How To Care For A Bonsai Tree

Whether you are new to growing bonsai or have been growing them for many years there are always challenges in caring for bonsai trees.

When you start out you will have lots of questions. As you gain experience you may acquire more bonsai trees and will need to learn about how to care for different species.

So the student of bonsai is always learning!

Here are 10 things that you should consider when caring for bonsai trees.

1. Watering. This is the single most important factor in maintaining healthy, thriving bonsai trees. Due to the porous nature of bonsai soil it cannot retain moisture and so needs regular watering. Lack of water can cause the tree to die. Test the soil daily during the growing season and water as required. In winter, outdoor bonsai require less frequent watering but still need to be checked.

2. Feeding. Bonsai trees require a regular supply of nutrients in the growing season. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are three key elements that are applied at different ratios at different times of the year. For example, in the autumn you do not want to encourage growth by adding nitrogen and so a nitrogen free fertiliser is used.

3. Species. Different species have different care requirements and you should find out as much as possible about your particular species. There are many reference books and online resources that will help you.

4. Time of year. Trees require more care in the growing season than the dormant season. Some species e.g. tropical trees that are often grown indoors require constant care throughout the year. During the winter some outdoor bonsai may require protection from extreme cold or heavy rainfall.

5. Location. Some trees prefer sun whilst others prefer shade. Species such as Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) require protection from strong wind. Indoor bonsai need plenty of light.

6. Temperature. Tropical trees e.g. Ficus (fig) thrive in hot conditions whereas hardy varieties need a dormant period in cold conditions every year.

7. Pests and diseases. These affect bonsai trees just like other plants but can be treated using traditional organic or inorganic treatments. But prevention is better than cure! Adopt good horticultural practice to minimise the risk of diseases.

8. Repotting. This needs to be carried out on a regular basis. The frequency will depend on the species and the stage of development. In order to ensure that the tree remains healthy the roots need to be pruned when the tree is repotted. The amount of pruning required will be influenced by various factors but a general guideline would be to remove about a third of the root mass.

9. Pruning / wiring. These techniques enable bonsai trees to be styled to the desired style and size. Bonsai trees are not special dwarf varieties - they remain small because they are pruned regularly. After wiring check the tree regularly to avoid damaging the bark.

10. Soil. Bonsai trees are totally dependent on their roots within a confined pot to provide all the moisture and nutrients they need to thrive. The soil is therefore very important and needs to be porous and free draining. Ordinary compost is not suitable. You can make your own soil or buy ready made bonsai soil.

If you consider these 10 things when caring for your bonsai trees you will be well on the road to growing healthy, thriving bonsai trees.