Bonsai trees are miniature trees grown in containers and artistically shaped to mimic full-sized trees. With their intricate designs and delicate features it’s easy to assume bonsai trees are challenging to care for. But while they do have some unique needs compared to typical houseplants, bonsai trees aren’t as difficult to maintain as you might think. Here’s what beginners need to know about caring for bonsai trees.
Getting Started with Bonsai
If you’re new to the world of bonsai, the first step is choosing the right tree for your environment. Popular options like Japanese maple juniper and Chinese elm make great choices for beginners. It’s also important to select a healthy plant from a reputable nursery or garden center. Look for signs of vigor like perky, green leaves and smooth bark.
After picking out your tree, it’s time to learn how to take care of a bonsai. Your bonsai will live for many years if you put it in the right place, water it regularly, fertilize it, and do other maintenance tasks.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
When grown outdoors, bonsai trees require a bright location with several hours of direct sun daily. Shelter from harsh winds is also appreciated. If growing your bonsai indoors, situate it near a sunny southern or western window. Supplemental lighting may be needed for trees not positioned near a window.
Outdoor bonsai should be able to adjust to the changing seasons by getting more or less sunlight and temperature. But it will take more work to make dormancy periods happen for trees grown indoors. Less water and fertilizer should be given to indoor bonsai trees in the fall and winter to help them go to sleep.
Watering Your Bonsai Properly
Contrary to popular belief, bonsai trees don’t need frequent watering. In fact, overwatering is a common mistake for beginners. Bonsai should be watered once the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. The type of container and climate will influence watering frequency. Small containers and warm climates mean more frequent watering.
A moisture meter can help you figure out how dry the soil is until you know what your tree needs. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s holes. Let the extra water drain out completely before putting the bonsai back where it belongs.
Feeding Your Bonsai
Like all container plants, bonsai trees have limited access to nutrients. Regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer provides the nutrients bonsai need for healthy growth. Feed outdoor trees every 7-14 days during the growing season. Indoor bonsai can be fertilized year-round, though at a reduced frequency in fall and winter.
Organic bonsai fertilizers made with fish emulsion or compost provide nutrients without risk of burning delicate roots. Follow label directions to determine proper dilution and feeding frequency.
Repotting and Pruning
Bonsai trees require periodic repotting to refresh soil and maintain root health. Though the timing varies per species, trees are often repotted every 1-2 years in early spring. Pruning is also key to maintaining a bonsai’s miniature design. Trimming back new growth helps keep growth compact and shapely. Take care not to remove more than 20-30% of the foliage at one time when pruning.
Preventing and Treating Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, bonsai trees can fall victim to pests and diseases. Common bonsai afflictions include aphids, mealybugs, powdery mildew, and root rot. Prevent problems by providing proper care and avoiding stress. Inspect trees regularly for early signs of infestation or infection. Treat most pest issues with horticultural soaps and oils. Seek organic fungicides for diseases. Severe cases may require chemical pesticides.
Patience is Key
Caring for a bonsai tree is a lesson in patience. While houseplants can be enjoyed right away, bonsai require a lot of time and effort to train and shape. Don’t expect overnight results. Enjoy the process of seeing your tree change over the years and months. If you take good care of and train your pet, it will become a beautiful living work of art that can be passed down for generations.
Mastering the Basics of Bonsai Care
Caring for a bonsai certainly comes with unique challenges compared to raising a spider plant on your bookshelf. But it doesn’t have to be difficult, especially for beginners armed with the basics. By providing your bonsai with the proper growing conditions, water, light, fertilizer, and other care, you can keep your tree healthy and happy. With regular practice, the rituals of bonsai care become second nature. Don’t be intimidated to give bonsai a try. With a little attentiveness and patience, you can master the basics of bonsai care.
Bonsai tree care
FAQ
Are bonsai trees a lot of maintenance?
Though it’s not hard to keep a bonsai tree alive, there are a few things you should know. Bonsai trees are planted in small pots with minimal space for water and nutrient reserves. That means you need to water and fertilize your tree regularly.
Is it difficult to take care of bonsai?
Since bonsai are planted in small pots, they have small root systems, and great attention must be paid to soil moisture. You don’t want the soil to dry out, or stay too wet and muddy. Outdoor bonsai may need to be watered every day, or even twice a day. Indoor plants, on the other hand, may only need to be watered every two to four days.
Is owning a bonsai tree hard?
If you are new to bonsai, know that it is not hard to be successful. Also, keep in mind that bonsai are difficult, but that’s what makes them worth growing. Here are some helpful excerpts from our book “ASK DOCTOR BONSAI!”.
What is the rule of 3 in bonsai?
Here’s the general rule to follow: Build the structure of a bonsai by laying out its branches beginning with three principal branches. These are the first branch, the second and the third. One of them — the second or the third — will be placed at the rear.
How do you care for a bonsai tree?
Caring for a Bonsai tree is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. However, as Bonsai trees are planted in small pots there are a few basic guidelines for placement, watering, and repotting your trees. Though Bonsai trees are more delicate than the average indoor plant, a few basic rules should enable anyone to take care of their tree properly.
Do bonsai trees need a lot of care?
Some species of bonsai trees require more care than others, and some are better suited for indoor or outdoor environments. Some species of bonsai trees are better suited for indoor environments, while others thrive outdoors. Indoor bonsai trees require a stable temperature, humidity, and light level to thrive.
Can anyone raise a bonsai tree?
Taking care of a bonsai tree may seem complicated, and it sometimes can be. However, anyone can raise a bonsai if they are willing to put in the work to care for it. To take care of a bonsai tree, you’ll need to follow these broad guidelines:
Are bonsai trees healthy?
Don’t settle for anything less than perfection – avoid any trees that show even the slightest hint of damage, disease, or infestation. A strong and healthy bonsai tree is a work of art, with a resilient trunk that will stand the test of time and bring you joy for years to come.
Which bonsai trees are best for indoors?
Some bonsai, including jade, Fukien tea, and ficus, are better suited to living inside than others. This beginner-friendly guide highlights our favorite species and outlines how to take care of a bonsai tree indoors. In general, bonsai trees love sunlight.
Can bonsai trees live indoors?
Some bonsai trees, such as jade, Fukien tea, and ficus, can live indoors better than others. In general, bonsai trees love sunlight, which can make indoor growing challenging. This beginner-friendly guide highlights our favorite indoor bonsai species and outlines how to take care of a bonsai tree indoors.