When to actually repot — too often kills, too rarely chokes the roots.
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Bonsai starter tree (pre-trained)A pre-trained juniper or ficus bonsai is the honest starting point. Wild-collected material requires more skill.
Bonsai tools set (stainless)A basic set: concave cutter, shears, wire cutters, root rake. Japanese Masakuni and Chinese Tian Bonsai both work.
Training wire (aluminum)Aluminum wire is easier to work with than copper for beginners. 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm cover most trunk sizes.
Bonsai soil mix / AkadamaAkadama + pumice + lava rock in roughly 1:1:1 is the standard well-draining bonsai substrate.
Glazed bonsai pots (oval + rectangular)Pot choice completes the tree. Rough bark reads better in an unglazed pot; smooth bark in glazed.
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