Mondays aren’t only about returning to work. For bonsai growers, they provide a useful opportunity to spend a few quiet minutes checking how your trees handled the weekend.
Start with the soil.
Rather than automatically watering every bonsai, check whether each tree actually needs moisture. Different species, pot sizes and growing conditions can cause some containers to dry much faster than others.
Next, inspect the foliage and branches. Look for wilting leaves, unusual discolouration, pests or damage that may have appeared since your previous inspection. Catching a small problem early can prevent it from becoming a much bigger issue later in the week.
You can also check wire, especially on trees experiencing active growth. Branches can thicken surprisingly quickly, and wire left unchecked may begin biting into the bark.
Finally, take a moment simply to look at your bonsai.
Not every Monday needs to involve pruning, wiring, repotting or fertilising. Observation is one of the most useful habits a bonsai enthusiast can develop.
A five-minute Monday bonsai check-in gives you an idea of what each tree might need during the coming days — while providing a peaceful start to another busy week.