Basic Bonsai Course from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Basic and intermediate techniques for cultivating and designing high quality bonsai from start to end
A relaxing and entertaining hobby you can practice at home

Horticulture and art at the same time
Students will have a complete understanding of everything that is needed to cultivate their own bonsais

Basic and intermediate techniques for cultivating and designing high quality bonsai from start to end
A relaxing and entertaining hobby you can practice at home
Horticulture and art at the same time
Students will have a complete understanding of everything that is needed to cultivate their own bonsais

Syllabus

Introduction

After this lecture the students will have knowledge of what they will be learning in this course

A Little History

After this lecture students will have knowledge of where the art of bonsai originated, how it evolved, and how it spread to the whole world.

Bonsai Myths

After this lecture students will be clear about most bonsai myths

Bonsai Terminology

After this lecture students will learn bonsai terminology. This terms will be used along the course.

Bonsai Styles

After this lectures students will be able to identify most important bonsai styles by form

After this lecture students will be able to identify bonsai styles by size

Best Species for Bonsai

After this lecture students will be able to identify best tree species for bonsai.

Acquiring Trees for Bonsai

After this lecture students will learn to select good trees for bonsai in nurseries

After this lecture students will learn how to acquire high quality trees for bonsai from the wild

After this lecture students will be trained to identify good trees for bonsai from the garbage

After this lecture students will learn how to propagate trees from cutting to make bonsai with them in the future

Bonsai Tools and Materials

After this lecture students will identify the most important bonsai tools

Bonsai Substrate

After this lectures students will learn how to make their own bonsai substrate

Maintenance Pruning

After this lecture students will learn a type of pruning that is very important to maintain a bonsai structure

After this lecture students will learn the meaning and importance of defoliation pruning

After this lecture students will learn the meaning and importance of drastic pruning

After this lecture students will learn pruning techniques to develop branching in bonsai

Bonsai Branch Rules

After this lecture students will learn defects in bonsai branches and how to correct them, to have a better structure in bonsai

Wiring

After this lecture students will learn how to wire branches in a pre-bonsai

Bonsai Styling

After this lecture students will be prepared for styling a pre-bonsai with wired branches

Styling Guide

Removing Wire

After this lecture students will learn how to remove wire from branches in the correct timing

Bonsai Pots

After this lecture students will identify different kinds of bonsai pots, and the relation of the pot with the bonsai

Transplanting

After this lecture students will learn how to transplant a ready pre-bonsai to its new bonsai pot

After this lecture students will learn how to identify when an established bonsai tree needs transplant, and how to make the transplant

Complete Demonstration

Demonstration Part 1

Demonstration Part 2

Demonstration Part 3

In this lecture the instructor will review all accomplishments achieved in the demonstration

Watering

In this lecture students will learn the correct way of watering bonsai

Trees Location

After this lecture students will be able to identify important spaces in their backyard looking for the correct amount of sunlight for their bonsai trees

Fertilizers

After this lecture students will learn basic information about fertilizers, and the importance of fertilizers for bonsai

Pests and Diseases

After this lecture students will be able to identify pest and diseases in their bonsai and about products that are needed to take action to get rid of them

Tools Cleaning and Maintenance

How to clean our tools so that they have a long life time

In this section the students will have great examples of finished bonsai from the collection of Hector Melendez to use as inspiration to design their own bonsai trees

Virtual Exhibition

Closing

In this lecture there are a few suggestions for what to do after finishing the course

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers basics to advanced topics in bonsai, suitable for beginners and experienced artists

Teaches practical techniques with detailed videos and images

Provides a hands-on guide to cultivating high-quality bonsai

Instructor Hector M. Melendez has over 13 years of bonsai experience and expertise

Course is part of a larger series on bonsai, offering a comprehensive approach

May require additional materials and tools for hands-on practice

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic Bonsai Course with these activities:

Review plant identification techniques

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Ensure a stronger understanding of plant species to aid in differentiating between tree types and care differences

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Study botanical guides and keys
Practice identifying plants in local parks or botanical gardens

Read 'The Complete Book of Bonsai' by Peter Adams

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of bonsai techniques and styles from a renowned expert

View Bonsai with Japanese Maples on Amazon

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Read chapters on bonsai history, aesthetics, and different styles
Study the sections on bonsai care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning

Connect with experienced bonsai enthusiasts in your area

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Gain valuable guidance and support from individuals who share your passion for bonsai

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend local bonsai club meetings or workshops
Reach out to bonsai nurseries or enthusiasts online

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Write a blog post about your bonsai journey

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Share your knowledge, experiences, and inspire others interested in bonsai

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Choose a specific aspect of bonsai to write about
Share your insights, tips, and lessons learned
Include high-quality photos of your bonsai

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Bonsai Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Horticulturist

A Horticulturist is involved in the art and science of cultivating plants and usually specializes in a specific group like flowers or fruits. There are also subspecialties within the field, such as Arboriculture, which only deals with the cultivation of trees. This course may be useful for a Horticulturist who wants to specialize in Bonsai, which are cultivated decorative trees. Specifically, this course discusses different tree species that can be grown as Bonsai, how to acquire and propagate them, and how to care for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Horticulturist

Arborist

An Arborist is concerned with the health and well-being of trees. They are involved in planting, pruning, and maintaining trees, as well as removing diseased or damaged trees. This course may be useful for an Arborist who wants to specialize in Bonsai, which are cultivated decorative trees. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for caring for Bonsai trees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arborist

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and installs outdoor spaces, such as patios, decks, and gardens. This course may be useful for a Landscape Architect who wants to incorporate Bonsai trees into their designs. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for incorporating Bonsai trees into a landscape design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Gardener

A Gardener cultivates and maintains plants in gardens and landscapes. They may also be involved in the design and installation of gardens. This course may be useful for a Gardener who wants to specialize in Bonsai, which are cultivated decorative trees. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for caring for Bonsai trees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gardener

Florist

A Florist creates and arranges floral arrangements for a variety of purposes, such as weddings, funerals, and special events. This course may be useful for a Florist who wants to incorporate Bonsai trees into their arrangements. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for incorporating Bonsai trees into a floral arrangement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Florist

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its interactions with human activities. They may be involved in research, policy development, and environmental impact assessment. This course may be useful for an Environmental Scientist who wants to study the environmental impact of Bonsai cultivation. Specifically, this course discusses the different tree species that can be grown as Bonsai and how to care for them, which are important considerations for studying the environmental impact of Bonsai cultivation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Curator

A Curator is responsible for the care and preservation of a collection of objects, such as art, artifacts, or specimens. This course may be useful for a Curator of a botanical garden or arboretum who wants to add Bonsai trees to their collection. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for caring for Bonsai trees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Art teacher

An Art Teacher teaches art to students in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, and art studios. This course may be useful for an Art Teacher who wants to teach their students about Bonsai. Specifically, this course discusses the history of Bonsai, different Bonsai styles, and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for teaching Bonsai.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Naturalist

A Naturalist studies and interprets the natural world for others. They may be involved in education, research, or conservation. This course may be useful for a Naturalist who wants to learn more about Bonsai, which are cultivated decorative trees. Specifically, this course discusses the history of Bonsai, different Bonsai styles, and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for understanding Bonsai.

See salaries and explore the career path for Naturalist

Horticultural Therapist

A Horticultural Therapist uses plants and gardening to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of people. This course may be useful for a Horticultural Therapist who wants to use Bonsai in their work. Specifically, this course discusses the history of Bonsai, different Bonsai styles, and how to style and transplant them, which are important considerations for using Bonsai in horticultural therapy.

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Plant Pathologist

A Plant Pathologist studies and manages diseases of plants. This course may be useful for a Plant Pathologist who wants to study diseases of Bonsai trees. Specifically, this course discusses the different tree species that can be grown as Bonsai and how to care for them, which are important considerations for studying diseases of Bonsai trees.

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Reforestation Specialist

A Reforestation Specialist is involved in the planting and care of trees to restore degraded forests. This course may be useful for a Reforestation Specialist who wants to use Bonsai to propagate trees for reforestation projects. Specifically, this course discusses the different tree species that can be grown as Bonsai and how topropagate them, which are important considerations for using Bonsai in reforestation.

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Landscape Designer

A Landscape Designer creates and designs outdoor spaces for residential, commercial, and public use. This course may be useful for a Landscape Designer who wants to use Bonsai in their designs. Specifically, this course discusses different Bonsai styles and how to install and maintain them, which are important considerations for using Bonsai in landscape design.

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Farmer

A Farmer grows and raises crops and livestock for food and other products. This course may be useful for a Farmer who wants to diversify their operation by growing Bonsai trees. Specifically, this course discusses the different tree species that can be grown as Bonsai and how to care for them, which are important considerations for growing Bonsai trees as a crop.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farmer

Urban Forester

An Urban Forester manages trees in urban areas. This course may be useful for an Urban Forester who wants to learn more about Bonsai, which are cultivated decorative trees. Specifically, this course discusses the history of Bonsai, different Bonsai styles, and how to maintain them, which are important considerations for managing Bonsai trees in urban areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Forester