Buying guide
Nursery Stock Conversion Kit
Updated How we research
The fastest way to a convincing tree is buying a thick trunk from a nursery and cutting most of it away. That means heavy work: a saw for the chop, pliers for deadwood and jin, sealant on every large wound, and a cheap mica pot to hold the tree while it recovers. Grafting supplies help when the trunk is good but the branches are missing. The page is split into six sections (Choosing raw material; Making the trunk chop; Deadwood and jin work; Sealing large wounds; Adding branches where there are none; A cheap pot for recovery), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 6.8 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:KAKURI Bonsai Saw Folding 4 inch for Bonsai and Ikebana Cutting, Japanese Pull Saw Razor Sharp Steel Blade, Foldable Wood Handle, Made in JAPAN. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Genuine Parafilm Nursery Grafting Tape 1 inch Roll 30 Yards, 1080 Inches Per Roll (1 Roll). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Kikuwa Bonsai Cut Paste for Deciduous - 160 Grams - Made in Japan, Putty Based Wound Sealant. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:FUNTECK 2-in-1 Grafting Tools Pruner Kit, V-Graft Omega-Graft and U-Graft, Including Grafting Tapes, Grafting Knife and Replacement Blades. Features score of 9/10, overall 7.7/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Choosing raw material
- Brussel's Bonsai - Small Live Ficus Bonsai Tree, 4-Year, Indoor Houseplant, Ceramic Pot, Easy Care, Gift ReadyOur score8.4/10
- Bonsaiboy Pre Bonsai Juniper Bonsai Tree - Staked (Juniper Procumbens nana)Our score7.6/10
- Bonsai Boy's Pre Bonsai Baby Jade Bonsai Tree - Medium Portulacaria AfraOur score7.6/10
- 9GreenBox - Juniper Bonsai Starter - 4 inch PotOur score7.3/10
Making the trunk chop
- KAKURI Bonsai Saw Folding 4 inch for Bonsai and Ikebana Cutting, Japanese Pull Saw Razor Sharp Steel Blade, Foldable Wood Handle, Made in JAPANOur score8.6/10
- ARS SA-IK10R Bonsai and Ikebana SawOur score8.3/10
- KAKURI Bonsai Saw 3-1/8 inch (80mm) Professional Japanese Carbon Steel Bonsai Pruning Tool, Small Bonsai Keyhole Saw, Made in JAPANOur score8.2/10
- KAKURI Pruning Saw Folding 4 inch for Garden, Camp, Bushcraft, Japanese Pull Saw Razor Sharp Steel Blade, Mini Pocket Hand Saw, Made in JAPANOur score8.0/10
Deadwood and jin work
- KIKU Gold 8 inch Bonsai Wire Jin Plier - Stainless Steel - 19131Our score8.4/10
- New Jin Pliers from Tian Bonsai Tools Master Quality Stainless Steel Alloy Steel (5Cr15MoV) 225 mm (8.86 inch)Our score8.4/10
- Professional Grade 205 mm Jin Plier Bonsai Training Wire Pliers 4Cr13MoV Alloy Steel Bonsai ToolsOur score7.6/10
- DEWIN Bonsai Pliers - Jin Pliers, Manganese Steel Alloy Bonsai Wire Plier with Round End, Gardening Tool Bonsai ToolsOur score7.3/10
Sealing large wounds
- Kikuwa Bonsai Cut Paste for Deciduous - 160 Grams - Made in Japan, Putty Based Wound SealantOur score8.6/10
- Tanglefoot Tree Pruning Sealer, 8 oz. BrushcapOur score7.2/10
- Madrigal Bonsai Pruning Sealer - Tree Wound Healing Paste for Grafting and Pruning Cuts, Fast-DryingOur score7.1/10
- Tanglefoot Tree Wound Pruning Sealer and Grafting CompoundOur score6.8/10
Adding branches where there are none
- Genuine Parafilm Nursery Grafting Tape 1 inch Roll 30 Yards, 1080 Inches Per Roll (1 Roll)Our score8.6/10
- Parafilm Nursery Grafting Tape - 1 Roll (One Inch Wide) and 1 Roll (Half Inch Wide)Our score8.4/10
- FUNTECK 2-in-1 Grafting Tools Pruner Kit, V-Graft Omega-Graft and U-Graft, Including Grafting Tapes, Grafting Knife and Replacement BladesOur score7.7/10
- Rubber Strips for Budding and Grafting - 4in (L) x 3/16in (W) x .016 Gauge (2,250 Count)Our score7.5/10
A cheap pot for recovery
- Bonsaiboy Home Decor Brown Mica Bonsai Pot, Rectangle 12.25 x 8.75 x 4.0 ODOur score8.3/10
- 13.5 x 10 x 3 Rectangle Mica Bonsai Pot with Wide Lip, Great for Training Bonsai, Superior to PlasticOur score7.8/10
- Brown Mica Bonsai Pot, Round 11.0 x 3.25 ODOur score7.3/10
- Mica Bonsai Pot, Rectangle 19 x 14 x 5Our score7.3/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1KAKURI's 4 inch folding bonsai and ikebana saw, a Japanese pull saw with a razor sharp blade and wood handle.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Folding design protects the blade and fits in a tool roll
- + Razor sharp Japanese pull saw leaves smooth cut surfaces
- + 4 inch blade is nimble for branches inside a dense tree
- - Short blade is slow on thick trunks
- - Wood handle needs to stay dry to avoid swelling
#2Kikuwa's 160 grams putty based bonsai cut paste for deciduous trees, a Japanese wound sealant.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Putty based paste stays soft and molds into large cuts
- + Formulated for deciduous trees that callus quickly
- + 160 grams tube lasts through many pruning sessions
- - Deciduous formula is not intended for pines and conifers
- - Putty can be messy to remove from hands and tools
#3Genuine Parafilm nursery grafting tape, a 1 inch roll of 30 yards, or 1080 inches per roll.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 30 yards on one roll covers a very large number of grafts
- + Genuine Parafilm gives reliable stretch and self-sealing
- + 1 inch width suits most bonsai approach and scion grafts
- - Single width is wide for tiny mame grafts
- - One roll only, so no narrower tape for delicate scions
#4Brussel's small live ficus bonsai, a 4-year tree in a ceramic pot sold as an easy-care indoor houseplant gift.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ficus tolerates indoor conditions far better than juniper, so it suits apartments
- + Ceramic pot is included, so the tree arrives display-ready
- + Trusted bonsai nursery name and gift-ready presentation
- - Small size means little trunk thickness to style for now
- - Ficus drops leaves when moved or placed in low light, which worries new owners
#5KIKU's Gold 8 inch stainless steel bonsai wire jin plier, model 19131, a premium Japanese brand tool.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + KIKU Gold stainless steel resists rust with little care
- + 8 inch length gives good control for wiring and jin work
- + Premium brand pliers stay aligned after years of use
- - Premium price is high for occasional wiring
- - Stainless jaws can be slightly slicker on smooth wire
#6Tian Bonsai's new jin pliers in 5Cr15MoV stainless alloy steel, 225 mm (8.86 inch), master quality.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 225 mm length adds leverage for heavy wire and jin work
- + 5Cr15MoV stainless steel holds up well in wet conditions
- + Tian Bonsai master quality line targets serious hobbyists
- - Longer pliers are less nimble on small shohin trees
- - Heavier tool can tire hands during long wiring sessions
#7Parafilm nursery grafting tape with 1 roll one inch wide and 1 roll half inch wide for bonsai grafts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Two widths suit thick trunk grafts and thin scion wraps
- + Parafilm stretches and seals, keeping graft unions moist
- + Breaks down as the graft grows, so removal is often unnecessary
- - Check the roll footage if you need enough for several grafts
- - Thin film tears if stretched too quickly by beginners
#8ARS's SA-IK10R bonsai and ikebana saw, a compact Japanese pull saw for thicker branches and roots.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + ARS is a trusted Japanese maker of pruning tools
- + Pull-stroke design cuts cleanly with little effort
- + Compact saw fits into tight spots between branches
- - Check the blade length against your typical branch thickness
- - Fixed blade needs a sheath or case for safe storage
#9Bonsaiboy's brown mica rectangle pot, 12.25 x 8.75 x 4.0 OD, a mid-size training pot for medium bonsai.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12.25 x 8.75 inch size fits medium junipers, elms and maples
- + Bonsaiboy mica pots are made for bonsai rather than general gardening
- + Durable enough to stay outdoors through winters and hot summers
- - Single pot price is higher than generic plastic alternatives
- - No mesh or tie-down wire is included with the pot
#10KAKURI's 3-1/8 inch (80mm) professional carbon steel bonsai keyhole saw made in Japan for tight cuts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Tiny keyhole blade reaches between crossing branches
- + Japanese carbon steel teeth cut quickly and precisely
- + Ideal for hollowing out wounds and cutting roots in tight spots
- - Very short blade is not for large branch removal
- - Carbon steel must be cleaned and oiled after sap cuts
#11KAKURI's 4 inch folding pruning saw sold for garden, camp and bushcraft, a Japanese pull saw usable on bonsai.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pocket-size folding saw goes from bench to garden easily
- + Japanese pull saw teeth cut green wood smoothly
- + Made in Japan steel from a known bonsai tool brand
- - Marketed for bushcraft, so it is not tuned for bonsai detail
- - Nearly the same as KAKURI's bonsai folding saw, so avoid buying both
#12A 13.5 x 10 x 3 rectangle mica bonsai pot with a wide lip, pitched as a sturdier alternative to plastic for training.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wide lip makes the pot easier to grip and move when full
- + Shallow 3 inch depth suits trees nearing display refinement
- + Mica resists cracking in cold weather better than cheap plastic
- - Shallow pot needs careful watering for trees with heavy roots
- - Superior to plastic claim is marketing, so judge by the material
#13FUNTECK's 2-in-1 grafting tool pruner kit for V-graft, omega-graft and U-graft cuts with tapes, knife and blades.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Three cut profiles give matching scion and rootstock joints
- + Grafting knife and tapes included for complete grafting
- + Replacement blades extend the tool's working life
- - Grafting pruner cuts suit fruit tree stock more than fine bonsai
- - Fixed cut shapes limit use on very thin or thick branches
#14Bonsaiboy's staked pre-bonsai juniper (Juniper procumbens nana), raw stock for growers who want to style their own tree.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pre-bonsai stock gives more freedom to choose a style than a finished tree
- + Staking keeps the young trunk upright while it settles into its pot
- + Procumbens nana is a forgiving juniper for learning wiring and pinching
- - Arrives as nursery stock, not a shaped bonsai, so styling work is on you
- - Staked growth may need restyling to look natural once the stake is removed
#15Bonsai Boy's medium pre-bonsai baby jade (Portulacaria afra), a succulent starter that handles indoor light and dry spells.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Portulacaria afra forgives missed waterings better than most bonsai species
- + Fleshy branches back-bud readily, so pruning quickly builds a fuller canopy
- + Medium size gives a thicker starting trunk than small starter plants
- - Soft branches can snap when wired, so bending needs a gentle hand
- - Overwatering in cool rooms can rot the roots of this succulent
#16Professional grade 205 mm jin pliers in 4Cr13MoV alloy steel for applying wire and pulling bark for jin.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4Cr13MoV stainless alloy resists rust in outdoor use
- + 205 mm length is easy to handle in dense branches
- + Strong jaws twist tie-down wires tight when anchoring trees
- - Steel finish quality can vary between production batches
- - Alloy is softer than tool steel used in premium pliers
#17Rubber strips for budding and grafting, 4in x 3/16in at .016 gauge, in a 2,250 count bulk pack.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2,250 strips is a lifetime supply for most hobby grafters
- + Rubber strips hold buds firmly and then decay away
- + Consistent 4 inch length makes wrapping fast
- - Far more strips than a small bonsai collection needs
- - Rubber can perish in storage if kept in heat or sunlight
#189GreenBox's juniper bonsai starter in a 4 inch pot, a compact live tree for beginners who want to learn outdoor care.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Live juniper starter gives an immediate tree to water, prune and wire
- + Small 4 inch pot keeps it tidy on a patio table or balcony ledge
- + Simple listing focuses on the tree itself rather than gimmicky extras
- - No tools, wire or soil are mentioned, so supplies must be bought separately
- - Small pot dries out fast in summer and needs frequent watering checks
#19DEWIN's manganese steel alloy jin pliers with a round end for bending, stripping and removing bonsai wire.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Round end jaws grip wire without nicking the bark
- + Manganese steel alloy is tough under repeated twisting
- + Useful for creating jin by stripping and tearing bark
- - Compare the handle length to your other pliers for hand comfort
- - Manganese steel needs oiling to avoid surface rust
#20A brown mica round bonsai pot, 11.0 x 3.25 OD, suited to literati, broom and informal round-pot styles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Round shape flatters literati and windswept trees
- + Mica holds up to frost and UV better than basic plastic
- + Shallow 3.25 inch depth encourages a compact root pad
- - Comes as the pot alone, so drainage mesh or tray is sold separately
- - Round pots are harder to secure trees in than rectangles
#21A large mica rectangle bonsai pot, 19 x 14 x 5, for big collected trees and heavy nursery stock in training.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 19 x 14 inch footprint gives room for large, developing root systems
- + Mica stays light compared with a ceramic pot of this size
- + 5 inch depth balances root health with a bonsai proportion
- - Oversized for indoor trees and most beginner collections
- - Pot only, so color options and a matching tray are worth checking first
#22Tanglefoot's tree pruning sealer in an 8 oz. brushcap bottle for easy application on cut surfaces.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Brushcap applicator makes coating cuts quick and tidy
- + 8 oz. bottle is a generous supply for large collections
- + Suits in-ground stock trees as well as bonsai
- - Liquid sealer is less precise than paste on tiny bonsai cuts
- - Dark sealer is visible on show trees until bark covers it
#23Madrigal Bonsai Pruning Sealer - Tree Wound Healing Paste for Grafting and Pruning Cuts, Fast-Drying
Madrigal's fast-drying bonsai pruning sealer, a wound healing paste for grafting and pruning cuts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Fast-drying formula lets you continue styling right away
- + Made for bonsai, so it suits small cuts and grafts
- + Helps seal graft unions against drying out
- - Check the net weight before ordering for a full season
- - Quick drying gives less time to smooth the paste
#24Tanglefoot's tree wound pruning sealer and grafting compound for sealing cuts and graft unions.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Doubles as a grafting compound as well as a pruning sealer
- + Tanglefoot is a long-established garden care brand
- + Seals cuts to reduce moisture loss on fresh wounds
- - Check the container size before ordering if you prune often
- - Garden-scale sealer is less refined than bonsai cut paste on small cuts
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Bonsai Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.