Growing a bonsai is much more than a technique: it is a living art, demanding and subtle. Choosing the right substrate is one of the most important decisions to ensure the health and harmonious development of the tree. With this in mind, Appy Bonsai has taken a decisive step with the launch of its intelligent personalized substrate generator.
A tool based on science and tailored to everyone
This new tool, integrated into the Appy Bonsai application, allows users to create a custom substrate mix, based on combined data such as:
• the cultivated species (over 20,000 references included),
• the user’s local climate,
• their watering method and water pH,
• the tree’s cultivation stage,
• and the available substrates.
The goal? To propose an ideal composition taking into account essential agronomic criteria: drainage, water retention, aeration, nutrient retention, and optimal pH range.
For all practitioner profiles
Whether you are a beginner, a club member, a teacher, a professional, or a researcher, the generator allows you to adjust your mixes according to your constraints and goals.
Beginners : a clear guide to avoid common mistakes and better understand the needs of trees.
Clubs and enthusiasts : an ideal collective tool for organizing workshops, comparing practices, and harmonizing substrates.
Teachers and trainers : a concrete teaching aid to illustrate concepts of substrate, drainage, pH, etc.
Professionals : support for quickly formulating adapted mixes with precision and customization.
Researchers : a simulation base to virtually experiment with substrate combinations.
This tool promotes knowledge transfer and experimentation. It saves time while reinforcing accuracy in daily practice.
Complementarity between algorithm and know-how
Although the tool aims to be precise, it does not replace experience. The creators of Appy Bonsai emphasize this: the recommendations provided are suggestions based on the entered data. Observation, intuition, and adaptation remain at the heart of practice.
The proposed mixes should be considered as working guidelines, to be adjusted according to the tree’s reactions and context. Bonsai is a living discipline where each case is unique. The generator strengthens decision-making with a reliable scientific basis, while leaving room for personal interpretation.
Very positive field feedback
Already during the testing phase, numerous enthusiastic feedbacks were received from various profiles:
“I have been practicing bonsai for many years. This tool aims to renew substrate habits. It deserves serious testing to verify its proposals in practice.”
— Carmelo Bonnano, In Arte Bonsai -Italy
“An innovative and scientific tool that we strongly encourage testing for better long-term bonsai practice and for the whole community.”
— Adrien Pichon, Bonsai Collectors & Adam Jones, Tree House Bonsai -Japan
“Which substrate mix to choose? This is a very frequent question. This tool provides a clear and personalized answer.”
— JC, Le Jardin de Moji Bonsai Shop -France
“As a professional, I am convinced that this tool will provide better decision support for beginner bonsai enthusiasts. For advanced amateurs, the app can help confirm their practices or refine their cultivation even further.”
— Bruno Faure, Vital Bonsai -
“It is a great tool to avoid mistakes and save time in cultivation.”
— Stephan, Club President -
“I see this project as a way to shift from experience-based management to science-based management. It’s exciting.”
— Tomoki, bonsai student -
“Revolutionary, positive for bonsai enthusiasts and professional sellers, creating a common ground for comparison and improvement.”
— Olivier Barreau, Artisan Bonsai -
“Very good tool, easy to use. The calculation of the different substrates is very interesting. A great help in cultivating our trees.”
— Dominique, experienced enthusiast -
“I am interested in comparing the algorithm’s proposals with my own mixes, and deepening my understanding of the substrates used.”
— Sébastien, Club President -
“An interesting tool for running tests and comparisons.”
— Lionel, Administrator Parlons Bonsai -
A tool in continuous improvement
Designed as an evolving system, the generator will be regularly updated: new species, regional substrates, adjustments related to climate change, user feedback... Nothing is set in stone.
Now available in nearly 180 countries and 30 languages, Appy Bonsai continues its mission: to provide every enthusiast with a reliable, modern, and accessible tool to better understand, choose, and cultivate their trees.
⚠️ Note: although it is called an “intelligent generator,” this system does not use artificial intelligence. It relies on complex algorithms designed by experts, analyzing and cross-referencing precise data to provide reliable recommendations. This approach ensures complete transparency in the logic of results and avoids unpredictable behaviors typical of some AI systems.
Appy Bonsai — Intelligence at the service of tradition.
