Team BP is proud to carry unique and natural UNS bonsai trees! We want to briefly cover this exciting product and provide an overview for frequently asked questions about these underwater bonsai trees.

UNS Bonsai driftwood trees are made by hand from natural driftwood that is aquarium safe. Artisans create these underwater trees in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost all aquarium tanks. They’re versatile, easy to work with and are the perfect piece of hardscape material to create an instant aquascape layout. These underwater bonsai driftwood trees pair well with aquatic plant species such as Anubias, Bucephalandra, Ferns and aquatic moss species. Quite often, these aquatic plants are used to mimic the foliage found on natural bonsai trees. On the flip side, these bonsai driftwood trees can be used to display an array of plants, aquatic or terrestrial such as tillandsia aka air plants.

If you decide to use your bonsai driftwood tree in an aquarium tank setting, here are some tips and tricks for care and general information:

1. Almost all driftwood is buoyant! Before using a bonsai driftwood tree, we recommend soaking the wood as long as possible prior to adding it into an aquarium. To do this, all you need is a large bucket, sink or even a bathtub will work. Simply add the bonsai driftwood tree into the water and make sure it is completely submerged. Then, set it and forget it!
2. Alternatively, you can also choose to boil the wood. This encourages tannins to release quicker and it will also sterilize the wood. Tannin water is not dangerous and will not harm tank inhabitants, but it will lower the pH over time. You will notice the tannins in the water by its notorious dark tea coloration. We suggest changing the water out every so often and allowing it to soak thoroughly. However, some hobbyists enjoy tannins present in their water. This usually is contingent upon personal preference and species of fish that are kept.
3. Once your bonsai driftwood tree sinks by itself, you’ll know that it has been thoroughly soaked and is ready for use in an aquarium.

Once your bonsai driftwood tree is ready for use, it’s time to add some aquatic plants!

There aren’t any restrictions to the species of aquatic plants that you can choose to compliment your bonsai tree or to create your bonsai tree’s foliage. For our own bonsai driftwood tree, we’re using a Java Fern mat. These are easy to use and attach using some super glue. As pictured, we cut them up into smaller sizes and proceeded to glue them to the upper half of the tree.

• Note: Super glue is 100% safe for your aquarium and it's inhabitants! Super glue is completely inert when moist or wet.

We’ve added some random bits of Bucephalandra to the base and boom, we’re done! As a reminder, the options are vast and you can use whatever you prefer! Here are some other commonly used aquatic plants:

AQUATIC MOSS:

Aquatic moss species are great for creating your underwater bonsai tree’s leaves. Different species exhibit different growth patterns and can be trained and trimmed to provide the look desired. Aquatic moss is extremely hardy and great for beginners who are new to planted tanks or keeping aquatic plants in general. Here are some popular choices below:

• Christmas Moss
• Mini Christmas Moss
• Flame Moss
• Java Moss
• Weeping Moss
• Peacock Moss
• Spiky Moss
• Fissidens Fontanus
• Fissidens Nobilis

ANUBIAS:

Following suit, Anubias is widely known for its easy care and beautiful foliage. This aquatic plant makes a wonderful addition to add to the base of your bonsai tree. It helps to add a sense of maturity and will easily cover unnatural holes and crevices in your bonsai driftwood tree aquascape. This aquatic plant is also an epiphyte and does not need to be planted in aquarium substrate. You can easily attach it to the upper parts of the bonsai tree to mimic the leaves as well. Browse our Anubias selection!

BUCEPHALANDRA:

Similar to Anubias, Bucephalandra species have similar care requirements. This aquatic plant species are generally hardy and will adapt to a wide range of aquarium conditions. Like Anubias, you can use Bucephalandra to compliment your underwater bonsai tree whether it be as a form of foliage on the tree or as accents on the base and trunk. Bucephalandra comes in an array of choices and colors to suit your preference. Check out the following below for some great Buce species and packs!

• Buce Starter Pack
• Catherinae Red
• Mini Coin
• Lamandau Mini
• Velvet 3 Color
• Click Here for Entire Buce Collection!

Underwater bonsai driftwood trees are a fun and unique way to create an aquascape layout. We hope this short guide has helped to inspire you to create your own! As always, if you would like further help or recommendations, Team Buce is always happy to lend a hand. Shoot us a DM on Instagram, email, or send a pigeon. We’d love to hear from you! Have fun. :P

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