care | How to Take Care of a Bonsai Tree

How to Choose Bonsai Pottery for Your Tree

January 15, 2015 by Bonsai Tree Care Leave a Comment

Whether you’re new to Bonsai, or have cared for a Bonsai tree for years, there are many factors that should be considered when selecting pottery for your Bonsai tree.

Bonsai are typically planted in small pots, often imported from Japan or China. The pot you choose, however, should be considered from a variety of aspects. Here are a few tips to get you started on finding the right Bonsai pottery for your tree, environment, and budget.

General Guidelines

As mentioned above, Bonsai are generally potted in small, Japanese or Chinese pots. Japanese pottery is known for its high quality, but they can often be quite pricey. They can be quite elegant however, with a variety of options for glazed and natural pots. Chinese pots are generally cheaper, though quality has been increasing over the last few years. Chinese antique pots can also be attained, though they are very expensive and incredibly rare.

Old Bonsai trees can be potted in much smaller pots since they are no longer being trained. Old trees have had their roots pruned and transferred from larger to smaller pots many times, and should be adapted to thriving in a small pot. If you own an aged tree, a smaller pot could be a good option for you.

Younger trees, however, need more room to grow, as their roots are still undergoing the training process. They should be planted in larger pots, and will need to be placed in smaller and smaller pots as the training process progresses. These pots can be found quite inexpensively online.

Pot Sizes and Styles

Bonsai pots are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. What you choose is partly aesthetical and monetary preference, and partly depending on the age and climate of the tree.

Larger pots should be selected for younger trees, and they should be potted in the less expensive pots as they will need to be changed frequently during the training process. Once the tree has matured, a nicer, and more permanent pot can be selected.

The pot for an aged Bonsai tree should be approximately 2/3 the height of the tree in width. The depth should be approximately the width of the base of the trunk, though if you own a young tree, or one with a very small trunk, you may want to purchase one deeper than the trunk.

Whatever size and style you choose, be sure that it is large enough to maintain the health of the tree.

Price Range

The price range for a bonsai pot can vary greatly. As previously stated, if your tree is still in the training process, you will want to purchase an inexpensive pot for your tree until it reaches a matured state. If your pot has reached this stage of maturation, congratulations! Now would be an excellent time to invest in a quality pot that can last you for years to come!

Depending on the size and style of the tree, as well as your own preference, the pot you choose can range in price from around $10 to several hundred or more. High-quality and reasonably priced pots can be easily obtained for $40 or less.

If you are desiring a more extravagant pot to stand out, however, those can add an element of luxury and refinement to whichever area you choose to house your tree. A high-end Japanese pot or antique Chinese pot may serve you well.

Aesthetics

Beyond the price and circumstantial needs for your selected pot, the pottery you select is a very individual choice. Certain types of trees are better suited for certain pots, but here are a few aesthetical considerations you might want to look at:

· Shape: Bonsai pottery comes in a variety of shapes. Before you select a certain one, it is important to note that “masculine” trees fare better in angular pots, whereas the “feminine” variety, which are more gentle in shape will do better in a round or oval pot.

· Color: Bonsai pottery comes in many different colors as well. You should consider the style of your tree as well as the space in which you plan to keep your tree.

· Glazed vs. Unglazed (natural) Pots: In most cases, the preference for an unglazed or a glazed pot is purely individual preference, but certain trees – such as conifers and pine trees – may fare better in a more natural (or unglazed) pot. You should never use a bright glazed pot unless your tree has fruits or flowers. Before you select one over the other, be sure to consider the type of tree you have and if your particular breed would fare better in one over the other.

· Matters of Design: As far as the design of your Bonsai pot goes, the pot is simply the means by which you maintain your tree. It is the tree, after all, you want to stand out. Don’t pick a pot that will outshine your tree. The tree itself should stand out in magnificence above the casing you choose to put it in.

Where to Buy

Now that you’ve considered your options, you’re probably wondering where to start looking for your Bonsai pottery.

Pots can be obtained from a variety of sources all over the world. You can import very high-end pots direct from China and Japan. You can find specialty stores both online and in certain areas. You may be able to find decent quality pots through the nursery or company where you purchased your tree. However, if you purchased locally, the selection may be limited.

The easiest way to buy and find your perfect Bonsai pot is online. There are a variety of places you can find them and doing so online simplifies the process by letting you compare hundreds – possibly thousands – of pots within a matter of minutes. If you know exactly what you want, you can compare several merchants to find the best price for the pot for your tree, lifestyle, and preferences.

Bonsai Tools

Bonsai Shears- These are extra sharp cutting tools designed for trimming leaves, roots, and small branches. They come in all different sizes for all types of jobs. This is the most essential tool needed to prune and shape a bonsai.

Concave Cutters- Concave cutters are essential to pruning a bonsai without leaving dead wood. With many trees, if you cut a branch with flat cutters or scissors, the remaining wood will die, leaving you with a nub. You may end up with a large amount of nubs, or they may rot and leave you with bigger issues. A concave cut will cause the tree to react and fill the gap, which will eventually look like nothing ever happened.

Bonsai Wire- Wire is used to hold branches in the desired position until they harden. This allows you to train each branch into the perfect position. These can be purchased in copper or aluminum depending on the strength you need.

Wire Cutter- Wire cutters are used to cut the wire off the tree. It is not advised to try to unwind the wire from the tree, as this can lead to bent and broken braches, along with a loss of leaves. It is common practice to use wire cutters to cut the wire off in small pieces.

Trunk Bender- This tool is used to bend the thick trunk of a tree. This should be done slowly, bending a little at a time until you have the desired shape. They are available in all sorts of sizes for different trunk sizes and desired widths.

Root Rake- The root rake is used to rake the roots of a bonsai when you are repotting. This is helpful to get all of the roots untangled and straight from the trunk so you know which ones to cut. Don’t be afraid to break some roots while using this rake or you will be at it for hours before you get them separated.

Root Hook- This is much like a root rake except it is a single hook that is used to begin separating the roots. This tool will break less roots than the rake, so start out with this tool before moving on to the root rake. This is also better for the large roots that the rake can’t handle very well.

Turn Table- A turn table is not a necessity for bonsai trainers, it just makes everything easier. The turntable is used to rotate the tree while you are working on it. This allows you to sit in one place and not have to keep rotating the tree as you do your work.

How to Water a Bonsai The Right Way

March 16, 2014 by Bonsai Tree Care 2 Comments

Watering a bonsai may not seem like a big deal, it’s just a plant after all, right? This is true, they are just miniature trees that have been placed in pots for display. It is also true that you can just grab a watering can and water it if you know what you doing. The key to take from this article is to ensure that ALL of the dirt has the opportunity to absorb some water. If you take a watering can and pour a little water on one side of the pot and walk away, the roots on the other side will die. This will leave you with a dead plant and not a clue why it happened. For this reason, I am posting this blog about the two most common methods of how to water a bonsai.

Soaking Method

This is the preferred method of most bonsai trainers. It takes a little more time and effort, but your trees will truly appreciate it. In this method, you fill a large container with water to just above the height of your pot(s). You then place the pot in the water so that the entire pot is submerged in the water. Let your tree sit there for three to five minutes before you remove it and let the excess water run out. Then return the tree to its original location after it has stopped dripping to avoid a mess.

We prefer this method because it is a dummy-proof way to ensure the whole pot gets wet. By letting it soak, we know that all the dirt in that pot has had ample time to absorb water.

Watering Can

If you do not have the means or time to let the tree soak, you can use a watering can if you know what you are doing. With a watering can, water the entire surface of the soil and let it soak in. After a few seconds, pour in some more to ensure that everything is soaked. Repeat this until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot. If you do not see water, then the soil is not completely soaked.

The most common mistake is the owner splashing some water on the tree and walking away. This prevents the tree from being able to expand the root mass because of dry areas. Dry roots will die off quickly as the tree attempts to focus all its energy on the area that does have moist soil.

How to Grow a Bonsai from Seed

Growing a bonsai from seed to bonsai tree can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It will take years to achieve this, but the result is stunning. You will end up with a bonsai tree that you can say you grew from the ground up, literally. Before you purchase the seed, you need to know what species you intend to grow. You can go through our indoor and outdoor bonsai guides to decide what is best for your lifestyle and aesthetic requirements. Once you decide what tree species you intend to grow, and you have read How to Grow a Bonsai from Seed, you can start your own bonsai experience..

Purchasing the seeds

When purchasing a seed that you intend to train for bonsai, it is important to note the name of the seeds. Many sellers attempt to sell special bonsai tree seeds for a significantly higher than normal price. Don’t fall for this trick; remember that bonsai are grown from normal seeds that should not cost more than usual. We buy our seeds from Bonsaiofnewyork.com, where they are listed as bonsai tree seeds but are not overpriced.

Get ready to plant

While you are waiting to receive your seeds, you can gather your seed starting materials. These materials can vary greatly depending on how many seeds you intend to grow, and what your expectations are.

Soil

The first thing you will need is the most important ingredient to grow a plant: dirt. This can be obtained by going out behind your house with a shovel. If you are looking for better results, picking up some seed starting soil from your local gardening store will increase success. Seeds are susceptible to diseases that are found regularly in outdoor soil. Seed starting soil has been baked at a high temperature to become a sterile soil, without the added bacteria. If you are growing a small amount of seeds, backyard dirt is fine. A few of the seeds are likely to survive regardless of what soil you use.

Tray

Next, you will need somewhere to put that soil. Depending on the amount of seeds you intend to grow, you can use anything from a generic plastic cup with holes poked in the bottom to a divided seed tray. Anything that will hold the soil in place and allow excess water to escape will do the trick. Use of a humidity dome is recommended if you use a seedling tray; this will help the seedlings absorb water, since their root systems have not fully developed.

Location

After you have the supplies ready, you will need to pick a good location to plant your seeds. Whether you are growing an indoor or outdoor tree, we recommend that you plant the seeds indoors. This will let you fully control the environment while the trees are still developing. Make sure this location gets a good amount of sunlight.

Planting the seeds

Once you have your soil in a tray or pot, you can plant your seeds in the soil. Plant your seeds at the recommended depth on the package. Each tree variety does best if grown at a different depth, so ensure that you pay attention to the package. After you have placed the seeds in the dirt and covered them up, water the seeds and place them in the location your choice.

Water and wait…

Keep an eye on your seeds to ensure that the soil does not dry out. When you see the top of the soil start to look dry, it’s time to water. Depending on the species you chose, it could take days or weeks for the seeds to sprout. After they sprout, keep watering as normal until you see the first set of true leaves. The first leaves that seedlings produce are not “true leaves.” These are just leaves that are in the shape of the seed that held nutrients for the tree to begin its life. The true leaves will be the first set of leaves that are the correct shape for the species. After you see these, transplant the plant into a pot or cup if they are not already in one. Continue to water the trees and fertilize in accordance with species recommendations until winter.

First winter (if outside)

Your seedlings should be overwintered for the first winter. Overwintering is the process of protecting the tree from its first winter. This will give it a better chance to survive without any issues. Bury your pot into the soil, with mulch up to the first branch. This will give your tree the best chance of survival by keeping the roots warm. You should never leave your bonsai tree outdoors during the winter without the bottom of the pot in the ground, as this will allow the roots to freeze and kill the tree. If possible, protect the tree from the cold wind as well. Another possibility is to keep your tree in an unheated shed or garage.

Let it Grow

Keep watering, feeding, and winterizing your tree until you have a pre-bonsai. This is when you get to decide what shape and style you want your bonsai to be.

How to Start a Bonsai Tree

There are many ways to start a bonsai that all end with the same result. In reality, you have the option to buy a bonsai tree in different stages. A tree starts out as a tree seed that you can purchase online. Many people market bonsai tree seeds, but they are just ordinary seeds of trees commonly used for bonsai. After the tree has sprouted, it is known as a tree seedling. From this stage, they are watered, fertilized, and cared for over the course of a few years. After the tree has grown with minimal bonsai training for some time, they are sold as “pre-bonsai.” These are trees that have been kept compact for bonsai training, but have not been trained for a specific shape or style. These trees are for buyers that want to experience the training aspects but don’t want to wait for the seed to grow. After the bonsai have been trained into a shape and style, they are then sold as a bonsai. These trees require mostly maintenance pruning to help them maintain size. After the tree has been aged well as a bonsai, they are commonly sold as “specimen bonsai.” These are gorgeous bonsai that are very old and well trained, but buying these trees typically comes at a steep price.

Bonsai Tree Seeds

As I mentioned before, these are just ordinary tree seeds marketed to bonsai growers. Growing bonsai from seeds is the longest route to having your own bonsai. We believe that it is also the most rewarding, because you get to see every step of the way. When growing a bonsai from seed, you need to consider what species you want to grow. If you choose an outdoor tree, then you need to consider “stratification time.” If the species you pick requires a winter period to be dormant, then the seed will need this in order to sprout. This process, where we typically place the seed in soil or sphagnum moss in the fridge to simulate winter, is called stratifying the seed. You can also plant the seeds outdoors during the fall and let them be, but you will have a much lower success rate this way. After this process, the seed can be planted in soil for growth. Allow the recommended time for seed to sprout, watering as needed without going overboard. Water when the top of the soil looks dry, and use a humidity dome if possible. Once your seed sprouts, we recommend that you spray it with some antifungal spray to increase survival odds. Continue to water and transplant to a larger container after you see your first set of “true leaves.” Let your bonsai grow as normal, following our basic guide for your species, until it becomes a pre-bonsai. For more information on growing your tree from seeds, take a look at our our guide here.

Pre-bonsai

You can grow your seeds into pre-bonsai, or skip that step and purchase a tree at this stage. This is where training and pruning techniques will come into effect. At this stage, you will need to look at your trees natural progression and decide what style you want to train your bonsai. Use our guide, with pictures, to see what guide best suits the way your tree is already growing. From here, your will need to trim the leaves and branches to achieve the desired style. You may also need to learn how to wire a bonsai. All this information can be found in our bonsai styling guide. The key is to remember that your bonsai is not complete when you get to the step with a pair of scissors. This process might take more than one growing season to achieve correctly, and without harming the plant. Some trees take heavy pruning well, but others need to be pruned in steps. After this long process, your will have a full bonsai tree.

Bonsai

This is how most people come across a bonsai tree. At this stage, the tree is almost fully trained and already has a basic bonsai style. We will still need to trim this tree as new growth appears to maintain its shape. Pruning back large growth will force new smaller branches and leaves to grow in close to the tree. This can help improve the tapered appearance of your tree over time. The key to this stage of your bonsai’s existence is to keep it alive and maintain its appearance. If your tree becomes very old, it could be considered a specimen bonsai. Specimen bonsai are frequently bought and sold for large amounts of money.

Specimen Bonsai

Specimen bonsai are bonsai that have been aged and trained well. These are the bonsai trees that you see in exhibits and books. It takes many years to get a bonsai to this stage, but the experience is worth the ride. Bonsai at all stages of life can be found on our partner’s website.

Indoor Bonsai Tree

Ficus Bonsai

Ficus bonsai thrive as indoor bonsai trees because of the humidity and temperature that they are used to having in their natural habitat. This tree has many variations that are suitable for bonsai due to their compact nature and scalable leaves. Ficus are known for having shiny, waxy leaves and an attractive trunk. These miniature trees grow faster than most other suitable bonsai trees, making them perfect for beginners and intermediate growers alike!

Fukien Tea Bonsai

Fukien Tea bonsai are evergreen trees that are naturally grown in southeastern China. This species is extremely popular as an indoor bonsai tree because of the shiny leaves, split bark appearance, red berries, and small white flowers it displays throughout the growing season. These trees begin to look mature and weathered at a young age. For this reason, Fukien Tea trees make for some of the most amazing and prestigious specimen indoor bonsai.

Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese Elm trees are one of the true “miniature trees” that we use in bonsai. They are perfect for use in bonsai because of the small leaves and large branches and trunk. These trees are great for beginner bonsai growers because they are very forgiving, can be grown in any amount of light, and can be grown as an indoor bonsai tree or as outdoor bonsai.

Azalea Bonsai

Azalea bonsai are sought after for the gorgeous blooms they produce. This tree produces large flowers throughout spring, partnered with minute leaves. These two qualities make them ideal candidates for an indoor bonsai tree. They can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as temperatures don’t drop below 9 degrees. Azalea bonsai can be grown in any well-lit location, making them a prime candidate for almost any window in your house.

Jade Bonsai

Jade bonsai are perfect for beginners because they need less watering and can grow anywhere warm with full sun. These trees prefer to almost dry out between watering so they can make use of the water that they store in their leaves. Varieties of this tree can display striking white flowers and red-tipped leaves. This tree grows slow and compact, making it the perfect choice for growth as an indoor bonsai tree.

Serissa Bonsai

Serissa, or “snow rose”, bonsai are well known for the large amount of small white flowers that they produce year round. They can also be trained to have air roots and be used in root over rock formations rather easily. This tree requires plenty of humidity and is best for intermediate bonsai growers. Any change in environment will cause this tree to lose all its leaves and re-grow them. Serissa bonsai are some of the most beautiful bonsai trees in the world.

How to Grow a Bonsai Tree

If you are new to bonsai, it’s very important to understand the hobby before you buy one of these spectacular plants and start to care for one for yourself. A bonsai tree is much more than decoration for your home and although a bonsai tree may seem to be something that’s very attractive for fun to grow, it can take a lot of work. Over the course of this guide we will explain how to grow a bonsai tree, the types of bonsai trees, exactly what a bonsai tree is and where you can start to think about buying a bonsai tree and the accessories that you will need to care for one.

What is a bonsai tree?

Before we discuss how to grow a bonsai tree We must understand what a bonsai is. Bonsai trees are miniature trees which can form their own mini ecosystems and grow in a very small pot. A bonsai tree may be one of the only trees that you can think of that you could keep on a bookshelf or in a small spot within your home. Different types of bonsai trees will achieve different looks and depending on the type of bonsai tree that you have it can take on different sizes, different leaf shapes as well as flowering blossoms and more.

The bonsai tree first started in Japan and this tradition dates back well over 1000 years. The primary purpose of a bonsai tree is to provide meditation and contemplation as well as a fine hobby that strengthens ingenuity and creativity. A bonsai tree takes real effort to cultivate and a well kept bonsai tree is extremely respected among enthusiasts.

Starting a bonsai tree may involve the use of a smaller pot and the idea is to grow and cultivate a small tree or shrub to the point where it eventually starts to take on the look of a full tree or landscape when placed in a display pot. Display pots are designed to give the illusion that a bonsai tree is much bigger. There are many designs that you can find online and there are only really if you accepted shapes and proportions that would classify a tree as being a true bonsai. Since it’s introduction there are many enthusiasts who have perfected precise cultivation techniques when it comes to potting, grafting, training, pruning and reducing the roots to make sure that the trees will grow and continue to mimic the same style as a full grown tree. It is possible for you to learn how to grow a bonsai tree for yourself or to even buy one of these trained trees for your home.

How to start a bonsai tree:

One of the easiest things for beginners to start with when it comes to learning how to grow bonsai tree, is to find out where to buy a bonsai tree that has been trained and trimmed. A variety of different greenhouses and decor stores will have bonsai style trees which have been appreciated and pre-trained so that you need to only carry out the upkeep to make sure that the tree will continue to look its best. Many of these bonsai trees are sold already in their show pots and resemble a finished bonsai tree even upon the date of purchase.

Of course if you are interested in creating your own bonsai tree you will need to start with some type of wild plant. Look around your yard or a wooded area to find trees or shrubs that you would like to re-create in a show pots. There are most likely some plants from your area that would be great for starting a bonsai tree. You can also grow a bonsai tree from cuttings or start from seeds. Grafting is also a popular method for starting a bonsai tree as well. When you find a plant that you would like and you have chosen to collect wild plants as your bonsai method, dig up the soil surrounding the plant and transplanted into a deep training box or directly into your garden. From here you can prune the plant as well as guide its movement and growth with wires to get the proper shape. After the plant has grown to your specifications you can transplant it into its own pot. It’s usually best not to start with a show pot to begin with and it’s very important that you use the soil that the tree has been growing in until you have developed a strong root structure. When you feel as though your plant is ready to come inside, and you have created a strong root structure you can switch over to bonsai soil which will help to shape the growth of an indoor plant into a bonsai tree.

Traditional names:

Once you figure out how to grow a bonsai tree, you can learn about the traditions. When learning how to grow a bonsai tree it’s important to learn about some of the more traditional shapes and names so that you can receive advice depending on the style you would eventually like to produce. Here are some of the top bonsai tree types:

Chokkan- this type of tree is based off of a Cedar or cypress tree and it resembles a triangular arrangement of branches in a taller bonsai style with a thick trunk.

Hokidachi- this bonsai type looks similar to a broom and can be one of the more difficult types to grow. The branches form a half dome at the top added features a medium-size trunk similar to an Elm or Maple.

Shakan- these types of trees have a slanted trunk and look similar to trees that you might find growing on a mountaintop with strong winds. Growing these trees perfectly did take a lot of work.

Moyohgi- this type of bonsai tree has a curved trunk and twisted branches. This is an intricate design with complex curves that require patients and dedication to grow.

These are just a few types of the most popular bonsai trees. Feel free to look online to see other types that have been created and to find inspiration for your own style of bonsai tree.

Bonsai Soil:

The soil that you use for indoor bonsai plants is slightly different than what you might find in your garden. Many bonsai gardening information websites will tell you that bonsai soil is extremely important to keeping your bonsai tree sustainable. If you can find out where to buy a bonsai tree is a good chance that the same retailer will have bonsai soil as well as bonsai tools that you can use for upkeep. Understanding soil and the differences between different mixtures is one of the keys to mastering how to grow a bonsai tree.

Soil for a bonsai tree is made up of organic and some man-made compounds which will work at keeping the bonsai restricted to its container. This means that when you’re tree is strong enough, if you are able to use this type of soil your tree will no longer try to grow outside of its pot. Without using this type of soil you could have a real mess on your hands when the root structure begins to crack its way through your pot and the tree becomes large and unmanageable. Most bonsai retailers can not only tell you how to grow bonsai tree but can also tell you the right type of soil mix for the plant that you are growing. Some types of bonsai soil will have extra sand and grit whereas others are more clay based. Ultimately it’s entirely dependent on the plant that you have collected and turned into a bonsai tree.

Bonsai care:

In order to make sure that your bonsai tree remains healthy you will need to continue to perform daily care. Without daily care your bonsai tree could die off and you may have to start again after all of your hard work.

Perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions when people want to know how to grow a bonsai tree, is how often a bonsai tree will need water. Ultimately this is all dependent on the climate that the bonsai tree is kept in an a spot in the house that you keep your bonsai tree. The best time to water a bonsai tree is usually early on in the morning with room temperature tap water. The easiest way to see if a bonsai tree needs water is to check the soil to make sure it has moisture. When watering your bonsai tree make sure that most of the soil surrounding the trunk gets wet and keep dampening the soil until you start to see a bit of drainage from the bottom of your pot. This will mean that the roots are getting some water and your bonsai tree should remain watered throughout the day barring that it isn’t left in direct sunlight in a dry climate.

Fertilization is also important for bonsai trees. When kept inside bonsai trees will need balanced fertilizer biweekly. Find a local retailer where you can buy bonsai trees and asked them for their fertilization recommendations. Normally a balanced fertilizer of 20-20-20 is great for keeping bonsai trees healthy however you should not fertilize a bonsai tree if it is sick or experiencing difficulty such as fading leaves or pests.

Tools of the trade:

In learning how to care for a bonsai tree part of growing a bonsai tree involves the use of special tools to keep it healthy. Just as you may have to regularly prune and outdoor tree there are pruning tools available for indoor bonsai trees as well and you may need to prune back some of the leaves in order to keep your tree healthy. Removing some of the dead leaves is also a great way that you can spur future growth and this is something that will need to be done on occasion. Special tools such as knob cutters, root breaks, branch benders and bud scissors will also help you to fully customize the look of your bonsai tree and change the way that it grows. There are many people that use wire to direct their bonsai tree and change the shape of the tree and its growth patterns as well. If you’re looking for a specific look it’s important that you get out a small set up shears and wire so that you can produce a custom bonsai tree to your specifications. As you get better with bonsai trees you can produce more difficult shapes and expand upon your hobby.

How Long do They Live For:

Regardless of whether you purchased a trained bonsai kit, or grew your own bonsai tree the truth is if you are able to care for your bonsai tree it could actually outlive you. The oldest bonsai tree to date is well over 300 years old and was created using a white pine. This bonsai tree was incredibly resilient and even survived the Hiroshima bomb blast of 1945. This website will give you everything you need to know about how to grow a bonsai tree, give your tree the opportunity to outlive it’s owner.

Bonsai Care

This page will give you an outline of how to care of a bonsai. Bonsai are one of the most interesting gifts that you can give in today’s society. These miniature trees can be beautiful and are often used to signify a growing relationship. Unfortunately, the typical bonsai gift recipient does not know the basics of bonsai care. That is what this website is designed to provide, because we believe that everyone should experience the joy of a bonsai. This is a general outline, and you should visit our links below for detailed bonsai care instructions.

Where to Place a Bonsai

Every tree species prefers a different amount of light for optimal growing conditions. Visit your trees specific page for more information on where to place your tree specifically. As a general rule, keep your tree away from heating and cooling vents if indoors. These provide large swings in temperatures that can hurt the growth of your small tree. Heaters are known to dry the air around your tree, which can cause your leaves to die. Make sure that your tree does not suffer from these effects by quickly viewing the surroundings before you decide where to place a bonsai tree. Location is one of the key elements of bonsai care that will keep your bonsai healthy.

How to Water a Bonsai Tree

Bonsai trees are still trees and require water, sunlight, and a certain temperature in order to survive. If you provide your tree with the optimal environment, you will be rewarded with a stunning, thriving tree for everyone to appreciate. It is essential that you never let your bonsai dry out entirely, or you will have a dead tree in no time. We recommend that you check your tree daily for moisture by using a moisture meter or simply by sticking your finger into the soil. You can typically tell that your tree desires water if the soil is dry on the surface. While watering a bonsai tree is vital, it is also important that you do not over water your tree. Overwatering a plant causes the roots to rot over time, and you will notice your leaves begin to turn yellow. These roots will start to decay, leaving the plant with less roots to absorb nutrients. Watering is the most important part of taking care your tree, as it will not survive if you do not know how to water a bonsai tree

If your bonsai needs water, the best technique is to submerge the pot in a tub of water for a few seconds to ensure that it gets completely soaked. After this, let the excess water drain out and return your plant to its home. If you do not have the ability to use this technique, you can water your miniature tree with a Bonsai Watering Can if you wish. We do not suggest that water your trees on a schedule, this can lead to an over-watered plant if the environment changes.

Misting is a great idea if you have tropical bonsai that are accustomed to a naturally humid environment. This is also a good idea if you have an indoor bonsai that is in a dry location. When watering a bonsai tree, many people do not consider misting into their calculations. If you are misting your tree a few times a day, you will need to water a little less since the runoff will make its way into the soil.

Bonsai Fertilizer

Much like every other plant that you might use in your landscaping, bonsai tree fertilizer is required in order for bonsai trees to flourish like we want them to. Fertilizer is even more crucial to a bonsai tree due to the small pot size which is used. Outdoor plants have substantial root systems, allowing them to absorb nutrients from a large area and provide a sufficient amount of nutrition. Miniature trees require a high concentration bonsai fertilizer in order to provide that nutrition in a considerably smaller space. We recommend that you use slow release fertilizer pellets (our recommended best bonsai fertilizer is listed below), supplemented with a few drops of indoor plant fertilizer with every watering. Fertilize the plant as directed during the growing season, but slow down on the fertilizer during the winter, especially if the tree goes dormant. Too much fertilizer can cause root burn, so to avoid damage, ensure your aren’t over-fertilizing the tree. Fertilizer is often overlooked in bonsai care, but your tree will live a much better life with the right amount of fertilizer.

Directly after re-potting a plant, it is essential that you hold off on adding bonsai tree fertilizer for about a month. You want the plant to adjust to its new home before encouraging vigorous growth. It is also important to note that sick plants cannot be healed with bonsai fertilizer. If your tree does not look healthy, you should ease up on the fertilizer until the tree regains its strength. After the tree looks healthy again, you can continue with your fertilizing routine and watch your tree flourish. Bonsai fertilizer is used to help your tree grow stronger during growth spurts, fertilizing a sick tree can force the tree to abandon growing in weak areas for focus on the strong. This will leave you with a tree that is looks unhealthy due to the unbalanced nature of the new growth.