Best Bonsai Tree Care Tips
Bonsai trees are a representation of the ancient art of growing miniature trees that have been practiced for over 1500 years. They are a labor of love, with each tree typically taking 10 to 20 years to create, but they can also be low-maintenance pets that bring beauty and tranquility into your home. These little trees come in all different varieties, some growing up to 6 feet tall and others only reaching a few inches in height. Whatever the variety, your bonsai tree needs special care to keep it healthy and beautiful.
Bonsai Tree Care
Though they are small, bonsai trees are living things that need necessities like water, sunlight, and nutrients to survive. They are more delicate than larger trees, so they require more attention to detail when it comes to watering, pruning, and fertilizing. Here are the basics of bonsai tree care:
Watering:
Under-watering is the most common mistake made with bonsai trees and is the number one cause of death for these delicate plants. The frequency of watering varies depending on the type of tree, the size of the tree, the potting mix, the pot size, and the climate. There is no set schedule, and each tree must be monitored individually based on these conditions. The best way to determine if your bonsai tree needs water is to stick your finger into the potting mix– if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
When watering your bonsai tree, be sure to use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Let the tree drain for a few minutes before returning it to its spot, as sitting in water can lead to root rot.
Tips:
* Check the soil before watering to see if it’s dry.
* Only water the tree when the soil is dry.
* Do not stick to a routine; water when the tree needs it.
* Use the right potting mix.
Positioning:
To determine the best position for your bonsai tree, you must first consider what type of tree you have and whether it is an indoor or outdoor plant. Most bonsai trees are tropical or sub-tropical plants that cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so they must be brought indoors when the temperature starts to drop in the fall. Conversely, they should be placed outdoors during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm.
When placing your bonsai tree outdoors, find a spot that gets partial sun– too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too little sun will prevent the tree from growing. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may need to place your bonsai tree in a spot that gets full sun in the morning but is shaded by the hot afternoon sun.
When positioning your bonsai tree indoors, find a spot near a window where it will get plenty of indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal, but any bright spot will do. Avoid placing your tree in a dark corner or near a heating vent, as both can be detrimental to your plant’s health.
Tips:
* Consider the type of tree when positioning it.
* Most bonsai trees should be brought indoors during cold months.
* Find a spot for your tree that gets partial sun.
* Indoor bonsai trees should be near a bright window.
Pruning:
Proper pruning is essential to the shape and style of your bonsai tree and maintaining the plant’s health. Pruning can be divided into two categories: structural pruning and maintenance pruning.
Maintenance pruning encourages new growth and strengthens the tree. The buds, branches, and leaves are among the parts of the tree that require regular pruning. By pruning branches, you can shape the tree to your desired aesthetic. You will also have a more compact and bushy tree with the growth of new leaves. It is typically done in the spring and summer when the tree is actively growing.
Structural pruning is the more drastic type of pruning that changes the structure of the tree. This is typically done by professionals when the tree is dormant. It involves removing larger branches and roots to change the shape of the tree.
Wrapping branches with a thin wire is another way to change the shape of your tree. The wire should be wrapped snugly but not too tightly around the branch, as you don’t want to cut into the bark. The wire will need to be checked periodically and adjusted as the branch grows and should be removed after about a year when you have achieved the desired shape.
Tips:
* Pruning encourages new growth and strengthens the tree.
* Maintenance pruning is typically done in the spring and summer.
* Structural pruning is typically done by professionals when the tree is dormant.
* Wrapping branches with wire can help shape the tree.
Fertilizing:
Fertilizing is important to the health of your bonsai tree, as it provides the nutrients that the plant needs to grow. The best time to fertilize your bonsai tree is in the spring when the plant is beginning to grow. You can use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets. The three main nutrients that bonsai trees need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
For indoor bonsai trees, use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. For outdoor trees, use a fertilizer that is balanced or slightly higher in phosphorus. Experts advise using a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season and gradually reducing the amount as the plant begins to enter its dormant phase in the fall.
Tips:
* Fertilize your bonsai tree in the spring.
* Use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets.
* For indoor bonsai trees, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen.
* For outdoor bonsai trees, use a balanced or slightly higher phosphorus.
Repotting:
Repotting is necessary for two reasons: refreshing the potting mix and encouraging growth. It is essential for removing old roots that have died and for allowing new ones to develop. Dead or excess roots can cause the tree to become pot-bound, which can stunt growth and make it more difficult for the tree to take up water and nutrients.
The best time to repot your bonsai tree is in the spring before new growth begins. You will need to select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as bonsai trees do not like to be pot-bound. Here are the steps for repotting your bonsai tree:
1. Remove the tree from its pot and gently loosen the roots with your fingers.
2. Prune away any dead or excess roots using sharp shears.
3. Carefully examine the root mass for decay or pests, and remove any affected roots.
4. Clean the pot of any old dirt or debris.
5. Lay the bottom of the pot with a layer of soil and place the tree in the pot.
6. Fill in around the roots with more soil, gently firming it down as you go.
7. Water the tree thoroughly and place it in a shady spot to recover.
Conclusion
These plants’ unique growth and shape need to be respected. They are characteristically small, so they need to be pampered and cared for like an infant child. Despite their size, these trees are full of character and life! By following the steps above, you can ensure that your bonsai tree will stay healthy and thrive for many years.