Calculators that turn “it depends” into a number — the same bench rules growers argue over, with the arithmetic done for you.
Once a calculator tells you what you need, the gear pages cover what to actually buy — and what to skip.
Your species and pot size → the akadama–pumice–lava ratio, and how many quarts of each to buy.
Tree height and trunk caliper → pot length, width, and depth, with shape advice for your style.
Branch diameter → the aluminum or copper gauge that will actually hold the bend.
Also on the bench
On the bench next
Answer five questions about the symptoms — get a diagnosis and a rescue plan.
Just got a tree with no label? Identify it in four taps.
Species + ZIP code → a month-by-month plan for repotting, pruning, and feeding.
Five questions → the tree you won't kill.
Is that boxed kit worth it? The honest math before you buy.
A bonsai gift that survives past February — matched to the person.
