How to Bonsai – Restoring neglected Trident Maple – Gentle work on roots & temp repot

Start of the restoring process for this neglected Trident Maple bonsai

Another recent acquisation, a Trident Maple. Another case of neglect, the pot is broken and held together with wire. The pot looks very old and it looks like its been in this pot for as long as ten years. There is hardly any bonsai soil there and its completely root bound. The pot has to be broken to take it out. The roots are gently worked on and it is temporarily repotted in a round mica pot.

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Please watch: “Bonsai Oak Tree Summer Pruning, A beginners bonsai tree”
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Google Rating

4.8

Mikbonsai

4.8

Andrew Elder

14:35 27 May 25

Iqbal is a true artist and a wonderful bonsai guide, I highly recommend his services. He repotted and sculptured my two bonsai trees and they look amazing. Thank you.

Joel Galan

17:07 06 May 25

Mik is very helpful and friendly . he gave me a lot of advice and taught me how to take care of my bonsai.He even pruned my first bonsai.Hes extremely knowledgeable and passionate.Highly recommend Mikbonsai for those who wanted to start having bonsai.Thank you so much Mik.

Indy Chonk

17:40 21 Mar 25

Ive known Iqbal/Mik, for quite some years now. And, i am always astounded each time i am blessed in his prescence. There is something special when met with someone with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and no doubt love and passion for his unique specialised Bonsai art. Iqbal is extremely helpful and supportive in helping me maintain and repot my Bonsai Tree. In addition a great teacher of his art. I am excited to continue my journey with him as a newly eager beginner. Thank you

William Ward

20:03 11 Mar 25

Took my bonsai for a repotting service and left with a wealth of experience. Iqbal is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend his expertise in all things bonsai.

Afzal

11:51 27 Oct 24

Iqbal is wonderful person and extremely knowledgeable. He took the time to talk me through everything I needed to know, and made some great recommendations. His collection is an absolute must see. Thank you Iqbal!

Nader A

20:48 21 Sep 24

An unparalleled bonsai experience. The proprietor is knowledgeable and passionate and spent over an hour with us. The selection of trees and the quality of the specimens is not comparable to what you'd get at a garden centre.

Richard T

18:33 31 Jul 24

Went to Mikbonsai after a Google search and was very happy to see that such a kind expert was nearby. Visited by appointment with my son who is really interested in learning bonsai. Iqbal spent lots of time with us giving very valuable advice on my son's current tree and we left with a beautiful new Chinese Elm and some potting mix. Very satisfied, thank you Iqbal.

Izzy Sebire

14:09 24 Jul 24

I highly recommend! I came for a repotting appointment for a ficus that I’ve owned for a couple of years that hadn't been repotted before (bought from another shop). Not only did Iqbal do an amazing job with the repotting, but also pruning and wiring, and he explained the whole process in depth. My tree looks wonderful and I left with a lot of helpful information and tips tailored for my particular tree (and freebies). Iqbal was so knowledgable and passionate about bonsai. Thank you so much!! :)

Mohamed

14:56 24 Jun 24

Outstanding value! I took my bonsai for repotting and left with a wealth of knowledge. Will definitely see Iqbal again for anything to do with my trees. The repotting process itself was explained in detail that was easy to understand. Finally a big thank you for all the care instructions which were simple and easy to follow. Iqbal is willing to spend time to share his passion and experience to the novice and/or a seasoned enthusiast. Class!

Leonard Leclerc

15:28 17 Jun 24

I recently attended a bonsai class with Iqbal, and it was an amazing experience! Iqbal’s passion for bonsai is truly fatastic, and his depth of knowledge is incredible. He guided us through each step with patience and clarity. I left the class feeling confident and inspired to continue my bonsai journey. Highly recommended for anyone interested in this beautiful art form!

Joe May

12:43 15 Jun 24

Had a great time collecting my beautiful new bonsai. Learnt a great deal and walked away feeling that not only can I reach out if worried, that I have a good basis of understanding of how look after my Chinese Elm. Iqbal is full of tales and knowledge and incredibly keen to pass it on. Can’t wait to get know my tree and hopefully grow some new ones from it. Highly recommend.

Alex Coanda

17:41 25 May 24

One of the best places where you can find the perfect bonsai tree ! A large variety of bonsai, all of them looks beautiful ! And you benefit of a free on the spot tutorial about everything necessary to know! Strongly recommended Mikbonsai !!!!

Clement Power

08:53 06 May 24

My Chinese Elm bonsai was in a terrible state - its pot had broken and it anyway needed repotting urgently. Iqbal saved the day, doing a fantastic and patient job repotting (with proper wiring and mesh), pruning, and plenty of excellent care advice. Thank you so much!

Jake Roseberry

11:52 15 Jun 23

Very friendly and knowledgeable. Iqbal has a really awesome inventory of bonsai, if you need a repot it’s definitely worth going to him. I bought a baby Japanese maple at the store and brought it to him to turn it into a beautiful bonsai. Very pleased with the results.

Andrew Garrard

16:05 07 Jun 23

Iqbal was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable in determining what I'd been doing wrong with my bonsai - including doing some repotting for me (and noting that the specialists I'd been to before had given maybe unhelpful advice and an odd soil choice). He was happy to take time to give advice, and clearly loves bonsai. All this at very short notice, despite my trees not having been bought from him. Happy to recommend (especially given the reducing number of specialists able to make money from bonsai), and I'll be going back when my next tree needs repotting.

Phuc Nguyen

17:28 23 Apr 23

We've purchased a few bonsais from here and are very happy with those. Mik provides excellent customer service and is very knowledge when it comes them!!

Tayfun Aktas

09:22 20 Mar 23

Had initially bought my Chinese Elm in July 2022 as a birthday present. My partner was extremely happy with her present as she had been wanting a bonsai for quiet some time. Iqbal had really explained in-depth how to look after the bonsai and offer all the help and support needed as we were complete novices.I have since returned to MikBonsai for repotting and am really pleased and looking forward to the many years ahead with the bonsaI. Really beautiful to look at. I have been advised to keep the bonsai away from direct sunlight after repotting for a few weeks and so the photos reflect this, with the bonsai further away from its usual position, by the window.Thanks to Iqbal and his lovely wife for the help and care!

Amrik Sahota

13:55 19 Mar 23

Very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable people. Mikbonsai have a great selection of trees, provide excellent repotting and trimming services, and are always available to support when needed.

Benjamin Mends

15:40 09 Mar 23

Very friendly came for a pot but i wish I knew sooner about this place for trees instead but definitely know now if I want anything to go to him

Kenn Kyeswa Mukasa

21:41 11 Jul 22

Excellent service, very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend Mikbonsai for any bonsai related services.

Debi Ani

10:30 08 Jun 22

Here's another 5* review — for good reason. Walking into Iqbal's garden was like entering Narnia. A wonderland of all things Bonsai — both an adventure and a crash course. Everything was wrong with my commercially bought tree — from the size of the pot to the quality of the soil — and once it had been explained, it was obvious and I don't look at them in the same way again.He is super knowledgeable and hugely enthusiastic with an infectious love of the art. It's a small place, so although choice may be more limited if you are buying a tree, or looking for help this is your place.

Ed Wilson

15:46 28 May 22

Just had my first ever bonsai repotted by Iqbal at mikbonsai. He's hugely knowledgeable and very kind and patient, especially with a complete bonsai beginner like me. I suspect this may be the start of an expensive habit!

Anna de Bruijn

10:00 06 Oct 21

I used the service to receive advice about bonsai care for a small fee for bonsais that were purchased elsewhere. The other shop where I got the bonsai from were really no help at all. They said there was no problem with my bonsai and then just stopped replying. That's when I called Mikbonsai. The service I received was really outstanding. The owner took a lot of time to help me, brainstorm issues and give me really good advice. If I ever buy a new bonsai, I will go here without a doubt. You will receive a quality service and true expertise.

Jessy D.C.C.

21:12 06 Jun 21

I bought my first Bonsai here. Love it

Farah Abadi

12:26 01 Sep 20

Absolutely lovely, you ll enjoy the selection & service 😍

S singh

16:22 03 Jun 20

Great service. Not only were there a couple of freebies along with our purchase but the knowledge we gained and personal care that goes into his trees definitely made it worth it. Care which you may not see at some of the shops! Will be back again

Ibrahim Sharif

19:04 20 May 20

Incredibly helpful and friendly! I will definitely return for a second bonsai!

Ewan Smith

13:42 13 Feb 20

Have purchased a beautiful bonsai tree for my partner and want to recommend Mikbonsai to anyone who wishes to buy a bonsai tree.Fantastic service, very knowledgeable and a very personal service. Very impressed and extremely pleased with the tree and whole experience. Thank you.

Coral Lancaster

20:20 10 Feb 20

I had purchased a bonsai tree for my birthday's 14th birthday, but within a few months it started to die. We were so worried and didn't know how to care for the tree. So we booked a bonsai lesson with Mik and he showed us loads about caring for bonsai trees, some of the basics of how to prune and trim the roots, and how to repot a bonsai tree. He was able to immediately identify what had gone wrong with our tree and helped us to repot and prune it. It is now thriving and looking absolutely beautiful. Very happy and relieved. Thank you!

nora de limon

09:03 19 Sep 19

This is a great place to buy your bonsai from, especially if you're new to these beautiful trees. Iqbal takes the time to teach you how to care for them and is always available post-purchase for further tips!

Juan de Lezica

08:34 12 Sep 19

Fantastic place. Great professional advise from Iqbal, a lot of choices on offer.

Gias Ali

13:12 09 Aug 19

I was given a bonsai tree as a gift a few months ago and I was really worried about the correct care so I called mikbonsai and spoke with Iqbal who was absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable. It is a shame I do not live close by to get a tutorial as Iqbal was very helpful. Thank you again for your free advise as it will be very useful for me. I will recommend others to his website as the videos are very useful too. Thank you

Eleonora Piva

09:49 03 Jun 19

This place is a bonsai heaven!! Iqbal is super nice and incredibly knowledgeable, you can tell how much he loves the trees and he’ll teach you all you need to take care of your bonsai! Definitely highly recommended!

Emmanuel Sanni

00:06 02 Jun 19

Exceptional quality of trees with a wide selection of affordable prices. Rare opportunity to have a 1on1 consultation to pick the right tree for myself.Thank you

Ben Woodyear

20:41 19 May 19

An excellent experience, I bought a lovely Chinese Elm which I couldn't be happier with. Very reasonable prices, but the wealth of advice I received was priceless. Will have to stop myself going back to buy more, for a while at least!

Simon Furneaux

17:14 04 May 19

Very happy with mik bonsai. Took my tree there as it needed re-potting. Iqbal is highly knowledgeable and happy to help. Would defiantly recommend.Here’s a pic of my tree after re-potting. 👌🏻Thanks again and see you soon

Anil Shamdasani

11:36 22 Apr 19

Really useful, incredible service and have an amazing bonsai now! Really recommend this place. Iqbal was really kind and helpful (and patient!) and helped us find the best bonsai for us. Would definitely use MikBonsai again.

Ahmed Syed

17:25 14 Apr 19

Iqbal is hospitable, knowledgeable and a fantastic sharer of knowledge. He has a genuine passion for the art of Bonsai and the kind of integrity that gives you the comfort of knowing you are starting your Bonsai journey in the best of hands. I strongly recommend visiting Iqbal and his beautiful Bonsai garden to everyone. A great experience.

Dean Gamradt

22:18 07 Mar 19

Thank You,Will be using your pot cleaning advice.Far superior to using oils or harmful chemicals - using large amounts of scrubbing.Look forward to spending some time on your site.My first bonsai in 1972, a 25yr old rosemary, I was able to kill it quickly. It takes me longer now.Thanks,Dean GamradtNow living in Minnesota, u.s.

Margaret Bromfield

11:04 26 Feb 19

Highly recommended, fantastic advise for beginners.

Joe Williams

20:27 23 Feb 19

After purchasing my first bonsai tree from an apparently reputable bonsai seller online, I found out that it was not re-potted appropriately. After watching many of Iqbal’s YouTube videos I decided to contact him to see if he could help. He was extremely helpful and agreed for me to come to his house the following day for private lessons, learning how to re-pot, maintain my bonsai tree, when to water, how to feed etc. I was in awe of his knowledge and spent 4hours in his beautiful garden where I learnt more in one day than I had done through hundreds of videos online. I walked away very confident with my new found knowledge and purchased an absolutely beautiful Scots Pine from him for an incredibly cheap price compared to other sellers online to add to my collection. As a new bonsai enthusiast I could not of been happier. He is a wonderful teacher and explained everything in such detail that I could not have asked for more. I have already arranged further lessons and will definitely be coming back for more trees in the very near future. There is no need to look anywhere else, Iqbal is the right person to go to...whether that be for lessons or a wonderfully maintained, perfectly conditioned bonsai tree. Thank you so much Iqbal and I am extremely excited for my next lesson. Joe, Essex.

Colby Fuller

22:42 06 Jan 19

Wonderful array of Bonsai trees, highly informative, and clearly passionate, I bought a great little Chinese Elm as a New Year present for my friends apartment.

Magdalena Solik

04:50 07 Nov 18

A really great place to go if you want a bonsai tree. The service was excellent and the gentleman that served me had a wealth of knowledge on these magnificent trees.

Shaza Taylor

14:43 26 Oct 18

If you are looking for a bonsai expert, Iqbal is the man. He is very knowledgeable with the trees and offers great and helpful advice. He resurrected my Chinese Elm when I thought it was dying by working his magic. 10/10 and will definitely recommend to anyone who is into bonsai.

Mariana Berganton

12:10 14 Sep 18

I went to the nursery a month ago and it was on e of the best days. Iqbal really knows what he’s doing and knows everything about Bonsai. He taught me know to repot and care for my lovely little tree. He’s really passionate about bonsai so it is a lovely experience. Strongly recommend to anyone that has any question about bonsai- he is your guy in London. will go back for sure

Louisa O'Rourke

16:41 19 Aug 18

What a wonderful place, Iqbal is charming, honest and insightful. All the trees are unique and beautiful. We have bought two very different trees, one as a gift and one for us. As first time owners we realise that we have just embarked on quite a journey - we could be happier than to have started with Iqbal, who was gracious with his time and knowledge, both at the time of purchase and we are sure into the future.

Dan SK

09:35 15 Jul 18

I bought a European Olive from MikBonsai in June. It is my first tree and, naturally, I’ve had some questions. Iqbal is always happy to help and advise. He knows his stuff and I will buy from him again. I cannot rate MikBonsai highly enough!

Theo James

23:47 08 Jul 18

Iqbal is great and clearly knows his stuff. He has the patience to talk a beginner through the whole proces of what tree to buy and all the aftercare. His garden of bonsai's is amazing. Best way to describe Iqbal is calm an precise.

Syed Abbass

12:07 01 Jul 18

I booked a three hour one to one session with Mik, it was a great learning experience as well as getting stuck hands on with the whole process of repot and pruning. I recommend every bonsai enthusiast to book an appointment with Mik Bonsai. Will be booking another session in the near future.

András Mógor

18:14 06 Jun 18

I completely satisfied! I was happy to see I'm in a good place to get get a healthy tree.I didn't want to waste my time and money with online ordered/cheep tree. So followed the good rating I had a visite and I got my tree. Also 100% attention and time. Very well done! Amazing trees and place! 5*

Jonathan Juviler

06:44 18 Apr 18

I can’t recommend Mik Bonsai highly enough! Hugely knowledgable, passionate about what he does and has a fantastic variety of trees.

hugo harrison

07:24 04 Apr 18

Brought my first tree from Egbar, beautiful maple bonsai which i am very pleased with. His service and time he took to take me around his collection (late evening) explaining the different aspects of looking after a bonsai was really eye opening. I have brought bonsai's trees from other nurseries and by far this has been the best service and quality of tree.

Joao Martinho

13:05 11 Mar 18

Excellent service, strongly recommended! Much better than any other experience I had with Bonsai stores / nurseries! Thanks, Joao

Meo del Rio

09:26 08 Jan 18

Thank you Iqbal for all the amazing advices and for taking the time to answer all of our questions. We really learned a lot, it was great to share Iqbal's experience and love of Bonsai. His garden is beautiful, all his bonsai's are well taken care of. I am glad I met Iqbal, I am sure we will be in touch to learn more about bonsai.

Marcus Gottlieb

10:58 06 Jan 18

Mikbonsai has a truly encyclopaedic knowledge of bonsai tree cultivation and a beautiful selection in his house and garden. I’ve been going to him for years and am still always impressed by his care, passion and attention to detail, down to the level of the soil and roots. He will tell you exactly how to keep your bonsai alive and thriving, and it’s really not about money-making for him. I’ve tried several other bonsai suppliers and so-called experts but they’ve not earned my trust as Mikbonsai has - this man really knows his stuff!

Frank Parsons

13:15 30 Dec 17

I went to buy a bonsai from mik bonsai 2 weeks ago. The choice was extensive from indoor to outdoor trees. Ikbal (proprietor) gave me lots of helpful advice on how to look after bonsai trees as well as a complementary lesson on propagation. I left with a wonderful Chinese elm as well as 2 ceramic pots for my Cuttings and some pruning scissors, all thrown in with the elm! Very generous passionate business owner. I have since recommended mikbonsai to 2 other friends and will be going back in March to re pot my orgiginal tree - yes he does repotting lessons too! 10/10 in all aspects of bonsai Tree maintenance advice and selection.

slickrick3010

11:06 05 Dec 17

Fantastic service start to finish truly worthy of a 5 star rating.Having little prior experience with Bonsai's Iqbal spent a great deal of time showing me around and talking through the types and how to care for them which I appreciated and don't think I'd get elsewhere.True you can purchase a bonsai elsewhere for cheaper but the service and quality of tree would be severely lacking. I highly recommend mikbonsai if you're looking for a tree!

Sheena Davies

19:20 12 Nov 17

We bought a bonsai a year ago from Mikbonsai and went back to learn about how to better care for the tree and how to prune it. This is such a great place to buy bonsai from, there is a dizzying array of fabulous trees, it’s like a magical kingdom and Iqbal is very knowledgable and generous with his time and advice. Came away with a beautifully pruned tree and feeling much more able to do the next pruning job on our own. Highly highly recommended!

Nauzar Manekshaw

14:41 31 Oct 17

What Iqbal Khan does not know about Bonsai is not worth knowing! Superb personal service and beautiful Bonsai trees meant that I bought not one but two from him. Thank you Iqbal, and wish you many years of great business. Highly recommended!

Antony Xenophontos

18:23 15 Aug 17

Iqbal, I cannot thank you enough. Had three trees re-potted and was almost tempted to buy another. These guys know their stuff. From the moment you walk in you are surrounded by a fantastic selection of trees, large and small, each one perfectly pruned and healthy looking. You just know they've been looked after. I'll definitely be returning soon to show you my progress. Thanks again.

Theo

09:24 05 Aug 17

Had a fantastic experience here, couldnt have been more helpful and insightful about the trees. Clearly has a passion for his business. 10/10 would come again.

toby balen

11:49 29 Jul 17

Lovely experience with a great selection and advice. Good time spent explaining and going through the different options, as well as stories and service. A bespoke experience!

Vish Vishvanath

14:29 08 Jul 17

So good I returned for a second bonsai the next day. The real star here is Iqbal, a veritable David Attenborough when it comes to knowledge and charm, and a fine variety of trees at all prices, without a dud amongst them. Not a pile-it-high nursery, but a place centred on Japanese and Chinese philosophies, aesthetics and values. If you already understand bonsai, go here. If not, go here.

Dionysios Vlachos

16:58 01 May 17

If you are looking for healthy beautiful bonsai trees look no further. MikBonsai is everything you wish for. They have a great variety of trees all in amazing condition and well looked after. The collection is so wide you won't know which one to get first. Prices are also very very competitive - much cheaper than other local vendors which in addition to charging a lot more show little care for the trees. Also, the customer service is outstanding. Mr Khan is very delightful and willing to help with advice on how to look after your trees better. Little to say I recommend it with all my heart.

Jamal Antony

14:13 21 Jan 17

After speaking to Iqbal on the phone and arranging a time to see him, I was very happy with the service I received. I would recommend anyone who is a beginner with bonsai to seek him out!!! When I arrived at his home he showed me the nursery and I was awestruck with what I saw. Although most of the trees where in hibernation I knew it would beautiful when the nursery was fully flourishing. He was very helpful with was eager to pass advice to helping me on my way with my tree, even though I hadn't brought the tree from him. He had told me that he will conducting classes in the summer and I was welcome to attend them. After speaking to him I will make every effort to attend them. I would strongly suggest that anyone who wishes to get started with bonsai trees to speak to Iqbal. You will certainly not go wrong.

Odin3000 Fred Smith

12:33 01 Jan 17

I went to kew gardens for the light show and in the gift shop where some bonsai trees but they weren't up to scratch. Seeing them inspired me to do some research to find the tree I wanted, after a while of looking online I decided that the only way to get sound advice is to get it from someone how knows how to look after them. After arranging an appointment at mikbonsai I left with all the knowledge and a beautiful tree. If your looking to get a bonsai this is the place to go. Great knowledge and spends time helping you find what you want and telling you how to care for it.

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How to Bonsai – Restoring neglected Trident Maple – Gentle work on roots & temp repot

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