I’ll tell you what your tree needs this month.

Bonsai Care Calendar

What your bonsai needs and when – an overview for the Swiss climate. Depending on species, location and weather, the timing can shift by a few weeks. You will find the exact details in the care guide for your tree.

🌸 Spring March – May

Outdoors

  • Repot just before bud break, when the buds swell.
  • Protect freshly budding trees from late frost.
  • Resume feeding as growth starts – wait 4 to 6 weeks after repotting.
  • Shorten new shoots once they have hardened.
  • Check for aphids.

Indoors

  • Growth resumes: feed regularly again.
  • This is the best time to repot.
  • Many subtropical species can move outside from mid-May when nights stay mild. Get them used to the sun gradually.

☀ Summer June – August

Outdoors

  • Check daily and water thoroughly, twice a day in hot weather.
  • Give sensitive species such as Japanese maple light shade at midday.
  • Feed regularly.
  • Maintenance pruning; check wire so it does not bite into the bark.
  • Watch for spider mites in dry spells.

Indoors

  • Bright position, avoid midday sun behind glass.
  • Water as soon as the surface starts to dry.
  • Keep humidity up.

🍂 Autumn September – November

Outdoors

  • Switch to a low-nitrogen autumn fertiliser and stop feeding in October/November.
  • Water less, but do not let it dry out.
  • Remove wire, clear fallen leaves.
  • Prepare winter protection.

Indoors

  • Bring summer guests back in before the first cold nights.
  • Brightest spot, not directly above a radiator.
  • Reduce feeding.

❄ Winter December – February

Outdoors

  • Hardy bonsai need their winter dormancy outdoors.
  • Protect the roots in the pot from prolonged frost, e.g. by sinking the pot into the ground or moving it to a cool, sheltered place.
  • Water on frost-free days, do not feed.
  • End of winter: structural pruning of deciduous trees.

Indoors

  • Choose the brightest spot, add a grow light if needed.
  • Counter dry heating air.
  • Water sparingly and, depending on the species, feed little or not at all.

Species-specific details are on our product pages with care guides and in our guide to pests and diseases.