A bonsai tree is not a tree in reality; it is a grown miniature look-alike of an aged tree. The more mature the bonsai gets, the more value it starts gaining. However, it is essential that you know how to take care of bonsai tree.
This tree is planted in a tiny pot and the grower will have to take special care of the foliage of the tree and guide its shape as well. Here are some simple steps on how to take care of a bonsai tree.
Things Required:
- Bonsai soil
- Bonsai shears
- Water
- Fertilizer
Steps:
- The first step for taking care of this plant is learning how to water the plant. Remember that you will not have to water the bonsai plant too often unless you feel that the soil is dry. Bonsai trees will be planted in a special formulated soil, which will return the moisture and over watering to the plant will be detrimental to the plant.
- Next, misting for your tree can be helpful as well. Bonsai trees will only thrive on humid environment and if you want to re-create this environment then you will have to go a long way to care for this tree. You can keep a tray beneath your tree, which you will fill with water and it will naturally evaporate. However, you will have to make sure that the roots are not sitting in the water.
- Remember that you must always keep the tree in a sunny location, as they will thrive only in sunlight. Some of the bonsai trees will need a little more sunlight as compared to others, so make sure that you check the instructions, which have come with the tree.
- You will have to fertilize your tree at least twice per year for keeping it healthy and allowing it to grow properly. It will be best to fertilize the tree during springtime and then once in fall. Ensure that the fertilizer you use has nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid. Remember that you must use little as mentioned by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- To keep the tree in the original shape you will have to prune and trim the tree from the roots. It is very important that both these things stay balanced for keeping the size of your tree in desired position.
- You will need some training for your bonsai. Training can be done with the help of copper wire or rope, which will allow you to keep the shape of the tree and the form of the branches in the desired direction. You will have to wrap the wire closely on the branch but not to close or it will cut inside the bark. If it cuts into the bark then it will damage the bark and start hurting the entire tree.
- Remember that the bonsai will not like the traditional potting soil. Bonsai trees will need only bonsai soil, which will be free draining and will not retain any water like the traditional soil. Bonsai soil will always allow the roots to breathe, which is necessary for maintaining the health of your plant.
- Make sure that you have proper soil during re-potting your plant, which you will have to do only once in five years. It is important that you take the plant out of the pot, remove the excess dirt and then clip the roots to a certain size, which will fit inside the container. Make sure that you keep your bonsai tree out of the sun at least once every week after you have cut the roots.
- The last and the most important point is to protect your bonsai. There are many bugs and diseases, which can be harmful for your plant. If you care for your bonsai in a proper manner then it will protect your plant from all such things. Bugs will feed on the weaker trees, so make sure you have a healthy tree. Give your plant enough light, proper soil and fresh air. If you follow all these things then you will enjoy a healthy bonsai tree for years.
Tips and Warnings:
- Keep the branches of the tree trained so that all look similar like welcoming arms towards you instead of branches that are moving away from you.
- You will have to make sure that the branches are not pointing down or up but they are pointing on the sides. This will promote balance and order for the tree.
- If the leaves of your trees are brittle and yellow, this is one sign that you are not giving enough water to your plant. If the leaves are falling or yellow, then this means that you are over watering the plant.
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