Caring
for your BONSAI
Bonsai (pronounced
bone-sigh)
Bonsai means “planted in
a shallow vessel” or “tray
planting”. This art form
started in the Orient 1000 to
2000 years ago as hacki-no-ki
(tree-in-pot). Bonsai have been
grown many centuries following
some basic but not difficult growing
procedures. Like humans they respond
to tender loving care. Broadly
classified bonsai are considered
indoor or outdoor, according to
their ability to survive naturally
in either temperate or tropical
zones. An understanding of the
basic plant requirements makes
it possible to grow bonsai of
your choice where and when you
want it.
WATER:
Soil should be kept moist, not
wet. Smaller pots require more
frequent watering. To water soak
pots thoroughly in a pan, tub
or sink, then let drain. While
soaking, rinse the foliage to
clean the leaves. Plants with
or sending out new leaves require
more water than when resting but
remember, moist-not wet. Some
even do better if kept on the
dry side.
FERTILIZING:
Miniaturizing is accomplished
by pruning and pinching, not by
starving. A 20-20-20 water soluble
fertilizer applied at half strength
every 10 to 14 days during the
growth period will keep plants
healthy.
TEMPERATURE: Outdoor
types do best indoors at 65º
- 80º. Most need an annual
rest (dormancy of approximately
60 to 90 days at 30° - 50°
normally in the fall. Keep moist
but not wet while dormant. They
can withstand a light frost but
shouldn’t freeze hard. After
dormancy they can be grown again
at 65° - 80° for the rest
of the year. Indoor types are
more ideally suited to daytime
temperatures of 70° - 80°
and 60° - 65° at night.
Do not permit indoor types to
freeze.
LIGHT:
Filtered (shaded) natural light
is necessary for growing bonsai.
Avoid direct sunlight if adequate
ventilation cannot be provided.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
around bonsai kept indoors may
be maintained by setting pots
on pebbles in trays in which water
is kept almost to the bottom of
the pot. Bonsai kept indoors should
be misted frequently, outside
during real hot windy days.
MOSS:
Helps conserve moisture. A fine
spray mist once or twice daily
will keep moss in good condition.
PRUNING:
Adequate and timely pruning is
essential to good bonsai development
and styling. Prune by cutting
or pinching back new growth 1/3
to 1/2 or to the desired shape.
Proper pruning also helps thicken
trunks and branches. Root pruning
is done when repotting to generate
new feeder roots. Frequently and
extent depends upon the kind of
plant as well as the style and
size desired and can not be adequately
covered here.
REPOTTING:
To keep plants healthy repot broad
leaved plants every 2 or 3 years
and conifer or needle leafed evergreens
every 4 to 5 years. Early spring
just as the buds begin to swell
is the best time. Carefully remove
about 1/2 of the ball working
in from around the edges. Cut
off any exposed or really heavy
roots. Cut back remaining fine
roots 1/2 their exposed length.
Reposition the plant in the same
or a new pot and fill carefully
and firmly with fresh new bonsai
soil. Water thoroughly and keep
plants in the shade until new
roots are formed, then fertilize.
GOOD FORTUNE:
These much condensed suggestions
are basic though sufficient to
keep your bonsai healthy and attractive.
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