Home » Hobbies, Games & Toys

5 Important Tips for Taking Care of Your Bonsai Plant

Ranked #16,787 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #273,040 overall

If you have a bonsai plant, it's important to remember that caring for them is akin to caring for a baby. Loving and caring is required but it's not sufficient; you also have to show certain "parenting" skills to ensure that your bonsai plant will enjoy a long and healthy life.

Tip #1: WATER

Water is the source of life for all creatures but it's especially so for bonsai plants. Although they need to be watered more frequently than other types of plants, they also need a precise amount of watering. Anything that's less or beyond the ideal amount of water can lead to your bonsai plant's death so it's important that you ask for professional advice.

Factors that affect the amount of water required by a bonsai plant include but aren't limited to the type of tree you're taking care of, what season it is at present, if the tree's grown outdoors or indoors, and so forth.

Tip #2: LIGHT

Light is another source of energy for your bonsai plant. Just like any other plant, your bonsai plant will benefit from exposure to sunlight. If you're growing it in an indoor garden, however, you'll have to arrange for artificial lighting. In such instances, it's important to use a timer so that you avoid risking overexposure for your plants.

Tip #3: HUMIDITY

Humidity is unfortunately one of the most important but overlooked factors when taking care of bonsai plants; the best way to ensure that ideal humidity levels remain constant is by using a humidity tray. You can use decorative pebbles to make your bonsai plant appear more attractive.

Tip #4: POTS

If you're determined to keep your bonsai plant indoors, you have to choose the pot for your bonsai plant very carefully. To be safe, make sure that you purchase pots which are specifically designed for bonsai plants. These pots have pre-made holes for drainage and training wires.

Tip #5: FERTILIZER

Many people are confused as to exactly what role fertilizer plays in taking care of bonsai plants. Firstly, fertilizer is needed when you are keeping your bonsai plant indoors because this provides the added nutrition that your indoor soil lacks. Secondly, fertilizer isn't medicine so don't use it as treatment for sick or dying trees. Lastly, make sure that you thoroughly water your bonsai plant before fertilizing.

Interesting Links

Oval Bonsai Pots with Trays
Oval, classic deep-brown bonsai pots with matching humidity trays. All made of a poly-resin with a slightly matted finish. These pots are durable won't crack in the winter retain their color for years and are extremely economical.
14-pc Bonsai Tool Set Carbon Steel
This extensive 14-pc set includes: (1) 7 1/2" cutting scissors (large), (2) 7 1/2" cutting scissors (medium), (3) 7" trimming scissors, (4) 4 1/4" leaf cutter, (5) 8" concave cutter, (6) 8 1/4" knob cutter, (7) 8" wire cutter, (8) 10 1/2" trunk splitter, (9) 9" jin plier, (10) 7" root cutter, (11) branch bender (3" between side bars when furthest apart), (12) 8 1/2" rake with spatula, (13) 9" root hook, (14) 5 3/4" broom.
Basic Bonsai Soil
8 Quarts (2 Gallons) about 15 pounds. Lava cinder rock, Composted fir bark fines, calcined clay. Aprox, 60% Aggregate, and 40% organic pine bark. This is what we use. 2 gallon, 15-16 lbs.
Bonsai Seeds
Japanese Red Pine Seeds. Japanese Hornbeam Seeds. Japanese Greybark Elm Seeds. Firethorn Seeds. Red Heavenly Bamboo Seeds. Ginko Bonsai Tree Seeds. Japanese Birch Bonsai Tree Seeds. Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree Seeds. Japanese Five Needle Pine Seeds. Japanese Larch Seeds. Yezo Spruce Seeds. Japanese green Maple Bonsai Tree Seeds. Japanese Red Maple Seeds. Trident Maple Seeds.
The Mini Merry Berry Bonsai Kit
Based upon a centuries-old tradition, the kit includes a pot, seeds, a peat pellet, and small scissors, plus a 44-page introduction to the beauty of berry bonsai. With a little patience, you'll enjoy growing a miniature version of this already miniature art!
Fertilizers
Fertilizers & Chemicals
Bonsai Mastery Secrets
For People Who Want a Step-by-Step, Easy to Follow Bonsai Care System That Anyone Can Use To Create Healthy, Stunning Bonsai.
Bonsai Gardening Secrets
Step by Step, A to Z guide to creating your very own Bonsai Trees...even if you're new at it and you're not exactly a "green thumb".

Reader Feedback

submit
Show All

by

snapb

A real geek. Libertarian. Lazy. Irresistible! :)

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags