Your Beautiful Bonsai Tree and How to Care For It So That It Lasts for Years
There is almost nothing as beautiful as a bonsai tree sitting there proudly on display in your home or in your garden. For everyone to see.
What makes bonsai trees so attractive to everyone are the miniature branches and the way the trunk can be manipulated to grow in the most decorative way. For centuries people have been amazed at the unique beauty of these plants.
You can become an expert with a little training. One trick it to keep the roots trimmed so that the tree do not have the power to grow to full size. This will give you a miniature tree that can be trained to grow in many different ways.
With a lot of care, you can enjoy your bonsia tree for many, many years.
What makes bonsai trees so attractive to everyone are the miniature branches and the way the trunk can be manipulated to grow in the most decorative way. For centuries people have been amazed at the unique beauty of these plants.
You can become an expert with a little training. One trick it to keep the roots trimmed so that the tree do not have the power to grow to full size. This will give you a miniature tree that can be trained to grow in many different ways.
With a lot of care, you can enjoy your bonsia tree for many, many years.
Bonsai Care For Beginners
Growing Bonsai Trees
Bonsai trees have been a favorite for Centuries and with proper care, your tree will remain healthy, beautiful and miniature for many years to come. Since your bonsai is a living miniature tree, it will increase in beauty as it matures through the years.
The instructions below are just the basics and, therefore, it is recommended that you purchase one of the many fine books available on the subject.
The instructions below are just the basics and, therefore, it is recommended that you purchase one of the many fine books available on the subject.
How To Care for Your New Bonsai Tree
O.K., you spent a few hours searching for the perfect one. After looking at dozens of different types of bonsai trees, you finally saw the one and you paid for it and now - there it is sitting there looking so beautiful. And you have only one question - how do I care for my new bonsai tree plant?
After you get your new tree home, you need to know how to take proper care of it. With proper care, your Bonsai tree can last for many years - may many generations - to come. The name Bonsai means the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature.
This beautiful art form originated in Japan and China where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai are grown in pots and are totally dependent on you for their care. So, learn to take care of your plant with these bonsai tree care instructions, and you will get maximun pleasure from your beautiful creation.
After you get your new tree home, you need to know how to take proper care of it. With proper care, your Bonsai tree can last for many years - may many generations - to come. The name Bonsai means the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature.
This beautiful art form originated in Japan and China where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai are grown in pots and are totally dependent on you for their care. So, learn to take care of your plant with these bonsai tree care instructions, and you will get maximun pleasure from your beautiful creation.
Bonsai Trees
Heart Smart
Summer Care
When nightly lows no longer dip below 40 degrees, your plant should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace or in a garden.
Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun -- morning sun and afternoon shade is best.
Make sure you give your plant enough water - the longer your plants are in the direct sunlight, the more water they will need.
The true beauty of your bonsai tree can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench.
Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun -- morning sun and afternoon shade is best.
Make sure you give your plant enough water - the longer your plants are in the direct sunlight, the more water they will need.
The true beauty of your bonsai tree can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench.
Bonsai Tree Art Poster
Trimming and Pinching
This will keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point. Never should all of the new growth be removed. A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree.
Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree's rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it.
Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree's rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it.
Insects and Diseases
Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, the books listed below will be able to help you with the necessary steps to eliminate the problem.
Schultz Insect Spray
Schultz Insect Spray
A non-concentrate, ready-to-use spray, naturally made with botanical pyrethins from chrysanthemum flowers. This natural spray is very effective against whitefly, aphids, scales, spider mites, wooly aphids and many others. Schultz insect spray is good for use on all of your bonsai trees, house plants, fruits and vegetables, trees and shrubs. 12 fl. oz. Shipped UPS Ground - $7.95
Re-potting Your Plant
You must re-pot periodically all bonsai when their root system has filled the pot. The reasons for re-potting are to supply your tree with fresh soil, and to encourage a more compact root system.
As a rule, most deciduous trees require re-potting every two or three years, while evergreens only need to be re-potted every four or five years. Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will not always hold true, therefore, you should examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.
In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year. Re-potting should be done in mid-summer. The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot.
The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. This is done by raking the soil away, then pruning back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth of the tree's root mass. After this, the tree can be placed back in its original pot or into another.
The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil.
Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil.
This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. After re-potting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water.
Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.
As a rule, most deciduous trees require re-potting every two or three years, while evergreens only need to be re-potted every four or five years. Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will not always hold true, therefore, you should examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.
In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year. Re-potting should be done in mid-summer. The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot.
The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. This is done by raking the soil away, then pruning back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth of the tree's root mass. After this, the tree can be placed back in its original pot or into another.
The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil.
Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil.
This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. After re-potting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water.
Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.
Different Bonsai Trees
Winter Care
Once nightly lows begin approaching the 40 degree mark, it is time to bring your indoor bonsai inside.
Do not suddenly change the location of your tree, the move should be done gradually over a period of several weeks. Bring it in for a few hours the first time, slowly increasing the time it spends indoors until it becomes accustomed to its new environment.
The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing South. An East or West exposure is second best. A Northern exposure will work, but will necessitate the use of "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your tree healthy.
Four to six hours of sunlight per day should be enough to keep your bonsai tree healthy and happy. If you can provide more, that is even better.
Do not suddenly change the location of your tree, the move should be done gradually over a period of several weeks. Bring it in for a few hours the first time, slowly increasing the time it spends indoors until it becomes accustomed to its new environment.
The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing South. An East or West exposure is second best. A Northern exposure will work, but will necessitate the use of "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your tree healthy.
Four to six hours of sunlight per day should be enough to keep your bonsai tree healthy and happy. If you can provide more, that is even better.
Watering Your Bonsai Tree
Watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry.
If your tree is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water at the least, once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of bonsai tree you own.
Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree.
Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
A good rain is usually a sufficient watering and you do not have to give it water by hand.
If your tree is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water at the least, once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of bonsai tree you own.
Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree.
Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
A good rain is usually a sufficient watering and you do not have to give it water by hand.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically.
Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter.
Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.
Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter.
Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.
Pots and Humidity Trays
Wine Grape Bonsai Tree
Get The Right Amount of Humidity
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