Bonsai trees, like all plants, require attention. A basic explanation of how to care for a Bonsai tree may be found below.
Lighting
Many people aren’t aware that the majority of bonsai trees should be left outside all year. Non-traditional tropical plants, which must be kept indoors if not in a tropical setting, are the lone exception.
Outdoor bonsai should be placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Indoor bonsai should receive two to four hours of natural or artificial sunlight each day. Indoor bonsai can benefit from full spectrum flourescent lighting, but the treen must be placed close to the light.
Watering
More trees are killed by a lack of water or low humidity than by anything else. A permeable, well-draining soil is often used to grow bonsai. The amount of time it takes for the soil to dry is determined by the type of soil as well as the shape and design of the pot. Various tree species will require different amounts of water to grow.
For a basic guideline, do some research on your unique tree species, and then keep an eye on how the tree grows to check if it’s being properly hydrated. The humidity around the tree will be boosted if you place it on top of some rocks in a tray full of water. This will aid in its growth. Submerge the bonsai tree pot completely in water once a week, or until no more bubbles form from the pot or the soil.
Pruning
Pruning has a twofold purpose in bonsai tree management. Pruning removes branches that clutter the tree’s appearance and detract from its aesthetic appeal. Pruning is also used to direct and regulate the growth of the tree. To encourage branching, fine pruning techniques such as pinching and leaf clipping will be performed. Remember that you can always remove something later while trimming your bonsai, but putting it back after you’ve chopped it is really difficult.
So, if you’re undecided, put it off for the time being. Begin with a light pruning and wait two or three weeks to see how it responds before choosing whether or not you need to do more. Pay close attention to the trunk; any branch that grows anywhere on the trunk will thicken. Balance the tree’s top and bottom (roots) during pruning for the greatest results.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your bonsai around one or twice a month. Fertilization should be done exclusively during the growing season. When the soil is already damp, apply a water soluble fertiliser.
Soil
Because the soil has an impact on your bonsai tree’s roots, feeding, and watering, choosing the proper soil is critical for optimal bonsai tree care. The bonsai’s beauty, as well as its growth and health, are influenced by the size and shape of the pot. As a general rule, be 3/4 the width and half the depth of the tree. The height of the pot should be roughly equivalent to the diameter of the trunk. Bonsai soils are designed to drain well.
They’re usually constructed of gritty sand or gravel, with organic components like peat or bark thrown in for good measure. Grit-to-humus ratios will vary depending on the tree. Evergreens thrive from 30 percent humus and 70 percent grit, but deciduous trees require 70 percent humus and 30 percent grit.
Re-potting
Repotting is an essential part of bonsai care. It is vital to aid in the root and top balance of the tree. Bonsai plants should be re-potted every two or three years. When repotting the bonsai, you must trim the roots. A third of the root ball should be removed in most cases. You’ll need to remove everything around the ball to maintain it balanced.
