Basic bonsai care is not hard to learn even if you are just starting out as a complete beginner. The process of caring for your bonsai is both a rewarding and meditative process that will help you appreciate the art of bonsai
In the beginning of your bonsai journey you will probably have a lot of questions about how to care for your bonsai. If you take some time to study the fundamentals while starting out with your first bonsai tree you will see your knowledge and skills as a bonsai gardener grow along with your trees.
Bonsai Care: First Things First
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.
Another important element of bonsai care is utilizing the right soil. In the "wild," trees grow tall due to their deep root systems, which dig deeply into the earth. In contrast, your bonsai will grow in a shallow tray or container, and therefore, your tree's root system cannot penetrate deeply downward. Instead, it will spread out shallowly, thereby reducing your tree's growth. For this reason, bonsai plants need a special mix of soil to ensure that their roots don't become waterlogged and drown. Because they are grown in such shallow containers, regular potting soil is much too dense and will trap too much water, killing the tree's roots, and eventually, the tree.
In practicing proper bonsai care, you should purchase special bonsai soil, which is a mix of loam, sand, and organics, like peat moss and leaf mold. What soil you should specifically buy is determined by your local climate. Your local greenhouse or nursery, bonsai enthusiast, or Agriculture Extension office can help you determine which soil is perfect for your bonsai's care.
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. - 16035
In the beginning of your bonsai journey you will probably have a lot of questions about how to care for your bonsai. If you take some time to study the fundamentals while starting out with your first bonsai tree you will see your knowledge and skills as a bonsai gardener grow along with your trees.
Bonsai Care: First Things First
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.
Another important element of bonsai care is utilizing the right soil. In the "wild," trees grow tall due to their deep root systems, which dig deeply into the earth. In contrast, your bonsai will grow in a shallow tray or container, and therefore, your tree's root system cannot penetrate deeply downward. Instead, it will spread out shallowly, thereby reducing your tree's growth. For this reason, bonsai plants need a special mix of soil to ensure that their roots don't become waterlogged and drown. Because they are grown in such shallow containers, regular potting soil is much too dense and will trap too much water, killing the tree's roots, and eventually, the tree.
In practicing proper bonsai care, you should purchase special bonsai soil, which is a mix of loam, sand, and organics, like peat moss and leaf mold. What soil you should specifically buy is determined by your local climate. Your local greenhouse or nursery, bonsai enthusiast, or Agriculture Extension office can help you determine which soil is perfect for your bonsai's care.
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. - 16035
About the Author:
Paprika Claesson is working for the website BonsaiMaster.com.au, She writes about bonsai care
