut larger branches. Concave cutters cut a small indentation into the truck or branch in order to facilitate healing. As with all bonsai cutting tools, a sharp edge should be maintained in order to cleanly cut through branches and not smash them. Clean cuts help to promote healing and reduce the chances of disease on the freshly cut surface. We consider concave cutters the second most important tool used to prune and train bonsai.


Chopstick - We use a basic bamboo chopstick for many purposes including working new soil into the freshly planted bonsai and separating roots from old soil. By gently working the chopstick back and forth (not poking) during the potting process, new soil can be introduced into the old root ball. Gently working the new soil into the old root ball helps to introduce new soil into existing soil and reduces any air pockets within the soil. In a similar fashion, the chopstick can be used to separate roots within the root ball. By gently working the chopstick back and forth within the root ball, roots can be gently separated from the root ball, where they can be easily trimmed or removed.

Some Basic Supplies - Along with tools, there are some basic supplies that you will need to produce your bonsai. These include:

- Pottery
- Tray for the container
- Screen
- Soil
- Fertilizer
- Training wire.
- Water mister
- Pruners
- Decorative itens


The perfect pottery container - Bonsai pottery comes in many sizes and shapes. It is usually made of a clay material, although inexpensive plastic bonsai containers are available. Bonsai containers contain drainage holes in their bottoms so that excess water can drain from the container. Bonsai containers come in glazed and unglazed clay. Unglazed clay containers can be various shades of gray, dark green, or brown depending on the type of clay. Because bonsai pots contain drainage holes in the bottom, screens must be used to hold soil in the container.



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