
Trace the history and development of bonsai from ancient Penjing traditions in China to Japanese refinement under Zen Buddhism, including tools, wire, and soil techniques.
Explore how a healthy root system drives water and nutrient uptake through osmosis. Understand xylem, phloem, and cambium coordinating growth, sugar transport, bark protection, and tree rings.
Master bonsai care by learning how to fertilize with balanced NPK and trace minerals, choose liquid over granular fertilizers, and manage pests with neem oil and insecticidal soap.
Do you have a passion for plants, like growing and taking care of them, are a hobbyist or just looking to acquire a new skill?
In this course, you will learn all aspects of the art of bonsai, with hands on experience starting with choosing a plant and pot, planting and pruning it into the unique shape of bonsai, as well as all aspects of maintenance and pest control. You will be given assignments at the end of each hands-on lecture to ensure you have a firm grasp of the techniques and concepts that are taught throughout the course.
Any age, from early teenagers to late golden years.
Bonsai tools and wire, ingredients for making soil mix, plants, bonsai pots, and some household cleaning supplies will be needed for the hands-on assignments. A table and optionally a riser are recommended for convenience. All necessary tools and supplies are listed in downloadable PDF files that can be found under Resources for each of the corresponding lectures.
The Bonsai for Beginners course was created by Tropex Academy, whose mission is to seed and grow the world’s tranquility and balance by introducing the beauty of live plants into our living and working spaces. We at Tropex Academy promise our students not only to teach theory, but the actual down-to-earth working knowledge, by providing all the necessary tips, tricks and tools.
This course is taught by Mark Volman, a bonsai artist with over 20 years of experience. Mark has spent his bonsai career running a successful bonsai and tropical plants wholesale and retail business in Canada. He and his team commercially grow and arrange bonsai trees and countless plants. Mark has created a team of outstanding bonsai experts with deep knowledge of the bonsai art and is excited to share his knowledge with you.