Need book suggestion

[Kaleb]

Hello, I am interested in finding a book or video series of some kind that will help me understand the why. Someone can tell me when to repot, but I want to understand why. Would like it to tell me the science behind the things we do so I have a better understanding. I am not talking about advanced topics, just the basic stuff about keeping trees alive. Thank you

 

[pandacular]

Not sure I have anything bonsai related to suggest, but I really enjoyed Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon.

Lot's of people can tell you a why, but for the most part, botanists and bonsaiists are different groups, with less interaction than you may think!

 

[NateDyk47]

I think this is a great horticulture focused bonsai book. It may be a difficult read if you're not looking to dig deep into scientific details, but I found it to be really informative.

 

[Jrmcmich]

Not a book but here’s a good article on why to root prune and when.

Root Pruning for Bonsai

 

[Piedmont Bonsai]

You should read bonsai heresy. Much of what we do in bonsai is based on anecdotal evidence and not empirical science.

 

[NateDyk47]

You should read bonsai heresy. Much of what we do in bonsai is based on anecdotal evidence and not empirical science.

Highly recommend this one, too.

 

[99 Mile Creek]

I think this is a great horticulture focused bonsai book. It may be a difficult read if you're not looking to dig deep into scientific details, but I found it to be really informative.


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I second this. If you're a pamphlet reader, this isn't for you. But if you want to know the science and don't mind, or enjoy, reading textbooks, this is it.

 

[Kaleb]

Awesome information so far. Keep em coming!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

You should read bonsai heresy. Much of what we do in bonsai is based on anecdotal evidence and not empirical science.

Which happens to be illustrated by our own @MACH5 …