Caring for Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees fascinate so many people because they seem to display a whole natural landscape in miniature form. We might be tempted to bring their beauty into our homes or backyards. But these plants will thrive only if we pay particular attention to the individual needs of each variety. Instructional manuals and brochures are typically available from the florist shops and nurseries where we purchase bonsais. These materials give information about soil requirements and sunlight tolerance for various species, as well as indicating whether they are indoor or outdoor plants. We should read these carefully and consider whether we can meet the needs of a given plant before we bring it home.

Because some aspects of our landscapes can't be changed (at least without considerable work), we should consider fixed elements like trees and structures that create shaded areas and also the climatic conditions of the area we live in. Then we can choose varieties of bonsai that grow well under those conditions. Most bonsai are outdoor plants, especially those sold by garden nurseries. They need to adapt to the changing seasons through exposure to temperature changes and shifting sunlight patterns. Indoor bonsai are tropical varieties that grow in areas that don't experience seasonal shifts, and so they don't need to be exposed to such changes.

Many garden shops sell special screens for preparing the soil for bonsai trees. Stones and clumps take up needless space within the composure of soil, while particles like clay and sand are too small to be useful. Sifting your soil beforehand will insure that your bonsai get the optimum potted environment for their growth. Bonsai also benefit from water that's been allowed to sit (so that minerals settle and elements like chlorine evaporate) as opposed to water straight from a running tap.

A watering schedule that includes a preliminary misting, a full watering and then a secondary watering is optimal. The last watering is allowed to drain, carrying dissolved minerals and salts with it and cleansing the soil. Oxygen will also follow the water down as it drains, reaching the root system and benefiting the life of the plant. Conditions that affect the soil's moisture include heat and wind. If wind is excessive, outdoor bonsai should be placed close to the ground or under the eaves of the house - or even within a cold shelter. Conversely, a tree that isn't drying well should be elevated or moved more out in the open. If moisture disappears quickly in spite of watering, shade and protection, it could be the result of high root density in comparison to the soil inside the pot. In such instances, consider repotting the tree into a bigger container.

Outdoor pots should also be weeded at first signs of new growths. If weeds are a persistent problem, then laying a ground cover of moss can be helpful - so long as it doesn't cover the whole surface of the soil. The proliferation of fungus and general decay will be minimized if we keep our pots clean of fallen leaves and other debris and prune dead twigs, petals and loose bark. Following these procedures, the health of our bonsai trees will blossom - and their beauty and grace will naturally follow.