A Beginner’s Guide to Bonsai Trees
Growing bonsai is an art that needs total commitment. These miniature trees need a lot of attention and will quickly die if they don’t get it. There are a few things you should be aware of before you begin growing your first bonsai. You have to keep in mind that you are dealing with a living, growing tree that needs proper care.
Many people wonder what the big deal is when it comes to growing a bonsai tree. It’s just an indoor plant that needs water and light, isn’t it? If this is your attitude toward the art of creating bonsai, don’t even get started.
A healthy bonsai requires environmental factors that are just right. Room temperature and lighting must be carefully monitored. It’s essential that you give it the correct quantities of fertilizer and water. Bonsais are fragile and it doesn’t take much to kill them.
Here are a few tips to help ensure that your indoor bonsai trees will thrive.
1. Give it enough water to make sure the roots receive what they need. The quantity will depend on the species you are raising. And be certain that there’s good drainage because you don’t want water accumulating at the roots.
2. The right lighting conditions are also important for your bonsai’s health. It’s best to keep it shielded from direct sunlight between 11 am to 2 pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Give your bonsai appropriate nutrients to help it thrive. Use mild fertilizers specifically formulated for bonsai. It needs to be fed during the growing season only, not while it’s dormant.
4. In order for your bonsai to stay healthy, you need to repot it occasionally. Check the guidelines for your particular species so you know how often to repot.
5. Tropical or subtropical bonsai plants have special needs. During the cold months, you’ll have to keep them protected from winter conditions. Make sure they’re located far away from exterior doors that let in cold air.
6. As your bonsai becomes adjusted to its surroundings, don’t tend to it unnecessarily. Hold off on the pruning shears for a while. In the first year, your main concern should be that the tree is healthy and alive. Just make sure it has sufficient water, light and fertilizer.
Once you have the basics down, you can start to learn more about pruning and shaping your bonsai. As you become more skilled in the art of bonsai, you will experience tremendous satisfaction and pride in your handiwork.
