WATERING
Bonsai should be watered every day in Spring and Summer, and every 2-3 days in Autumn and Winter. Preferably in the mornings, and a decent drenching, not just a spritz.

WATERING INSTRUCTIONS IF BEING KEPT INDOORS
If they are being kept indoors they may need less water. So it is best to check the soil when you first start watering.
The best way to do this is to move aside the decorative gravel after days one, and two, and three etc. And if it still looks wet then it is okay for another day. When it looks dry it is time to water it again.
Using this technique, you should be able to tell how frequently it will need to be watered in your particular environment/microclimate.

Watering can be done either outdoors with a watering can, or indoors with a cup.
If watering with a watering can, give it a really good drenching and let it drain before bringing it back indoors.
If watering indoors, water at the sink and with a cup. It is advisable to cover the gravel with a sponge and water through the sponge. (The sponge will dissipate the water, so the gravel does not end up in the sink).
Then let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and by then most of the water should have drained. Then tilt it on the side, so that any extra water drains out. Then tilt it to the other side, and drain again.
Then wipe it underneath with an old tea towel etc, and put it back where you had it on display.
Also, it is best not to sit it in a tray, because if it sits in water it can get root rot.
Also, it is best to make your watering a routine. So when you get up in the morning do the watering first thing, and then followed by your morning routine. For example, have your breakfast, brush your teeth etc. By this time 15 or 20 minutes should have passed, and most of the excess water should have drained.

(A rough guide for the amount of water needed is around one to one and a half the estimated volume of the pot. This may seem excessive, but the whole soil volume needs to be soaked. Do not be concerned if most of the water drains out, this is perfectly acceptable).

WATERING INSTRUCTIONS IF BONSAI IS KEPT OUTDOORS PERMANENTLY
Bonsai should be watered every day in Spring and Summer, and every 2-3 days in Autumn and Winter. Preferably in the mornings, and a decent drenching, not just a spritz.

If being watered outdoors we recommend you use a watering can or a hose with a fine rosette.
With a watering can we recommend it be watered three times, but at the same time. So water from above the bonsai including the foliage, giving it a good drenching, then back it off allowing the water to soak in, and repeat this process another two times. (The reason we do it this way is that if it has been a hot, dry and windy day, the surface may be water-repellent. So the first two waterings will soften up the surface, and the third watering will allow it to get a good soaking).
If watering with a hose, do it in a similar fashion repeating it three times.

(If using a watering can or hose there is no need to measure the amount of water, but make sure it gets a good and decent drenching).

LIGHT
The bonsai will require direct sunlight. Give it morning sun, a minimum of 3-4 hours, but all day is preferable.
If being kept indoors it should be close to a window, but not right up against the window. It should be kept at a distance of 10-20cm from the glass.
If being kept outdoors, anywhere in the open is ideal.
If being kept in an alfresco area or under a verandah or awning, it will need the sun to hit it for several hours during the day.
It is also important that the bonsai not be up against a brick wall or metal fence, where it will get radiating heat. It should however be safe at least a metre away.

Bonsai may be kept indoors or outdoors indefinitely, or a combination of indoors and outdoors.
Our recommendation and a preferred system of our clients is to keep the bonsai indoors when they are at home, and to bring it outdoors to get some full sun when they are either shopping, studying, working etc.

TRIMMING
Bonsai can be trimmed any time of year regardless of species. The idea is to keep the bonsai compact and in shape.
Bonsai shears are the ideal preferred tool for trimming. For most species, an action similar to trimming a hedge will do the trick.
For Junipers, however, a different technique is required. The tips may be plucked in a clean and swift manner, or preferably be trimmed at the base of an internode.

FEEDING
Bonsai should be fed every 3-5 years when the bonsai is repotted. We recommend an all-purpose slow-release fertiliser and preferably a 9-month release. Add about one tablespoon or so at this time. (Less or more depending on pot size).

In between repotting, bonsai can be fed with a liquid fertiliser. Any product will do, but our preference is THRIVE.
This can be done either once or twice a week, or once or twice a month, depending on what you are trying to achieve. More frequent feeding will make the bonsai grow faster and more vigorously. Less frequent feeding will keep the bonsai more compact yet healthy.
Liquid feeding in winter is mostly a waste of time, but once a month may still be a good idea.
Our preferred technique for liquid feeding is to give it the usual watering first thing in the morning, then half an hour to an hour later, give it the liquid feed.

FEEDING FLOWERING BONSAI
For species of flowering bonsai, we recommend a product called BLOOM BOOSTER. This should be applied at least two weeks before flowering season for your particular species and continued throughout its flowering season. (This will promote more flower growth rather than foliar and branch growth).

FINAL NOTE
Please do not be overwhelmed by the in-depth instructions. The basic KISS (keep it simple stupid) care instructions at the top of this page will suffice. Remember nature has been doing this for billions of years. In a nutshell, bonsai just needs sunlight, water and an occasional trim.