How to Display Bonsai Trees Outdoors?

If you are new to the world of bonsai trees, understanding how to display bonsai outdoor can be complicated. There are a number of things to consider, and factors such as your garden and country’s climate will direct the decision making process.

We are here today to help you. If you are eager to create your own outdoor bonsai display, we are going to offer practical tips and guidance. 

We want to make the process of creating a bonsai garden display easy, so more people can enjoy the benefits of this fantastic plant. 

Continue below for recommendations on where you should start, as well as buying advice and more.

Outdoor Bonsai Display: Where to Start

If you visit our site regularly, you may have read our previous article which outlined, in detail, how to display bonsai trees indoors. A common misconception we hear is that bonsai trees are extremely vulnerable and should only be kept inside. 

And whilst some species of bonsai are better suited to the indoors, there are a huge range of outdoor bonsai trees that are better suited to outdoor exposure. 

The outdoor kind responds well to sunlight exposure and is highly adaptable to a range of conditions. The truth is, bonsai trees are not as fragile as people think. Their beauty may give off the impression of vulnerability, but you can find a tree suited to just about any environment. 

That being said, there are a few things to consider when trying to understand how to display bonsai outdoors. Continue below where we outline what you should consider, and the research that should be carried out, before you create your own bonsai garden display.

Creating Your Bonsai Garden Display

Before you even begin creating your dream display, there are a few things we would encourage you to consider. First and foremost, you need to understand what conditions you typically experience in your garden. 

The unique conditions of your garden will dictate what species are suitable for your space, and will help you to identify which trees would not be suitable. If, for example, you get a lot of sunlight in your garden this is good news. Although, in summer you may need some form of shaded netting to protect particularly sensitive types of bonsai. 

On the other hand, if your garden is very shaded this is potentially problematic. Truthfully, you will be more limited in what choices you can make. Struggling to find a product suitable for your circumstances? Why not contact us and speak to a member of the team. We would be happy to guide you through our product offering and help you choose a tree that is suitable. 

Secondly, you need to consider the climate you live in. Do you live in a blistering hot country year round, or do you experience mild summers and harsh winters? These are the questions you need to ask, and the answer will help to inform your decision. 

If we use the UK as an example, you will need to provide shade during the summer and protection from the frost during the winter months. This may mean transferring your trees to a greenhouse in the winter, which may not be realistic for some homeowners.  

Additionally, the unreliability of sunshine in the UK is something to consider. Species that need plenty of sunlight may suffer. 

Finally, you need to consider personal taste. Bonsai trees can be a beautiful addition to a garden, but explore what you personally like to reap the highest benefits. There are a huge range of plants and species on the market, so take your time and choose wisely.

Tree Care Tips

Once you have discovered a suitable species for your outdoor bonsai display, there are a few tree care considerations to note. Following these will ensure your bonsai tree stays young and healthy. 

One of the most important tips is to not water your bonsai tree on a strict schedule. Rather, you should be more flexible with when and how much you water the plant. This will vary, depending on the species, size and temperature. If the soil feels soft or spongy, or moist and cool, you can leave it alone! 

As stated, they are highly adaptable and able to withstand a range of conditions. However, you need to be mindful of extreme weather conditions. They should be protected from strong frost in the winter, and shade may need to be provided if it gets too hot in the summer. 

Finally, bonsai trees, generally speaking, require high humidity. The exact amount will vary. If you live in a hot country with extremely dry air, you may need to explore ways to increase humidity. 

Misting is one option, although the benefits are relatively short lived. Another is to invest in a humidity tray. This is placed under the pot and creates a healthier environment once the evaporated water rises. 

Offering a Diverse Range of Bonsai for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Here at Bonsai2u, we hope you now have a better understanding of how to display bonsai outdoors.

If you are just beginning to understand how to display bonsai outdoor, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, and you may have anxiety about not doing something correctly and harming your tree. 

The good news is, there is a lot of information online and, for the most part, these plants are highly adaptable. If you still have specific questions, or would like more information about any of our trees, please contact us today.