How To Care For A Bonsai Tree

Gardening is a very relaxing and therapeutic hobby. It allows you the opportunity to unwind, make peace with yourself and appreciate more of life.

Gardening is also “mentoring in progress” as it challenges you to learn every day in order to keep you garden healthy and in good condition.

One of the topics most sought after today is on how to care for a bonsai tree. We often hear that it’s complicated and almost reserved for botany specialists, but the truth is that with the right information and tools, anyone can learn how to look after this unique plant.

When choosing for a spot in which to place your new bonsai tree, you must consider if you would want it to be displayed outdoors or indoors. This is because when a bonsai tree is placed outdoors, it must be located in a spot that provides shade and shelter from the wind.  Of course, when first signs of winter are noticed, you should move your bonsai tree inside.

If you would like your bonsai to be inside your home, be sure it’s not placed near a vent or a heating system.

If you wish to move your bonsai indoors and out during the day, bear in mind all the above recommendations.  The morning sun is the most beneficial for this kind of plant.

A gray area on how to care for a bonsai tree is the amount of watering it needs.  Since grade school, we learn about photosynthesis and how plants need water and sunlight to live. This knowledge leads us to think that the more we water our plant, the healthier it would be.  In the case of bonsai trees, this is not true.

Bonsai trees require a monitored level of dryness. It should not be too wet nor too dry.  When watering your plant the easiest way to control humidity level is to place the pot on a receptacle containing about two or three inches of water. After a few minutes, you will notice that dirt is absorbing the water. When you touch the soil and it’s moist, retrieve the pot and drain excess liquid. Never let your bonsai’s soil dry completely.

Another tip on how to care for a bonsai tree is to re-pot it every two or three years.  This will keep its  roots freshly trimmed. Also fertilize the soil monthly; if this is not possible, at least every two months.

As in any other species of plant, pests often pose a problem. Inspect your bonsai for insects and use mild insect repellents or simply soap them off. If problem is more serious than that go to a local botanist or florist for a chemical solution.

Bonsai plants are beautiful and caring for them slightly intricate than ordinary plants, however once you get into the loop of how to effectively nurture your plant, you will find your new hobby truly rewarding.