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Bonsai CareAn IntroductionBe sure the bonsai care instructions are specific to your tree. Since these small trees are created from many different kinds of plants, they often require different cultivation. To properly care for your bonsai, it is important to know what type (species) of plant you have. It is much easier to find help, when you know. Whether you buy your tree from a nursery, garden center, plant shop or a bonsai artist ... always ask for the scientific name and care information. Bonsai Pots Do Not Create MagicOnce you know what kind of plant you have, find out what that particular plant likes. Sun? Shade? Lots of water?
The basics of growing a bonsai are no different than growing any container plant. Remember bonsai is two part - art and horticulture. Shaping and styling is the art part; keeping them alive is horticulture. Growing a plant in a bonsai pot is no different than growing it in a clay or ceramic pot of equal size. Azalea photo shown here taken at Bonsai West, Littleton, MA Some questions to ask about bonsai care:
If you start with a green thumb, you have a distinct advantage. If you are a plant killer, you have a lot of work to do. Sometimes the best lessons are learned from experience. Hopefully, you can learn from other people's bonsai care experience! Start with an inexpensive bonsai, ask lots of questions and do your best to follow the instructions you receive. Watering Your BonsaiWatering is considered one of the most misunderstood aspects of any plant care. Bonsai care is no exception, and it's no wonder.Directions such as water your bonsai every day, or every three days or even once a week confuse the issue even more! See more about this on the
Watering Bonsai page.
Plant PestsWhat's eating your bonsai trees?
All plants are susceptible to pests; however, healthy plants have fewer problems. Each species has its own set of potential pests. Bonsai care includes watching out for them. Although they are plant eaters ... it's unlikely giraffes will be your problem. Having bonsai indoors does not protect them, sometimes quite the opposite. To learn more, go to the
Plant Pests and Bonsai page.
Light"Light" can mean indoors or out. Not all plants require full sun, some even prefer shade. Here again, it will depend upon the species of plant you have.I know hearing that over and over again can be frustrating; however, it just may be one of the most important lessons in bonsai. No one can accurately give you bonsai tree care unless they know what it is. Indoor BonsaiAll plants do best outdoors, however, there are some tropicals and subtropicals which can be considered "indoor bonsai." To keep any plant healthy indoors, the more you duplicate its natural environment, the happier it will be.There are a many ways to accomplish this. See
Bonsai Indoors.
FertilizerFertilizer is plant food. All plants need food. Plants in the ground often draw their food from nature. In the case of container plants, we need to help them out.Learn about the important basics of
Bonsai Tree Fertilizer here.
Winter CareNo matter where you live, winter care is a serious concern.
All container plants need special consideration during winter - bonsai included.As I live in Florida, winter care in colder zones is not my field of expertise. My suggested reading is Harry Harrington's excellent article on
Winter Bonsai Care.
Growers in these warm climates, use 'plant blankets' (as shown here in my yard). This lightweight fabric can add 2-8 degrees F to the temperature, depending upon the type you use. Plastic tents and many other creative protective arrangements are not unusual. However, if not too large, carrying your trees indoors is still the best protection!
Bonsai PruningBonsai are never finished. To maintain a desirable shape, you will have to trim. However, even bonsai pruning will depend on the type of tree you have.Plants with leaves are trimmed with sharp shears, juniper needles are often pulled or "pinched". What is your Climate Zone?Don't know? In the United States you can find out on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.Learn MoreTo learn more about growing plants in general, consider buying a basic high school horticulture book. You may find a used one online. Taking care of bonsai trees will become much easier.And speaking of online, don't be surprised if you get conflicting information about your bonsai from internet sites. Sometimes, it is a matter of opinion and experience. Other times, it is a total lack of knowledge. With a little research, you will learn the best people and best sites to trust. Top of Page
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