Sunlight: at least 4–6 hours of daylight per day, preferably in a bright location. Full sun is best in summer, and a bright windowsill location in winter.

Temperature: Approximately 15–24°C indoors. Damage may occur below 6°C; avoid below 4°C.

Overwintering: Outdoors require gradual cooling. Indoors, it should be cool (but above 6°C) and well-lit.

A Ligustrum needs more water than other bonsai species.

Frequency: Keep the soil slightly moist. Water as soon as the top 1 cm feels slightly dry. Daily in summer, sometimes even twice a day, and several times a week in winter.

Technique: Water generously until drainage is complete, allowing excess water to drain away. Periodic soaking (5–30 seconds) can help saturate the root ball.

Water quality: Preferably use rainwater or filtered water; room temperature, preferably chlorine-free

Growing season (spring–autumn): Feed every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer on moist soil or solid organic fertilizer every 4 weeks

Winter: reduce feeding to once a month

Pruning:
Prune overgrowth regularly. This can be done throughout the growing season (spring-summer). Prune thick branches before the beginning of spring.

Wiring:
Wired in spring–summer when branches are flexible

Use thin wire to avoid damaging soft bark

Check every 4–6 weeks and remove wire once branch holds shape

Frequency: every 1–3 years (younger bonsai need every year) depending on root growth

Period: spring when sprouting or midsummer for slow recovery

Method:
Remove tree and root ball from pot

Prune a maximum of ¼–⅓ of roots

Use well-draining bonsai mix (e.g. akadama + grit)

After repotting: water the soil well and place the tree in partial shade for a few weeks.

Most common pests: aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites and whiteflies

Diseases: fungus (leaf spots, mildew) and root rot

Treatment: insecticides and fungicides, preferably organic or sprayed in diluted form

Prevention: good humidity, bright light, correct location and healthy growth