For centuries, bonsai has been a popular hobby for growing miniature trees. Creating healthy and beautiful bonsai trees requires patience, skill, and the right tools. However, bonsai beginners may find choosing the right tools overwhelming, but not to worry! This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the bonsai tools you need.
You can get started in the world of bonsai with confidence with this Bonsai Tools 101: The Ultimate Starter Kit for Beginners. In this article, I’ll cover pruning shears, concave cutters, wire cutters, and more essential tools to get you started on your bonsai journey.
Additionally, a bonsai tree can thrive for years if you have the right tools and techniques. So let’s see what bonsai tools we need.
What is a Bonsai Starter Kit
In bonsai, a starter kit is a prepackaged set of tools and supplies necessary to get started. In a starter kit, you’ll usually find a small pot or tray, soil, wire for shaping branches, and pruning shears. Additionally, some bonsai books are included as a guide for beginners.
In case you’ve never tried bonsai before, you’ll find a bonsai starter kit of great help. However, you should be aware of which bonsai tools to consider before purchasing a bonsai tool kit. Therefore, let us learn what tools to consider when purchasing bonsai starter kits in the next section.
Main Components of a Good Bonsai Starter Kit
Getting started in bonsai can be a rewarding hobby if you have an excellent starter kit. Thus, I have listed below some key components of a good starter kit, along with some things to consider when purchasing one. Also, for best results, read the instructions carefully for each bonsai tool.
Bonsai tree
In most bonsai starter kits, you get a tree. You should make sure that the bonsai tree species you buy are easy to care for. Also, if you want to test your bonsai skills, there are bonsai kits you can buy that require more care.
In the kit, you’ll find mostly bonsai trees like juniper and jade since they’re easy to care for. Among the more difficult bonsai trees are Cherry Blossom, Cedar, and Gardenia.
Many kits come with seeds so you can grow the tree yourself, while others include a small tree already grown. However, you can choose a kit that suits your preferences, since both have their advantages.
Bonsai Pot or Container
The kit should include a bonsai pot for your bonsai tree. In some cases, the containers included in bonsai kits may not be ideal for your tree. So, make sure you check the quality of the bonsai container.
Most kits come with plastic pots because they’re cheaper. Some kits come with gorgeous ceramic pots that are great for bonsai trees.
Also, just know that if your kit comes with a pot that isn’t sturdy enough to last several years, you may need to upgrade your pot later on. At least that way, you can get creative and find one that suits your style!
Bonsai Soil Mix
In most cases, the soil mix that comes with the kit is good for bonsai. If not, find soil that holds moisture, drains well, has lots of aeration, and has a variety of particle sizes. For your bonsai tree, specially formulated soil is the easiest way to get high quality bonsai soil.
Furthermore, there is typically an expandable soil disc included in seed-starting bonsai kits. This soil is fine, but keep in mind that you’ll want a better-quality soil to make sure your bonsai thrives.
Bonsai Tools
The tools you need to care for your bonsai tree include pruning shears, a miniature digging fork, and a moisture meter. However, some bonsai kits don’t include all of these tools, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have them just in case.
For repotting, you’ll need something to loosen the roots, gravel to top your soil to keep it moist, and a humidity tray.
Training Wire
Finding a bonsai tool kit that includes a high-quality training wire will help you shape your tree. There are lots of kits that come with training wire, but not all of them. Regardless, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got a high-quality training wire.
Among the most popular training wires is anodized aluminum. The wire is very strong and durable, but still flexible enough to bend around your tree. Additionally, it’s corrosion-resistant, so it won’t rust or deteriorate.
You can also use copper wire as a training wire. As strong and flexible as aluminum wire, copper is also a little pricey.
Yet, whatever type of training wire you choose, make sure it’s a good quality product.
Fertilizer
The more expensive kits usually include fertilizer, but some cheaper ones don’t. But don’t worry if your kit doesn’t come with fertilizer! Just make sure you use a bonsai tree fertilizer that’s specially formulated.
Care guide for Bonsai tree
Bonsai tool starter kits usually come with instructions and a care guide for your tree. If you buy your kit from a store, the instructions may be comprehensive, or they may just cover the basics. You don’t need to worry if it’s the latter, just grab a guide to help you care for your bonsai tree.
Even if a kit doesn’t have everything listed here, don’t let that stop you from trying it out. Having a kit that includes everything is awesome, but you can easily find some of these things online.
5 Best Bonsai Tools Kit for Beginners
1. Planter’s Choice Bonsai Tool Kit
This kit has a stylish case with everything you need for your bonsai. It contains pruning shear and scissors to easily cut twigs, smaller branches, leaves, and roots. Also, a pair of tweezers for removing dead leaves, insects, weeds, and other stuff. Two spades (long & wide) and a bamboo brush to enhance your bonsai tree.
Moreover, it comes with a best-selling book by bonsai expert Harry Tomlinson (DK Publishing), with 72 full color illustrations. You’ll learn how to keep bonsai healthy, maintain them, and arrange them. Also, these 101 easy-to-follow tips will teach you everything you need to know about bonsai.
You can expect nothing but the best steel and bamboo from the Planters’ Choice brand. In addition, it comes in a stylish case so it can make a great gift for a friend or loved one.
The shears and scissors are made from high-quality steel, have a double-reinforced spring handle, and their blades are sharp and oiled.
A plastic tip protector comes with the tweezers, which are made from high-quality stainless steel and ergonomically designed to fit perfectly into your hand.
You will also get Rake and spades made from solid wood handles with quality steel. Additionally, a Bamboo Brush with just the right amount of toughness.
2. Soligt Bonsai Tool Set
A Soligt Bonsai Tool Set includes trimming scissors, butterfly shears, concave cutters, wire cutters, and five training wire rolls (1.0mm,1.5mm,2.0mm,2.5mm,3.0mm), all packaged in an exquisite wood case. It’s a great starter kit for beginners.
All scissors and cutters are made of high-quality carbon steel, coated with a smooth finish, and hand-forged for optimum strength. They’re sharp and strong, durable, and sturdy.
For the best form and function, these bonsai tools have ergonomic handles and smooth surfaces.
Moreover, to make carrying and storing the tools easy, the wooden carrying box keeps all the tools organized and in one place.
Also, no matter the type or size, you can use this Bonsai Tool Set to maintain any indoor or outdoor plants or trees.
3. SEBIDER Bonsai Tree Kit Bonsai Tools
This Bonsai Kit includes 1 x Bonsai Scissors, 1 x Long Scissors, 1 x Pruning Shear, 1 x Mini Wide Shovel, 1 x Mini Shovel, 1 x Mini Rake, 4 x Bonsai Wires, 2 x Leaf Cutters, 2 x Tweezers, 1 x bucket shovel, and 1 x organizer bag. This is a great bonsai starter kit if you’re a beginner!
Bonsai Scissors, and Long handle scissors are made of high carbon steel. They’re great for pruning, shaping, and quick cutting. You can use them to cut branches and stems, and they can cut up to 3/4″ in diameter. They are polished by hand, it’s stronger, sharper, and more durable than other materials. Just wipe them clean and lightly oil them after every use, and they’ll last a lifetime.
In the bonsai tool set, you’ll find 2 different diameters of Bonsai Training Wire (4 coils). They’re great for shaping bonsai trees. There’s plenty of strength and flexibility in the bonsai wire.
The leather storage bag is made of leather, this bag is stylish and upscale. All the tools can be organized and you don’t have to worry about losing them. You can easily plant your own bonsai with this bonsai tool set without hurting the plants.
4. DFMZDST Bonsai Tool Kit
A 24-piece bonsai tree care kit includes 1 pruning shear, 1 big scissor, 1 long handle scissor, 1 bucket shovel, 1 microfiber towel, 2 leaf cutters, 2 gloves, 2 leaf trimmers, 3 succulent tool sets, 3 bonsai wires, 6 labels, and a PU leather bag to prune your bonsai tree. They are all organized in one nylon bag.
High-carbon steel is used in the bonsai scissors and long handle scissors, so it’s stronger, sharper, and more durable than aluminum. It is suitable for quick pruning and shaping of bonsai and other plants.
A small wide shovel, a mini harrow, and a small shovel, let the soil loosen enough for you to plant potted plants afterward. You can also transplant with them.
Additionally, you get Aluminum alloy that is treated with oxidase to make the bonsai line. They are flexible and strong. You can bend and twist many times.
5. Voilamart 14 Piece Bonsai Tools Kit with Case
This 14PC Bonsai Tool Set includes Leaf Trimmer, Bud Shear, Cutting Scissor, Concave Cutter, Knob Cutter, Wire Cutter, Root Cutter, Jin Pliers, Trunk Splitter, Root Hook, Rake with Spatula, Branch Bender, Hemp Broom, Wire, Nylon Tool Case.
A high quality made carbon steel tool, which is sharp, durable, and very handy, suitable for beginners or professionals.
A tool for trimming leaves, loosening soil, and pruning roots, branches, twigs, and buds.
With a nylon case for convenience, this tool set is great for bonsai lovers.
FAQs
Are bonsai starter kits worth it?
Definitely! People who are just starting with bonsai practice are clueless and it’s normal. A good bonsai starter kit comes with everything you require to get started, including a bonsai, planter, soil, fertilizer, tools, and care instructions. If you’re looking for a unique hobby, or simply want to try your hand at something new, a bonsai starter kit will undoubtedly show you your first step.
What are some essential bonsai tools for beginners?
Some basic beginner tools for bonsai practice are;
1) Bonsai shears: A classic pair of bonsai shears is required as a beginner, but you will see many different kinds of shears available in the market for distinctive purposes. But as a beginner, a classic bonsai shear that is equipped to serve more than one purpose is all you need.
2) A pair of chopsticks: The most essential and most affordable bonsai tool is a household item and it is none other than a pair of chopsticks. Even bonsai experts frequently use chopsticks when repotting their bonsais. They are great for clearing old soil and helping with the teasing of the fresh substrate into the root ball at the time of repotting.
3) Concave cutter: Concave cutters construct a curved or concave wound in the branches. This kind of wound encourages better recovery, giving the tree a tidy and more natural build. By using cut paste after using the concave cutter, you can minimize or eradicate scars from the wound.
4) Wire cutter: Training wire is essential no matter what tree you are using. And for that reason, you require a bonsai wire cutter. You can use the normal all-purpose wire cutter too, but bonsai wire cutters are especially created to cut those training wires from bonsai.
What is the best bonsai for beginners?
Among the most favored trees for Bonsai starters, Ficus is sturdy and easygoing in lower light. It’s also less fussy about watering than other bonsai species. Other than that Chinese elm, juniper, and jade bonsais are also popular among beginners.
How much does a bonsai starter kit cost?
A Bonsai kit usually has a young bonsai plant, a Bonsai pot, tools, wire, care instructions, and soil. From this young tree, you can make a Bonsai tree in three common steps; pruning, wiring, and repotting. Bonsai starter kits are widely available at online and local bonsai supplies and usually cost between $30 to $50 US, depending on what kind of tree is has and what other additional content they are providing.
Conclusion
It’s hard to choose the right tools for beginners, but this guide on Bonsai Tools 101: The Ultimate Starter Kit for Beginners explains everything you need. You can make your bonsai thrive for years with the right tools and supplies.
In a starter kit, you’ll get a bonsai tree, a bonsai pot, soil mix, bonsai tools, training wire, fertilizer, and a care guide. Consider the quality and durability of the included items when choosing a bonsai starter kit.
As you progress in bonsai, you can also add more tools to your collection. Also, there’s a wide range of options available, including the Planter’s Choice Bonsai Tool Kit to voilamart bonsai tool kit, so you can start your bonsai journey with confidence.
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