October 2026 Bonsai Care Guide Sunshine Coast, Southeast Queensland
Monthly Bonsai Advice
with Rosemarie Caston
JAX and ROSE Bonsai
Welcome back to Rosemarie's Zen Garden, where I share what's happening on our bonsai benches each month here on the Sunshine Coast.
October has arrived, and here on the Sunshine Coast, we're beginning to feel the change in seasons. The days are warming up, humidity is increasing, and we're starting to see those familiar afternoon thunderstorms return.
This October 2026 Bonsai Care Guide for the Sunshine Coast shares practical spring care advice, along with updates on the bonsai projects taking shape in my Zen Garden.
Looking back at September, it's been a comfortable month for our bonsai, with lovely new growth appearing across many of our trees. I've spent time observing the collection, preparing new projects and allowing trees that have recently been worked on to settle and establish.
This month, I'll share some exciting developments from my own garden, including a new eight-tree Swamp Cypress forest, a successful Japanese Black Pine air-layering project and an important lesson about checking bonsai wiring during spring growth.
We'll also look ahead to October, with practical advice on watering, fertilising, pruning, protecting our trees from storms and preparing for the warmer months.
And because spring is such a wonderful time for propagation, I'll share my preferred propagation media mix for growing cuttings, developed through years of experience and experimentation.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's see what's happening in Rosemarie's Zen Garden!
Spring really is the most amazing season of the year. 🌸
This Month in Rosemarie's Zen Garden
Bougainvillea Bonsai Native Tea Tree Bonsai Serissa Bonsai blooming purple
September has been a lovely month in the garden, with the weather beginning to warm up and new growth appearing across many of my bonsai.
One of the highlights was taking JAX AND ROSE Bonsai to the Abbey Historical Festival. We were invited to set up our bonsai stand in the Japanese section, and it was a wonderful experience with a fantastic turnout. It was such a fun event, as we had the opportunity to dress up in beautiful Japanese kimonos and traditional hairstyles, welcoming our customers with a cheerful “Konnichiwa!” (hello) and thanking them with “Arigatō gozaimasu!” (thank you very much). It was lovely to share a little Japanese culture with everyone who visited our stand. We met many wonderful people, and I'm delighted to welcome so many new members to our website following the festival.
Back home, I've been keeping a close eye on the collection as the trees respond to the changing conditions. The warmer days and increasing humidity have encouraged fresh growth, while the return of afternoon storms means it's time to think carefully about wind protection, hail and stronger sunlight.
I've kept the shade cloth over my bonsai benches to help protect the trees from increasing UV levels and changing weather. I've also applied liquid Seasol to my bonsai during September, following the directions on the bottle, to support them as they enter this active growing period.
Pests and diseases have thankfully remained under control, giving me more time to concentrate on some exciting new projects and observe how the trees are developing.
As we move into October, I'll be sharing a few of those projects with you, including a new Swamp Cypress forest, the progress of my Japanese Black Pine air-layer and an important reminder about checking bonsai wire during periods of rapid growth.
Creating My Eight Tree Swamp Cypress Forest
One of my exciting projects in September was creating a new Swamp Cypress forest planting here in Rosemarie's Zen Garden.
I brought together eight trees, combining stock I've been growing for the past two years with some more mature specimens that are approximately seven to eight years old. Bringing trees of different ages and sizes together is a wonderful way to create depth, character and the feeling of a miniature natural landscape.
Once the trees were arranged and planted into their new forest pot, I decided to leave them alone for a while rather than immediately trimming or styling them. After all, they needed time to settle into their new environment and establish themselves.
After just a few weeks, I was delighted to see plenty of fresh new growth appearing. It's always rewarding to see trees responding positively after a new planting.
During October, my plan is to give the forest a light tidy-up once I'm happy that the trees have settled in properly. For now, I'm enjoying watching the new growth develop and allowing the planting to take shape naturally.
I've shared photos of the forest so you can follow its progress with me. It's still a work in progress, but I'm excited to see how this little landscape develops over the coming months!
🌿 My Japanese Black Pine Air Layering Success
Another exciting development in Rosemarie's Zen Garden is my Japanese Black Pine air-layering project.
I started this air-layer a couple of months ago, and in September I decided it was time to carefully check how things were progressing. When I opened the protective wrapping and uncovered the sphagnum moss, I was absolutely delighted to discover that the entire moss clump was filled with fresh, white, healthy roots!
Seeing that mass of new roots was a wonderful moment. Air-layering takes patience, and you never quite know what you'll find until you check the progress. This time, the results were better than I could have hoped for.
How I Air-Layer a Bonsai Branch
If you'd like to try air-layering, here is a simple overview of the process. Remember that success and timing can vary depending on the species, the branch and growing conditions.
Step 1 : Choose a suitable branch
Select a healthy parent tree and a strong branch with healthy growth. Consider where you want the new tree to begin and whether the branch has the structure you'd like for a future bonsai.
Step 2 : Prepare the branch
Carefully remove a ring of bark around the selected section of the branch about15mm long, following a method suitable for your species. Take care not to gouge deeply into the underlying wood or damage it unnecessarily. The cambium layer is the thin layer of actively dividing tissue beneath the bark, and correct preparation of this area is important for successful air-layering. Apply a suitable rooting hormone according to the product instructions.
Step 3 : Apply the sphagnum moss
Moisten the sphagnum moss and wrap a generous amount around the prepared section, ensuring the area is covered well.
Step 4 : Wrap and protect
Enclose the moss in clear plastic and secure it above and below the air-layer so it stays in place and retains moisture. In Queensland, I also use an outer layer of aluminium foil to help protect the moss from excessive heat and sunlight. The clear wrapping underneath allows me to inspect the developing roots when I remove the foil.
Step 5 : Check the roots and separate the new tree
Check the air-layer periodically for root development. Some species take longer than others, so patience is important. Once a strong, healthy root system has developed, the new tree can be separated from the parent and potted into a suitable growing medium, followed by careful aftercare.
What's Next for My Japanese Black Pine?
My Japanese Black Pine is now ready for the next stage. During October, I plan to separate the rooted section from the parent tree and pot it up so it can begin establishing itself as an independent tree.
I'll be keeping a close eye on it throughout the transition, as this is an important stage in the process. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops and sharing its progress with you in a future update.
This project is a reminder that patience, observation and the right conditions can make propagation a very rewarding part of bonsai growing.
🌳 Spring Reminder: Check Your Bonsai Wiring!
Mature Juniper bonsai with wired branches during spring growth. Close-up of bonsai wire beginning to bite into a Juniper branch. Pine branch showing bit from wire
Sometimes, the most valuable bonsai lessons come from our own gardens, and September gave me an important reminder about the need to check wiring regularly.
I have two mature Junipers in my collection, both approximately 15 years old. They have thick branches and had been heavily wired during earlier styling work. I had put them aside to grow and settle, and I hadn't checked their wiring since the beginning of spring.
Unfortunately, with the warmer weather encouraging rapid growth, the wire had begun to bite deeply into the branches. As the branches increased in thickness, the wire that had once been sitting comfortably in place started to cut into the bark and leave visible marks.
It was a timely reminder that even mature bonsai need regular attention, particularly during periods of vigorous growth.
Why Checking Wire Matters
Bonsai wire helps guide branches into the desired position, but it must be monitored closely. As a branch thickens, the wire can become embedded in the bark, potentially leaving lasting scars and affecting the appearance of the tree.
During spring, some species grow surprisingly quickly, meaning wire that was safe a few weeks earlier may begin to bite into the branch.
My Advice for October
As we move further into spring, I recommend checking all wired branches at least every couple of weeks, and more frequently on fast-growing trees.
Inspect the entire length of each wired branch, paying particular attention to bends and thicker sections.
Look for wire pressing into or marking the bark.
Remove wire carefully as soon as it begins to bite or when the branch has held its desired position.
Where necessary, rewire with care rather than leaving tight wire in place for longer than needed.
When removing wire, unwind it carefully or cut it into short sections with suitable bonsai wire cutters. Avoid pulling or unwinding wire in a way that could damage the bark or break the branch.
I've included close-up photos of the wire marks on my Junipers as a reminder of just how quickly this can happen.
The lesson? Don't assume your wiring is still safe just because it looked fine the last time you checked. Regular inspection is an essential part of bonsai maintenance, especially during spring growth.
I'll certainly be keeping a closer eye on my Junipers from now on!
🌿 Three New Bougainvilleas in the Zen Garden
Three Bougainvillea plants being shaped and developed as bonsai in nursery pots. Styled Bougainvillea for bonsai Bougainvillea Bonsai showing new growth
September also saw me working on three new Bougainvilleas for my collection. I've started cutting them back and shaping them, with the aim of developing their structure and creating a good foundation for future bonsai styling.
After this initial pruning, I'm allowing the trees time to recover in their pots before repotting them during October.
I'll plan this work for the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon, to help minimise stress while handling the trees.
Bougainvilleas can be wonderfully rewarding bonsai, with their colourful bracts and characterful trunks. I'm looking forward to seeing how these three develop as they settle into their new styling journey!
🌸 Rosemarie's Bougainvillea Journey - Bambino Maudi Month 4 of 12
2026–2027 Bimer Bonsai Club Challenge
Bambino Maudi Bougainvillea bonsai freshly repotted in a new bonsai pot with its roots trimmed and s Bougainvillea showing signs of drying leaves after major root cutting Bougainvillea showing new healthy growth after major root cuttings
This was a significant repot, with approximately 60% of the root mass removed.
My Bambino Maudi Bougainvillea has continued its recovery journey following a significant root reduction of approximately 60% and repotting at the end of August.
During September, some leaves withered and browned as the tree responded to the root disturbance. Thankfully, I've now seen a lovely flush of fresh leaves, which is an encouraging sign that it's beginning to recover.
I've held off fertilising while the tree settles and allows its roots to recover.
During October, I plan to introduce liquid Seasol for the first time since repotting, following the product directions and monitoring how the tree responds.
This is a reminder that bonsai recovery takes patience. Sometimes the best thing we can do for a stressed tree is give it time, observe its progress and resist the temptation to do too much too soon.
I'll continue documenting Bambino Maudi's progress as part of my 12-month journey, so we can follow its development together.
👉 Missed the beginning of the journey? Read the previous Bougainvillea update here.
🌱 October Bonsai Care
October brings warmer days, increasing humidity and the return of afternoon storms here on the Sunshine Coast. Spring growth is well underway, so it's time to adjust our care routines and prepare for the warmer months ahead.
💧 Watering
Check every tree each morning and again in the afternoon on days above 30°C or when it's windy. Some bonsai may need watering twice daily as summer approaches, particularly those in small, shallow pots or with dense foliage. Water thoroughly until excess water drains freely. Don't assume an afternoon storm has watered your trees sufficiently, check the growing medium afterwards.
☀️ Sun & Wind
Sunshine Coast UV levels can be harsh, while hot, drying winds can quickly dehydrate bonsai. Check your shade cloth before the first heatwave, protect vulnerable trees from strong afternoon sun and secure pots and benches ahead of storms. Avoid moving every tree into heavy shade; consider the needs of each species.
🌱 Fertilising
October is an important feeding month for actively growing bonsai. Developing trees generally benefit from a stronger feeding routine, while refined trees need more moderate feeding to help maintain shorter internodes and smaller foliage. Water before applying fertiliser, follow the product directions and flush pots occasionally to reduce accumulated fertiliser salts. Recently repotted trees should only receive light feeding once new growth is clearly extending and the tree is recovering well.
✂️ Pruning & Wiring
As new shoots mature, trim according to each tree's development goals. Junipers are generally pinched or plucked by hand rather than routinely sheared, while Japanese Black Pines need species appropriate timing for candle work. Check all wired branches at least fortnightly, vigorous growth can cause wire to bite in just a few weeks. Remove wire carefully as soon as it begins to mark the bark or the branch holds its position.
🪴 Repotting
Repotting needs extra care as we approach summer. Warm conditions can suit tropical species such as Bougainvillea and Ficus, while pines and Junipers should generally not be repotted this late in spring. I'm planning to repot my three Bougainvilleas during October after allowing them to recover from pruning. I'll choose the cooler part of the day and provide suitable aftercare. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance in hot weather.
🐛 Keep an Eye Out
Warm temperatures, humidity and fresh growth can encourage pests to multiply quickly. Check growing tips and leaf undersides for aphids and thrips, and inspect for caterpillars, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Good airflow and regular inspections help catch problems early. If treatment is needed, choose a product suitable for the pest and plant, and follow its label, including temperature and sunlight precautions.
🌿 Prepare for Summer
October is a good time to check irrigation, repair shade cloth, improve airflow and plan for hail protection. Keep an eye on small pots that dry quickly, and organise reliable watering arrangements before any holiday breaks.
Species Spotlight October 2026 Bonsai Care Guide - Sunshine Coast
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Keep the growing medium from drying out completely, and protect your trees from hot, drying winds. Check wiring regularly during spring growth, as branches can thicken quickly.
Japanese Black Pine
Monitor candle growth and maintain consistent watering as temperatures rise. Check wiring carefully, and avoid unnecessary heavy work as summer approaches.
Provide plenty of suitable sunlight and allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. Monitor recovery after pruning, and plan repotting carefully around the weather and the tree's condition
Fresh spring growth may need regular trimming to maintain your desired shape. Check moisture levels frequently and inspect wiring before it begins to mark the branches.
Willow Leaf Fig
Warmer weather encourages active growth, so monitor watering and provide suitable light and warmth. Check new growth for pests and keep wiring under observation.
Serissa
Maintain even moisture without waterlogging the roots, and provide good light with protection from harsh conditions. Avoid sudden changes in position, as Serissa can be sensitive to changes in its environment.
✅ October Bonsai Checklist
✔ Check every bonsai each morning
✔ Water again on hot or windy afternoons when needed
✔ Watch small pots closely as temperatures rise
✔ Prepare shade cloth and protect trees from harsh afternoon sun
✔ Secure bonsai benches and pots ahead of storms and strong winds
✔ Feed actively growing trees according to their development needs
✔ Give recently repotted trees time to recover before feeding
✔ Monitor new spring growth and prune selectively
✔ Check wiring at least every two weeks
✔ Remove wire carefully before it bites into branches
✔ Inspect regularly for aphids, caterpillars, scale and mites
✔ Keep good airflow around your bonsai
✔ Clean and maintain bonsai tools between trees
✔ Check irrigation and plan for the hotter months ahead
🌿 Rosemarie’s Tip of the Month
My Premium Propagation Mix
Spring is a wonderful time to propagate bonsai, and after years of experimenting, I've settled on a simple mix that works well for my cuttings.
My preferred mix uses equal parts of:
Small perlite
Medium perlite
Coir
How I use it
Mix the three ingredients thoroughly, wearing gloves and a suitable dust mask when handling dry perlite. Moisten the mix so it's damp but not waterlogged, then fill clean propagation pots with good drainage.
Take healthy cuttings suited to the plant species, prepare them appropriately and use a suitable rooting hormone according to the product directions. Place the pots in a protected shade house or greenhouse, maintaining humidity with regular misting, often two to three times daily, depending on the weather and the plants.
The key is to keep the propagation medium moist while allowing excess water to drain freely. Different species and cutting types have different requirements, so keep an eye on how your cuttings respond.
My tip: Good propagation starts with the right balance of moisture, airflow and humidity. Don't be afraid to experiment and keep records of what works best for your plants!
🌸 Community Spotlight
Upcoming Events -
🌺 Looking Ahead
I'm excited to have been invited to exhibit at the Red Fox Orchids Annual Sales Day in Caboolture on Saturday, 5 December 2026. This will be our first time exhibiting at this event, and I'm looking forward to meeting more plant lovers and sharing the art of bonsai.
I'm also welcoming visitors to explore my own little Zen Garden and bonsai benches by private appointment as we head towards Christmas. If you'd like to see the collection, talk bonsai or find a special tree, please get in touch through our website to arrange a visit.
Thank you for being part of our bonsai journey. Every new connection makes growing and sharing this wonderful art even more rewarding!
Thank you for joining me for another month here at Rosemarie's Zen Garden.
October is a wonderful time to enjoy the fresh growth, watch our trees develop and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Whether you're styling a new bonsai, experimenting with propagation or simply enjoying the trees you already have, remember that patience and observation are at the heart of this beautiful art.
Thank you for joining me for another month in Rosemarie's Zen Garden. I look forward to sharing more of my bonsai projects, lessons and discoveries with you next month.
Until then, enjoy your trees, keep learning and happy growing!
Happy Bonsai Growing!
Rosemarie Caston
JAX & ROSE Bonsai
Continue Your Bonsai Journey
If you've enjoyed this month's bonsai advice, you might also like to explore more from JAX & ROSE Bonsai:
🌳 Join a JAX and ROSE Bonsai Workshop (coming soon)
About the Author
Rosemarie Caston is a passionate bonsai artist, educator and owner of JAX & ROSE Bonsai on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. With a love of creating, teaching and helping others discover the art of bonsai, Rosemarie shares practical advice drawn from her own growing experience in Southeast Queensland. Her goal is to make bonsai enjoyable and accessible for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
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