What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bonsai Bible: The definitive guide to choosing and growing bonsai
The Japanese and Chinese have been creating bonsai trees for centuries and it is now an internationally popular pastime. This compact and stylish guide will provide everything you need to know to grow bonsai successfully, including shaping with wires, watering, seasonal maintenance, tackling common ailments, choosing the right container, feeding and repotting. A directory of over 90 of the most popular species, illustrated with beautiful photographs, will enable you to find the tree that is right for you.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
431 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 26, 2023
The book is a nice introduction into bonsai but mostly is a handbook on different (popular) species and how to look after them.
This isn't a reference on styling as you won't find alot of examples for inspiration. This isn't a horniculture guide either. Consider the book to be a guide for complete beginners.
This isn't a reference on styling as you won't find alot of examples for inspiration. This isn't a horniculture guide either. Consider the book to be a guide for complete beginners.
March 11, 2015
I'm new to the art of bonsai, so I wanted to pick up this book. It's really, really thorough for a beginner like me. It covers the how-to parts in scant detail, but then again, bonsai is an art that takes experience and more hands on application. If you're going to learn it, it's probably best to either take a class or just get your hands in there to make some mistakes.
The parts this book doesn't cover that I know are important are selecting pots, tying the root mass to the pot, and pruning the roots. It's a pretty big topic according to my father-in-law that's been making bonsais for decades.
Where this book really shines through is the species by species entries. Each entry covers the basics of growing the plant, how it lends itself to the art, and what makes it really shine as a bonsai specimen. Really, it's information overload in this area, but it makes up for the lack of how-to in the front pages.
With this book, I now have the confidence to shape my bougainvillea into something spectacular.
The parts this book doesn't cover that I know are important are selecting pots, tying the root mass to the pot, and pruning the roots. It's a pretty big topic according to my father-in-law that's been making bonsais for decades.
Where this book really shines through is the species by species entries. Each entry covers the basics of growing the plant, how it lends itself to the art, and what makes it really shine as a bonsai specimen. Really, it's information overload in this area, but it makes up for the lack of how-to in the front pages.
With this book, I now have the confidence to shape my bougainvillea into something spectacular.
August 3, 2019
Think this is an excellent little book. It's clearly not meant to be an "everything you ever need to know" type book but that was pretty obvious to me. It is instead, a great overview of all the different types and varieties. It was invaluable in helping me decide which one to buy.
Going forward I know I'll need another book to learn all the ins and outs but as a guide to choosing a plant its excellent.
Going forward I know I'll need another book to learn all the ins and outs but as a guide to choosing a plant its excellent.
October 26, 2018
This was an amazing look at the world of miniature trees--You know they're not genetically modified, they're full-size seeds, that just get pruned and wired that way? It blew my mind! When I have time, I'd like to try to make one.
February 8, 2020
Useful guide for my first indoor Bonsai Tree. Confier :)
August 3, 2024
The Bonsai Beginner's Bible is an excellent reference guide for anyone developing an interest in the hobby. The author - Peter Chan - is the owner of a large, well-respected bonsai nursery in England and has a wealth of instructional material online.
The book doesn't follow the typical format of proving a basic cover-all introduction for all bonsai species but rather it offers tailored advice to a vast number of species over several categories; outdoor coniferous, outdoor broad-leaved, outdoor flowering, indoor/tropical and subtropical. In order for these categories to make sense, the focus is on a temperate climate - don't let this be a turn off because other zones are frequently mentioned.
Whilst there is a bonsai 'general care' introduction, it is very basic and compromises only approximately 10% of the book, at the start. For this, other introduction books are better suited.
For each species (sometimes genus), information is typically presented over two pages and includes the following: bullet point summary, introduction, where to keep them, how to look after them - repotting, pruning and pinching, wiring, watering, feeding and be aware (common problems) in addition to at least two images. Though useful, two pages for all but the most simple of species won't be enough for mastery. This is to be expected considering that it is written with beginners in mind.
The real strength of The Bonsai Beginner's Bible is the coverage it offers. It really builds the reader's interest in the hobby by demonstrating what trees/plants can become bonsai; these aren't just the typical ones listed in books or even on the internet. The reader is essentially able to make a shortlist of species that interest them and are viable to his or her situation before seeking more detailed advice.
The book doesn't follow the typical format of proving a basic cover-all introduction for all bonsai species but rather it offers tailored advice to a vast number of species over several categories; outdoor coniferous, outdoor broad-leaved, outdoor flowering, indoor/tropical and subtropical. In order for these categories to make sense, the focus is on a temperate climate - don't let this be a turn off because other zones are frequently mentioned.
Whilst there is a bonsai 'general care' introduction, it is very basic and compromises only approximately 10% of the book, at the start. For this, other introduction books are better suited.
For each species (sometimes genus), information is typically presented over two pages and includes the following: bullet point summary, introduction, where to keep them, how to look after them - repotting, pruning and pinching, wiring, watering, feeding and be aware (common problems) in addition to at least two images. Though useful, two pages for all but the most simple of species won't be enough for mastery. This is to be expected considering that it is written with beginners in mind.
The real strength of The Bonsai Beginner's Bible is the coverage it offers. It really builds the reader's interest in the hobby by demonstrating what trees/plants can become bonsai; these aren't just the typical ones listed in books or even on the internet. The reader is essentially able to make a shortlist of species that interest them and are viable to his or her situation before seeking more detailed advice.
August 5, 2017
Not so much an introductory book as it provides a catalog and descriptions of many types of bonsai.
This book focuses on introducing readers to a wide variety of bonsai plant types. If you are a beginner looking for the "perfect" tree or plant, then this might be a good start. It gives a fair overview of how to care for them, but is better for its information on each plant and presenting good examples of already "sculpted" bonsai plants. If you are a beginner like me, use this as a supplement in addition to a text that gives a more details, diagrams/pictures, how to care, and how to prune & shape bonsai in general. If you have a good foundation in these things already, then this book is extremely helpful in understanding each type of bonsai species you are growing or considering.
It falls short a star-and-a-quarter (if I could only give books partial stars) for two reasons only: it is not an exhaustive bible and search engines like Google can connect you with information quickly. A great many trees or plants can be made into bonsai that are not in this book. I know because I received a few seeds of plants that were not in this book. If you are looking for a new type of plant for growing or offering a new challenge that is compiled in one place (saving you time searching online), I would recommend at least browsing this book. The text also provides many core details, such as how to care for each plant (and plant type) such as watering, fertilizer feeding, wiring, pruning, repotting, temperature/climate. It also contains a few other notes regarding how to generally care for each one and awareness of the challenges each species might face, such as pests and diseases.
This book focuses on introducing readers to a wide variety of bonsai plant types. If you are a beginner looking for the "perfect" tree or plant, then this might be a good start. It gives a fair overview of how to care for them, but is better for its information on each plant and presenting good examples of already "sculpted" bonsai plants. If you are a beginner like me, use this as a supplement in addition to a text that gives a more details, diagrams/pictures, how to care, and how to prune & shape bonsai in general. If you have a good foundation in these things already, then this book is extremely helpful in understanding each type of bonsai species you are growing or considering.
It falls short a star-and-a-quarter (if I could only give books partial stars) for two reasons only: it is not an exhaustive bible and search engines like Google can connect you with information quickly. A great many trees or plants can be made into bonsai that are not in this book. I know because I received a few seeds of plants that were not in this book. If you are looking for a new type of plant for growing or offering a new challenge that is compiled in one place (saving you time searching online), I would recommend at least browsing this book. The text also provides many core details, such as how to care for each plant (and plant type) such as watering, fertilizer feeding, wiring, pruning, repotting, temperature/climate. It also contains a few other notes regarding how to generally care for each one and awareness of the challenges each species might face, such as pests and diseases.
November 24, 2021
I read this book because I wanted to learn something entirely new. I succeeded half way. On the one hand this book is a beautiful introduction into the Bonsai world and is a good reference for future use as it provides an overview of the most available types.
On the other hand I would have loved to learn more about the care of Bonsai such as the different forms, illnesses, dangers and day to day stuff. This is mentioned, but only in passing
On the other hand I would have loved to learn more about the care of Bonsai such as the different forms, illnesses, dangers and day to day stuff. This is mentioned, but only in passing
September 4, 2020
Really quite generic, with no detailed how-to’s or instructions. Information on plant species is very brief as well. There is a very wide range of species discussed though, many of which aren’t typically considered by somebody new to the hobby.
March 1, 2020
stunning images and great bonsai info
December 28, 2022
One of the more extensive collections of 2-page summaries for a lot of different Bonsai, especially tropical indoor bonsai plants.
April 11, 2020
A good introduction to Bonsai, with many photographs of various types of bonsai. I would have liked more pages in the book devoted specifically to bonsai care and maintenance.
June 22, 2020
summary
If you want to have a summary to reference some tips to any kind of bonsai, this book if for you.
If you want to have a summary to reference some tips to any kind of bonsai, this book if for you.
July 31, 2020
A must read for beginners.
April 11, 2021
Good book, lists most species
This book does not have in-depth discussion on many topics, but shows most, if not all, the species of bonsai you might see or have.
This book does not have in-depth discussion on many topics, but shows most, if not all, the species of bonsai you might see or have.
February 8, 2023
Good if you are starting and want an overview of the various species
December 20, 2022
Does include some tropical (non-traditional) bonsai care
Kudos to Peter Chan for including specific information on non-traditional trees as well as traditional ones! However, he is missing one of the most popular group of non-traditional trees, Portulacaria afra and close relatives. This includes Dwarf Jades and Money Trees.
The book was first published in 2014 in England, which may have an effect on the trees included. Also, for the reader in North America, there are a few words and phrases that are unfamiliar.
The information included in the book is very easy to understand, and covers almost any situation. The instructions about different techniques are very clear. It is heavy on outdoor bonsai and the concerns of growing bonsai in one's yard, but does include a few indoor concerns. Of course, a review of bonsai tradition is included.
This is the most complete book on bonsai that I have found on Kindle, mostly due to the detailed coverage of non-traditional trees. This is, in fact, the only one I have found with detailed information on these types of trees at all. Perhaps I'm being picky about the omission of a few, however, I own those trees, and I was disappointed not to find them included.
Kudos to Peter Chan for including specific information on non-traditional trees as well as traditional ones! However, he is missing one of the most popular group of non-traditional trees, Portulacaria afra and close relatives. This includes Dwarf Jades and Money Trees.
The book was first published in 2014 in England, which may have an effect on the trees included. Also, for the reader in North America, there are a few words and phrases that are unfamiliar.
The information included in the book is very easy to understand, and covers almost any situation. The instructions about different techniques are very clear. It is heavy on outdoor bonsai and the concerns of growing bonsai in one's yard, but does include a few indoor concerns. Of course, a review of bonsai tradition is included.
This is the most complete book on bonsai that I have found on Kindle, mostly due to the detailed coverage of non-traditional trees. This is, in fact, the only one I have found with detailed information on these types of trees at all. Perhaps I'm being picky about the omission of a few, however, I own those trees, and I was disappointed not to find them included.
March 14, 2024
Art through forestry…
The Bonsai Bible by Peter Chan is a fine little guide to the world of bonsai trees…and it will likely open your eyes to this larger tiny world…
Bonsai is a delicate art…and this book with cover the various keys to a proper bonsai garden or solitary tree. Even if you don’t have a bonsai hobby, you will find your mind blown by just how involved it can be…
The “bible” (one of many such books by this company that provides a massive amount of thorough data in a small package) presents the key elements of bonsai…from pruning to wiring (around the branches) to tree species to watering to proper soil choice.
For some reason I didn’t realize that bonsai trees could be virtually any of dozens of ordinary and rare trees you might see in everyday life…and the Bible covers many common and uncommon types along with the various benefits and drawbacks to using them. Accoampnying each tree section are also lush and lovely pictures depicting the tree in question.
You will learn far more about bonsai that you may have expected (or even wanted to know), but hopefully it’ll give you a greater appreciation for the subject…
The Bonsai Bible by Peter Chan is a fine little guide to the world of bonsai trees…and it will likely open your eyes to this larger tiny world…
Bonsai is a delicate art…and this book with cover the various keys to a proper bonsai garden or solitary tree. Even if you don’t have a bonsai hobby, you will find your mind blown by just how involved it can be…
The “bible” (one of many such books by this company that provides a massive amount of thorough data in a small package) presents the key elements of bonsai…from pruning to wiring (around the branches) to tree species to watering to proper soil choice.
For some reason I didn’t realize that bonsai trees could be virtually any of dozens of ordinary and rare trees you might see in everyday life…and the Bible covers many common and uncommon types along with the various benefits and drawbacks to using them. Accoampnying each tree section are also lush and lovely pictures depicting the tree in question.
You will learn far more about bonsai that you may have expected (or even wanted to know), but hopefully it’ll give you a greater appreciation for the subject…
January 28, 2026
Un llibre que promet molt amb el seu subtítol però que és el típic engany editorial de llibre amb informació superficial, escasssa i fotos boniques (això si) per justificar el preu i que la gent no se senti completament estafada.
És un d’aquells llibres que compres perquè no tens temps de fer recerca i esperes que tingui uns mínims, sobretot veient les ressenyes però no… és l’equivalent del click-bait editorial.
Si, ara tinc clar quines espècies d’arbre van bé per bonsai d’exterior o interior i quines són “fàcils” de mantenir però res més; preguntes cabdals com on tallar, quan, perquè, com fer les corbes, etc queden sense resposta i només amb un subtítol sense profunditat
És un d’aquells llibres que compres perquè no tens temps de fer recerca i esperes que tingui uns mínims, sobretot veient les ressenyes però no… és l’equivalent del click-bait editorial.
Si, ara tinc clar quines espècies d’arbre van bé per bonsai d’exterior o interior i quines són “fàcils” de mantenir però res més; preguntes cabdals com on tallar, quan, perquè, com fer les corbes, etc queden sense resposta i només amb un subtítol sense profunditat
July 23, 2021
This is a great reference for beginners of bonsai. It gives a brief foundation for the key aspects of bonsai, enough to give reference for the following 3/4s of the book that lists the finer details of the common species. I will definitely be referring back to this as I continue on my journey in this new hobby
January 22, 2024
I'm glad I got this one first when I decided to get into bonsai. It's good for the fundamentals of care, and I find myself checking back every time I'm thinking about getting a new tree. While it isn't that detailed on things like styling and pruning, it did demystify the care process, which I had found particularly daunting in the beginning.
January 15, 2022
The format is less than ideal, as the book’s layout and print are both small. However, the content is good. The value of this book is the species specific information about many types of trees.
August 25, 2022
Thorough, useful care instructions for a wide variety of trees
February 9, 2023
List of plants. Not really what I was looking for.
March 14, 2024
Art through forestry…
The Bonsai Bible by Peter Chan is a fine little guide to the world of bonsai trees…and it will likely open your eyes to this larger tiny world…
Bonsai is a delicate art…and this book with cover the various keys to a proper bonsai garden or solitary tree. Even if you don’t have a bonsai hobby, you will find your mind blown by just how involved it can be…
The “bible” (one of many such books by this company that provides a massive amount of thorough data in a small package) presents the key elements of bonsai…from pruning to wiring (around the branches) to tree species to watering to proper soil choice.
For some reason I didn’t realize that bonsai trees could be virtually any of dozens of ordinary and rare trees you might see in everyday life…and the Bible covers many common and uncommon types along with the various benefits and drawbacks to using them. Accoampnying each tree section are also lush and lovely pictures depicting the tree in question.
You will learn far more about bonsai that you may have expected (or even wanted to know), but hopefully it’ll give you a greater appreciation for the subject…
The Bonsai Bible by Peter Chan is a fine little guide to the world of bonsai trees…and it will likely open your eyes to this larger tiny world…
Bonsai is a delicate art…and this book with cover the various keys to a proper bonsai garden or solitary tree. Even if you don’t have a bonsai hobby, you will find your mind blown by just how involved it can be…
The “bible” (one of many such books by this company that provides a massive amount of thorough data in a small package) presents the key elements of bonsai…from pruning to wiring (around the branches) to tree species to watering to proper soil choice.
For some reason I didn’t realize that bonsai trees could be virtually any of dozens of ordinary and rare trees you might see in everyday life…and the Bible covers many common and uncommon types along with the various benefits and drawbacks to using them. Accoampnying each tree section are also lush and lovely pictures depicting the tree in question.
You will learn far more about bonsai that you may have expected (or even wanted to know), but hopefully it’ll give you a greater appreciation for the subject…
December 1, 2023
Great information about a wide range of species for bonsai application. I will say Peter's ideas about soil mix are somewhat controversial or old school when it comes to mix builds and I’ve heard pretty consistent criticism of how often he recommends and uses organics in soil mixes. I suspect the climate he lives in plays a roll in what works for him in these mixes as well as access to greenhouses and staff to aide in taking care of trees, but the general notes on species characteristics are excellent.
June 13, 2023
This is a pocket-sized book on bonsai. It spends the first few pages talking about the history of bonsai and general caring techniques for bonsai. The rest of the book is about specific types of trees for creating bonsai, which I only read the part about Japanese Maples since I’m growing them. The book is not bad, although I’d say it’s strictly for beginners. For detailed how-tos, it’s better to go for Peter Chan’s YouTube channel for instructions.
January 18, 2021
Excellent guide to popular bonsai species. Some of the info is a bit dated (for example serissa foetida had been known as serissa japonica for a while now). Most of the descriptions are a little too brief and cookie-cutter to be useful, but I thought this would be a great way to familiarize yourself with the types of trees which are most abundant and popular in the bonsai world
November 4, 2024
This was an okay introduction to Bonsai for anyone, starting from the very beginning. I was hoping for more detail regarding wiring, pruning, care, etc.
If you're looking for a book that briefly touches upon the above topics and lists the different types of trees used in Bonsai, this book may be helpful.
If you're looking for a book that briefly touches upon the above topics and lists the different types of trees used in Bonsai, this book may be helpful.
February 28, 2015
An easy guide to a consuming gardening project.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews