Getting Started With Bonsai Trees
Growing bonsai is an art that needs total commitment. These fascinating mini trees require much attention, and won’t last long if they are neglected. 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.
Some people can’t understand why a bonsai tree requires so much careful attention. Isn’t it just another houseplant that you need to water? 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. You need to carefully monitor the room temperature and lighting conditions. It’s essential that you give it the correct quantities of fertilizer and water. A bonsai tree is actually quite delicate and can die very easily.
Following are some tips that will get you started on the road to healthy, thriving indoor bonsai trees.
1. Give it enough water to make sure the roots receive what they need. The quantity will depend on the species you are raising. Also make sure that you have proper drainage as there should be no accumulation of excess water.
2. Make sure that your bonsai gets the right amount of light. 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. Feed it only during the growing season and not during the dormant period.
4. In order for your bonsai to stay healthy, you need to repot it occasionally. Find out the repotting requirements for the specific species of bonsai that you own.
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. Don’t over-tend your bonsai while it’s getting used to a new environment. Hold off on the pruning shears for a while. For a year your focus should be on keeping the tree alive and healthy. Light, water and fertilizer should be your only concerns.
When you are able to handle the day to day care of your bonsai, then you can begin to learn how to prune and shape it. As you become more skilled in the art of bonsai, you will experience tremendous satisfaction and pride in your handiwork.
