To understand the basics of bonsai care does not have to be hard or difficult. It should be a fun and rewarding process that gives you appreciation of nature and the amazing art of bonsai.
When just starting out with your first bonsai tree you will have a lot of questions. I know I did. By studying and understanding the basics and apply them you will slowly build confidence and expertise, as well as see your bonsai grow.
Bonsai Care: The Basics
The Basics of any garden is the appropriate combination of the right soil, the correct amount of light and right amount of water.
There are, however a few things that differentiates bonsai trees from other plants. Most people starting out with their first tree don't know that most bonsai are bred to be outdoors. There are certain species that could survive indoors, so if that is your plan make sure to do some research on the ideal species for your conditions and also but be prepared to give it around 12 hours a day of fluorescent light.
To use the right soil for your tree is an important part of bonsai care. Since your bonsai will grow in a shallow pot which means that the roots will spread out shallowly and slow down your tree's growth. On the other hand, if your tree was growing in the "wild" it would grow tall due to the root systems deep growth into the earth. Forcing the roots to live in a shallow container is one of the fundamentals to why your bonsai will stay small. This also means that regular potting soil is usually too dense and collects too much water which will slowly make the roots waterlogged, causing the roots to rot and later, the tree to die.
Bonsai soil is usually a mix of sand, loam, and organic leaf mold or peat moss. The climate you live in determines what exact soil to use. I suggest to ask your local nursery, bonsai shop or local bonsai enthusiast what soil is the right one for your tree.
Water and Food in Bonsai Care
The most common beginner bonsai question is "how much should I water my bonsai?" The answer depends on a lot of factors, what kind of bonsai you have, how humid is it where you live, what season it is etc.
You want to find that balance between too much water and too little. It can be a bit confusing at first. If you are using tap water it can be good to let the water sit overnight to get rid of the chlorine and let other chemicals oxidize. Do not use cold or warm water to water your plant, room temperature is best to not shock your tree.
First, wet the soil. That will make it easier for your bonsai to take in more water. After that, water generously until water comes out through the drainage holes. It is important that all the soil gets wet. It is preferred to water your plant in the morning before the daily photosynthesis cycle starts. If you live in a dry climate you can also mist your bonsai daily to retain its humidity levels.
The fertilizer used for most bonsai is a so called balanced fertilizer, which means equal part potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous. You can use this fertilizer every second week or so, but remember to water your plant generously first otherwise it might go into shock and die. Don't fertilize a sick or dry tree either for the same reason.
Now you have the skills to grow your bonsai tree into a fabulous piece of art. Just stick to the basic bonsai care fundamentals. The right soil, the appropriate amount of light and water, and using the right fertilizer.
When just starting out with your first bonsai tree you will have a lot of questions. I know I did. By studying and understanding the basics and apply them you will slowly build confidence and expertise, as well as see your bonsai grow.
Bonsai Care: The Basics
The Basics of any garden is the appropriate combination of the right soil, the correct amount of light and right amount of water.
There are, however a few things that differentiates bonsai trees from other plants. Most people starting out with their first tree don't know that most bonsai are bred to be outdoors. There are certain species that could survive indoors, so if that is your plan make sure to do some research on the ideal species for your conditions and also but be prepared to give it around 12 hours a day of fluorescent light.
To use the right soil for your tree is an important part of bonsai care. Since your bonsai will grow in a shallow pot which means that the roots will spread out shallowly and slow down your tree's growth. On the other hand, if your tree was growing in the "wild" it would grow tall due to the root systems deep growth into the earth. Forcing the roots to live in a shallow container is one of the fundamentals to why your bonsai will stay small. This also means that regular potting soil is usually too dense and collects too much water which will slowly make the roots waterlogged, causing the roots to rot and later, the tree to die.
Bonsai soil is usually a mix of sand, loam, and organic leaf mold or peat moss. The climate you live in determines what exact soil to use. I suggest to ask your local nursery, bonsai shop or local bonsai enthusiast what soil is the right one for your tree.
Water and Food in Bonsai Care
The most common beginner bonsai question is "how much should I water my bonsai?" The answer depends on a lot of factors, what kind of bonsai you have, how humid is it where you live, what season it is etc.
You want to find that balance between too much water and too little. It can be a bit confusing at first. If you are using tap water it can be good to let the water sit overnight to get rid of the chlorine and let other chemicals oxidize. Do not use cold or warm water to water your plant, room temperature is best to not shock your tree.
First, wet the soil. That will make it easier for your bonsai to take in more water. After that, water generously until water comes out through the drainage holes. It is important that all the soil gets wet. It is preferred to water your plant in the morning before the daily photosynthesis cycle starts. If you live in a dry climate you can also mist your bonsai daily to retain its humidity levels.
The fertilizer used for most bonsai is a so called balanced fertilizer, which means equal part potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous. You can use this fertilizer every second week or so, but remember to water your plant generously first otherwise it might go into shock and die. Don't fertilize a sick or dry tree either for the same reason.
Now you have the skills to grow your bonsai tree into a fabulous piece of art. Just stick to the basic bonsai care fundamentals. The right soil, the appropriate amount of light and water, and using the right fertilizer.
About the Author:
Paprika Claesson is one of the writers for the site BonsaiMaster.com.au, She writes about bonsai care
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