Caring for your Outdoor Bonsai Plants19 October 2025Outdoor Bonsai — Key Care Tips Lanarkshire Placement & light: Most outdoor bonsai prefer 6–8 hours of light. Choose morning sun with light afternoon shade and shelter from strong winds. Watering: Check daily in warm weather. Water thoroughly until it drains; avoid letting soil bone-dry or waterlogged. Soil & drainage: Use a fast-draining bonsai mix such as akadama, pumice and lava (or gritty alternative). Keep drainage holes clear. Feeding: Light, regular feeding from spring to early autumn. Pause during heat stress and winter dormancy. Pruning & pinching: Structural pruning in late winter; pinch through the season to refine shape. Use clean, sharp tools. Wiring: Wire when growth is flexible. Check weekly to prevent wire bite; remove or adjust before it marks the bark. Repotting: Every 1–3 years depending on age and growth. Best done in early spring as buds swell; refresh with fast-drain mix. Winter care (UK): Keep trees cold but protected. Use a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, mulch pots and shield from freezing winds. Pests & disease: Inspect routinely for aphids, scale, spider mites and fungus. Improve airflow and treat gently as needed. Stand & rotation: Raise pots on feet for drainage and rotate regularly for even light and balanced growth.