A hotly debated topic among bonsai followers is about soil. While watering is vital to the care of bonsai trees, so too is the type of soil as the soil is involved in delivering nutrients to the tree.
With the care of bonsai trees, we are trying to keep the tree small and the root system shallow, so we need to use a different composition of soil than that of an ordinary house plant.
We want our house plants to grow larger and to do this, they require their root systems to become deeply established so that they can retain as much water as possible for growth. Potting soil is heavy and can stay damp for a long time. If we were to use this ‘heavy’, water retaining, soil for our small trees with their shallow roots, rot will start to set in.
There are so many types of soil specially for bonsai trees. Bonsai generally need a loose fast-draining soil – but again it depends on your type of tree, its pot and where it is sited.
With bonsai soil, you must look for two things. The first is whether it will retain water properly and absorb nutrients from the air around it. Bonsai trees are very sensitive towards moisture and need gases in order to survive.
The second most important quality that you should look for in bonsai soil is that it will drain water quickly. If the soil retains too much moisture then the roots will be subject to rot which will kill your tree very quickly.
While all bonsai soil will do essentially the same thing, some soil mixtures differ in their composition which will have an effect on the way that they work. Some will have more nutrients and some will have less. Again it is important to know what type of tree you have to you can ensure it’s potted in the right soil for your specific plant so you should investigate the needs of your individual bonsai before making a choice.
Generally speaking, experts on the care of bonsai trees recommend a mix of around 30 percent sandy grit and 70 percent humus for deciduous trees and vice verse for evergreen needle plants.
There are many premixed soil solutions that you can purchase that will cater to the needs of your tree.
To make sure that I was getting relevant information for my particular plant, I took a visit the nursery where my plant had come from to ask for some help on the proper care of bonsai trees. I was told that due to the shallow root system of a bonsai, it is important that the tree receives adequate amounts of air circulation via free drainage, while at the same time retains enough moisture and nutrients necessary for growth and good health.
They told me that the secret in the care of bonsai trees is in providing the right amount of water, air, nutrients and light. Bonsai comes in several varieties and each has different requirements in terms of these vital ingredients.
So for the present time, I decided that I am staying with the pre-mix solution from my local nursery. After all, the tree has remained alive and well in their care – up to the time I got it. They seem to be a decent quality and its saves me from having to work out the percentages and materials required to mix my own.
When I have learnt more about more about the care of bonsai trees, I intend to take a more “hands on” approach and mix my own.
But for the present – the pre-mix will be fine for my bonsai tree.
To discover everything you really need to know about care of bonsai trees <<= = Click this link NOW!” Also, here’s another great article about bonsai trees care”
When I started out on my journey on the care of bonsai trees, a mistake that I made early in my learning period was about watering. I thought it was just watering. How hard could it be? With my first bonsai, I treated it just like my other house plants and along with it being located inside with them, it meant that I was watering my bonsai when I “remembered” to water the house plants. I was about to find out the hard way, when my tree started to look ill, that this simple step in the care of bonsai trees was not as easy as I thought
I did some research and found out that there was a lot of differences between the care of bonsai trees and house plants and in particular – watering.
I found out that dehydration is generally the most frequent cause of death in bonsai trees in a new owner’s care. If a tree is under watered and there is not enough moisture left in the soil, leaves can die very quickly – and this can be within hours!
Watering a bonsai tree correctly is not so much about quantity but about frequency.
A bonsai’s whole world is bound in one little pot. Because they are in shallow pots and have less roots than normal , bonsai trees are particularly vulnerable to dehydration so knowing just how much to water is crucial. Not enough water and the tree could be quickly fighting drought conditions.
Proper care of bonsai trees involves a careful watch on the soil to make sure it hasn’t dried out – A definite no-no is overwatering as it can damage plants almost as quickly. But I was also to discover that if you give it too much water it will be at risk from root rot and fungal infections.
So it seems that too much water and it’s suffering a flood – too little and it’s a drought, and going from one to another is a vicious cycle will quickly kill a bonsai. Too wet for long periods could mean rot and infections and not wet enough for too long can mean dehydration, both extremes can lead to the ill health and eventual death of the bonsai tree.
From different sources, I found that there are many and varied ‘rules’ for watering and that watering depends on a number of variables, such as, soil, the tree’s position, light, temperatures, and the time of the year.
Different soils dry out at different rates, different shaped pots also lose water at different rates, and different varietals of trees will have varying watering requirements. The trick is finding the right balance for your individual tree and its unique requirements when planning your care of bonsai trees. Getting the watering just right will help develop a healthy root system to ensure your bonsai remains healthy.
To establish this, a moisture meter is a handy tool, but you may not want to go to the expense of buying one of these until you decide if you are going to continue to invest money and time into your new hobby. I found that as a beginner to the care of bonsai trees, the best way to test if my tree needed water, was to simply dig my finger into the soil up to about an inch depth and to see what state it was in. Of course, the trick here is to feel if the soil is damp without disturbing the roots.
Watering is only one of the steps to take into account in the care of bonsai trees. We must bear in mind that we are keeping our trees to miniature proportions by artifical means when we keep them in pots. This is not their natural state, so it is up to us to maintain the appropriate conditions for them to grow in this controlled environment.
I now have a greater appreciation of the importance of watering and the effects it has on my individual tree. I still have a number of things to understand about how, when and the type of water to use and I am working on this.
There are many steps yet for me to master in my care of bonsai trees.
To discover everything you really need to know about the care of bonsai trees bonsai trees care
When you are taking care of bonsai trees, don’t forget that just like you, they like to be fed. Despite what some people think, you do not starve a bonsai in order to stunt its growth. In fact, you can control how your tree grows by correct feeding.
As bonsai have a relatively small amount of soil, their small pots can quickly be drained of nutrients which means that it is easy for a bonsai tree to become deficient if not fertilized adequately. To take care of bonsai trees, we need to add fertilizer to help ‘feed’ them. Feeding will help keep your bonsai healthy so we need to know about how often it should be done, what nutrients it supplies and what form it comes in.
Fertilizing is most important in the growing seasons of mid-spring to early-summer and again from late- summer to early fall. These are times when the tree is active and needs extra nourishment to help it carry out the extra energy converting, growth activity at this time but the temperatures are moderate and not too extreme.
When you purchase fertilizer for the care of bonsai trees, it will be a form of liquid fish or seaweed mixtures or as pellets/granules. Check the label to see what the composition is and watch how your tree responds to that particular brand. You may want to change brands from time to time to expose the tree to different amounts. By watching the progress of your tree, you will be able to assess if you’re adding the correct amount at the appropriate time.
These chemical and mineral elements nutrients are required to keep your tree healthy and help it to grow.
Nitrogen: It helps determine the size and amount of new growth through cell division and protein manufacturing.
Phosphorus: It is necessary for cell division and assists with good root growth and flowering.
Potassium: Also known as potash. This activates cell enzymes and helps to regulate the water balance in and outside of cells.
The manufacturer’s will have recommendations as to how much and how often to use the fertilizer for the care of bonsai trees. These are often over generous, so until you see how your tree responds, it’s a good idea to use only half their recommended amount and then you can amend as required.
The pellet/granule forms of fertilizers are usually in this form to provide a slow release of the fertilizer into the soil each time the plant is watered. Some bonsai owners like to use granules as they can be worked into the soil and left to gradually release their nutrients over a period of time. Others prefer adding the soluble powder a couple of times a month as the liquid is a quick acting nutrient that you use to water the tree.
An important thing to consider in the care of bonsai trees is that fertilizer provides nutrition to a bonsai tree but it is not medicine. The role of fertilizing is to enhance the soil to help the tree to grow in the active season. If your tree does not look well, you should see if there are other ways to take care of your tree to restore its health. For example, if the leaves are dry and brittle or it is losing its leaves, it may need a change in the watering rather than a dose of fertilizer which may only stress the tree even further, making it work harder and suffer more.
When it comes to the type and frequency of fertilization another item to take into account for the successful care of bonsai trees is the amount of growth that is required. A young tree may need heavy feeding so that it grows vigorously, while a well developed bonsai should be fed sparingly so that it does not become thick and woody.
As with the other elements in the care of bonsai trees, you need to work with the requirements of your individual tree, taking into consideration its variety, stage of development, growth and health.
One tip that I must pass on is:
Always make sure that the soil is wet before you add the fertilizer. It must not be dry.
Your bonsai will like the additional nutrients that you provide through fertilization – just don’t over do it and kill it with kindness. Start feeding your tree slowly and see how it responds and then amend it accordingly. Your tree will thank you for it and thrive, allowing you to experience the joy of being a success with the care of bonsai trees.
Make sure that you don’t kill your tree with kindness. To learn how to care of bonsai trees bonsai trees care”
There are 3 steps to shaping a bonsai tree. How to make a bonsai tree is easy. Before shaping a bonsai tree, decide what the best attitude is for the tree. Match the potential of a tree to the style that fits it best.
Nursery plants are often overgrown and need much pruning. You can control bonsai growth and form by pruning and removing excess foilage and ugly limbs. Remove all crossed brances until the tree takes on the form you selected.
1) Bonsai Tree Pruning
Bonsai nursery plants are often overgrown and need much pruning. You need to make all cuts above a bud, a side branch or main fork of the tree.
Leave stubs flush with the stem.
Avoid cutting back too far – you may weaken the main branches.
2) Bonsai Tree Trimming
Shaping is done by trimming (nipping). This helps shape and develops the trunk and control the size of the bonsai plant. Trimming a bonsai tree will develop more luxuriant foliage.
3) Bonsai Tree Wiring
Wiring and bending of bonsai branches gives the bonsai its shape. Wiring is done after pruning – when the bonsai tree has been thinned to essential branches. Do not water the plant the day before you plan to wire it.
You can learn how to make a bonsai tree by practicing these bonsai shaping techniques.
1) Bonsai Tree Pruning
2) Bonsai Tree Trimming
3) Bonsai Tree Wiring
Use the ‘rule of thirds” – this assures you of getting the proper division of space. The total space is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Use the ?rule of thirds? ? this assures you of getting the proper division of space. Please go to Essential Bonsai for great bonsai books, bonsai trees and bonsai tree accessories.
There is nothing particularly hard about the growing and care of bonsai trees, but they do require constant care in order to thrive.
Bonsais require the same three ingredients essential to all plants – soil, water and light. The trick in providing the proper care of bonsai tree is ensuring they get just the right amount of these crucial elements. While it’s not difficult it does require a little specialist knowledge and without the proper application of that knowledge your bonsai will probably very quickly die.
Many people new to the care of bonsai trees assume they should tend to it in the same manner as any other potted plant. Despite the fact your bonsai is potted, it is not, in any true sense of the word, a pot plant. It is a miniaturized tree and as such thrives best in the same conditions as a normal tree of the same variety. Most bonsai therefore prefer to be outdoors, however it does depend on where you live and what kind of climate your tree is suited to.
In order to provide the best care of bonsai trees you need to do some research to determine the conditions that best suit your particular variety of tree. If you live in an area where it snows during winter, leaving a tree outside is fine, and probably best, if your tree has been adapted by nature to those conditions [such as a fir or juniper]. You may find your bonsai prefers to be outdoors in winter, rather than cosseted inside. However if your bonsai is a more tropical plant, such as a bougainvillea, leaving it outside in even a mild frost could prove fatal. Check exactly what conditions are native to your particular tree and find a position which produces the closest match.
Watering:
Correct watering is also vital to ensuring your tree stays alive. Because the roots of your bonsai have been trimmed there is less mass to undertake the task of taking up water to feed the tree, therefore frequent watering is a must. You may not need to water every day, but you should make a daily check of the moisture content of the soil in your bonsai pot. If the soil gets too dry your tree will begin to lose leaves and, if left completely dry for several days, it will quickly begin to die. However keeping the soil too wet can encourage fungal growth and root rot, also leading to the demise of your bonsai.
One easy way to check the moisture level is to poke a small stick, like a toothpick or chop stick, into the soil. It may be dry on the surface of the pot but still contain moisture around the roots. You may find you need to water your tree several times a day during a hot summer but leave it without for days, weeks or possibly even months during the winter.
It is also a good idea to occasionally ensure the roots get a good soaking by popping the bonsai pot in a tray of water. Do not, however leave it in too long and also ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to run out.
Finding the right balance can be a matter of trial and error but one handy little trick is to get used to judging the weight of your tree, pot and soil. About one quarter of the weight should be water, so if your pot is feeling lighter than normal it is probably time to give it a drink.
Soil:
You can use any good quality potting soil for your bonsai, though it must be free draining. However some garden centers and specialist shops sell special soil mixes to provide extra specical care of bonsai trees. These specialist soils are usually freer draining than one-size-fits-all mixes and have less in the way of fertilizers which helps limit growth. The soil in your pot will need to be changed at least every two years, and is generally done when you repot the tree.
Light:
Try to ensure your bonsai is shaded from the sun during the hottest part of the day. But again, each variety of tree prefers slightly different conditions and you should try to emulate its natural habitat as much as possible. Because plants naturally grow towards the light, it is a good idea to turn your plant regularly so that all sides get an equal amount.
The care of bonsai trees can be likened to the care of a small child. Like babies they require constant and tender loving care. It can be very costly learning through your mistakes. It is easier on the pocket and also less frustrating to learn the proper techniques before attempting the care of bonsai trees.
To save yourself money and heartache with your care of bonsai trees bonsai trees care
The art of bonsai trees care is widely attributed to have developed in China more than a thousand years ago. Its true roots lie in antiquity as Archaeologists have found evidence of trees grown in containers in ancient Egypt, the Middle East and Mediterranean.
One of the bonsai legends from China concerns an emperor who used bonsais to create a miniature model of his entire kingdom, complete with rivers, lakes, hills and trees, so he could view the world he ruled over from his palace window. He would, of course, have had servants did all the bonsai trees care for him – and woe betide them if they should die.
The Japanese have, in the centuries since, refined the growing and care for bonsai trees and it’s now become a hobby practiced widely throughout the world. The word bonsai is itself Japanese. It is in fact two words – bon, meaning tray and sai meaning growing.
Many bonsai growers use wire to help twist their tree’s trunk into gnarled and windswept shapes, sometimes giving them the appearance of dragons or birds. The shape speaks of tranquility, endurance and a timelessness that evokes an emotional response.
The tree, despite being miniaturized, behaves like its full grown relatives and experiences the rhythm of the season, losing its leaves in winter and, if it’s a flowering shrub, producing buds in spring. As the creator, and those tasked with the bonsai trees care, this gives a rewarding sense of creativity and hopefully inner peace.
When creating a bonsai, almost any woody stemmed tree or shrub can be used. Firstly you must decide whether you want your bonsai tree inside or outside. Outside trees do not thrive inside and generally the same goes for inside trees placed outdoors. Two trees often recommended for beginners are the Japanese red maple and the juniper. You can of course choose to start with seeds, but they do take a little more time and effort.
In order to make the right choice, you must decide what style you are looking for. They range from a full cascading shape, to windswept and upright and a number of in-between variations . One of the easiest for beginners is what’s known as the “formal upright”. This type of bonsai has a straight trunk with the widest branches at the bottom. The branches get smaller as they proceed up the trunk so that you end up with a shape rather like a triangle. Trees easy to cultivate in this manner include the juniper, spruce, larch and pine – all of which are again relatively easy and popular varieties for a beginner.
One of the most popular styles is the windswept look, where a gnarled, ancient looking tree appears to have survived centuries of wintry blasts. Many of these specimens can live for centuries with proper bonsai trees care, others are nowhere near as old as they look. Bonsai masters have, over the years, perfected the art of creating that tortured, aged appearance.
A very important thing consider, when selecting your tree, is to ensure that it has a good root spread and balance. You should also look carefully at the leaves. Small leaves, close together, help create a plentiful illusion when in fact the branch is so small, there is limited space for abundance.
Look at the trunk. Does it have an interesting shape? Is there a curve or sweep that can be encouraged through binding? What sort of texture does the bark have? Selecting a tree with the right qualities in the first instance can help quicken and enhance your end result and this will help to make you successful with bonsai trees care.
Choose the pot to complement your tree and get some expert advice on how to prune the top of your tree. Consider carefully which branches to remove and which to keep in order to create the desired effect. Never remove more than a third of the foliage in one go. It generally takes three to five years of growth and bonsai trees care to obtain the shape you are seeking.
At some stage your bonsai will need repotting and its roots trimming. That’s generally done anywhere between one and five years after purchase of your tree and something you can take time to learn. As you don’t want to end up killing your tree, it’s vitally important though to get the proper know how first.
Another vital aspect for bonsai trees care is watering. You should check the soil at least once every two weeks. Not enough water and your tree could be very quickly fighting drought conditions. Too much water and it will be at risk from fungal infections and root rot.
Just like any other plant, bonsais need light – but some more than others. Leafy trees for instance prefer semi-shade and tough-needled pines like full sun. Feeding will also help keep your bonsai healthy, especially as their small pots can easily get drained of nutrients. There are a variety of different fertilizers you can use and again it is best to seek out specialist knowledge to find the right type to suit your particular tree.
While all this may seem like a lot to take in, bonsai trees care is really simply a matter of following a few basic, time tested rules and you can become successful with the cultivation of beautiful bonsai trees.
It was a terrible sight. The leaves on my once gorgeous dwarf juniper were turning brown and the beautiful bonsai tree which I had hoped to pass on to my daughter was starting to die. What was I doing wrong with my care of bonsai trees?
Given proper care, bonsai trees can live for hundreds of years. In fact a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full sized tree of the same species. Not only that, caring for bonsai trees is supposed to be a relaxing hobby and one that invokes a sense of calm and tranquility. But this was raising my blood pressure. I was in tears as I contemplated the near death of this symbol of timeless endurance.
I’m known as quite a gardener and my flower beds are flourishing – so why was my bonsai dying?
Like any plant, the secret in the care of bonsai trees is in providing the right amount of water, air, light and nutrients. However, bonsais come in a huge number of varieties and each species has different requirements in terms of these vital ingredients.
Different varieties of bonsais demand different amounts of light,water and fertiliser. Mine is a a dwarf juniper and I grow it indoors. I have now discovered it is crucial this tree gets at least two hours of direct sunlight a day. I am also careful not to place it near air-conditioning or a heater and to protect its roots from extremes of heat or cold. These were vital points for me to discover on my path to learning about the care of bonsai trees.
Proper care of bonsai trees involves a careful watch on the soil every day to make sure it hasn’t dried out; but overwatering is also a definite no-no and is probably the “root”cause of my problem. Most trees die through deyhdration but over-watering can damage plants nearly as quickly. The trick is finding the right balance. The Japanese, who mastered the art of bonsai many centuries ago, have an old adage – water thrice – once each for the pot, the soil and the tree.
Different soil types dry out at varying speeds and the shape of your pot can also influence the rate of water loss. It’s important to take into account such variations when planning your care of bonsai trees. In order to develop a healthly root system to keep your entire plant strong and flourising you must provide just the right amount of water. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings or from naturally occurring stunted trees transplanted into containers. They can range in height from a tiny five centimetres to over a metre tall.
Expert care is needed to pinch off new growth and encourage branches and trunk to grow into the desired shape, usually by wiring them into your chosen style. However this must be done carefully so that the wire does not bite into the flesh of the tree. Bonsai tree wiring is a reasonably advanced skill and it is a cruicial element in the care of bonsai trees. It is crucial you don’t remove too much of the root system at any one time – thirty percent a year is plenty.
You will also need to know how to prune the branches and roots and how and when to repot your bonsai. Pruning is seasonal, with most being done in spring or occasionally autumn. This is where an artistic eye produces the most pleasing results.
Bonsai is more a sculptural art form than straight gardening. The origin of bonsai trees can be traced back over 2000 years. The evocative beauty of a well-shaped tree can inspire feelings of calm and humility and a sense of timeless endurance as well as provide a focal point either inside your home or out on a patio. But who wants visitors to see a disaster?
As you can see, the basic care of bonsai trees, while not particularly difficult, does require some knowledge and skills. I arrogantly assumed I could do it on my own, but learnt the hard way – killing off my first attempt. In order to avoid making the same mistakes, I recommend that you seek out some advice on the proper care of bonsai trees.
Good luck – and may you find great joy in your care of bonsai trees.
Stop subjecting your bonsai to a slow death and instead learn the proper care of bonsai trees here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com Also, here’s another ‘must see’ article about bonsai trees care”
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Bonsai’s are a fantastic hobby to take up and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. You do not need to be a gardener to take up bonsai but to make sure that your bonsai will last for many years, you do need to know about bonsai trees care.
The origin of Bonsai trees care can be traced back over 2000 years, and the bonsai tree remains an object of fascination. It is an interesting technique of growing adult trees in a miniature form.
Caring for your bonsai trees can give you some relaxing time out. Bonsai trees care is well known for the calming effects that is has on those that participate in this hobby that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
The authentic beauty of a well-shaped miniature tree inspires calm and humility to even the non-initiate, and nothing completes a garden or adds a touch of warmth into your house like a masterfully crafted Bonsai.
If you are have recently been given a Bonsai tree or maybe brought it for your self, your first question will most likely be…”What are the basic differences between caring for a Bonsai tree and an ordinary house plant?”
The answer is simple.
If Bonsai trees don’t receive the proper care, they die…quickly!
You may have heard others say:
“I was given a lovely Bonsai tree which at first looked just wonderful, them within a few weeks, it went brown and brittle and died…just like that!”
There are a few things that are essential when it comes to taking proper care of your Bonsai trees and lack of knowledge can ruin your chance of enjoying the peace and satisfaction that comes from the rewarding pastime of Bonsai trees care. Bonsai trees are very sensitive to their conditions and you need to learn how to look after these beautiful plants.
If you are serious about learning the ropes and unique techniques behind this classic and time honored tradition of Bonsai cultivation then there are 7 simple steps that you need to know about caring for your bonsai trees.
Where should you place your Bonsai tree to keep it as healthy as possible?
How to test if your Bonsai tree needs watering and how often you should water it?
The type of soil a Bonsai needs, how it’s different from ordinary plants
What to ‘feed’ your tree, how often to feed it and what elements must be in the fertilizer you use
How to repot your tree, why to do it, and when to do it
The what, when, why and how to’s of Bonsai pruning, trimming and pinching
The use of wiring to stabilize your tree and begin to influence the direction of its growth.
Of course, this is only the beginning of your journey of loving Bonsai trees. Once you have experienced the joy that Bonsai trees care has brought you, you may want to develop further beyond simply keeping your tree alive….trust me you’ll want to once you’re hooked!
Imagine the pride you will feel once you master this ancient art form and the accomplishment of watching your own Bonsai tree grow with you as months and years pass by.
Ask any true Bonsai enthusiast and they will tell you, there is no hobby in the world that compares to growing and caring for Bonsai trees.
If you can master the art of Bonsai trees care, who knows – maybe your Bonsai will become a family heirloom and be passed from generation to generation.
If you would like to know more about Bonsai trees care that covers the steps mentioned in this article, you can do so here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com
Wes Autio, professor of pomology at UMass, Amherst, is an expert on growing fruit trees. Dave interviewed Wes just before his lecture on “the edible landscape” at the recent New England Grows trade show.