Bonsai Care and Handling Bonsai – The Blending of Art & Nature

The Word Bonsai means “Little Trees in Pots.” Contrary to popular belief, the art of bonsai originated in China and was later refined in Japan. The western world has adopted this art to their lifestyles. Bonsai has become extremely popular and is recognized as an international art form.

Indoor Bonsai

Indoor bonsai are tropical plants that are adaptable to indoor conditions. All indoor bonsai grow best in sunny areas. For best results, place your indoor bonsai near windows facing southeast or west. If you do not have a place for your tree to receive adequate sunlight, we recommend using a grow light.

Indoor bonsai will flourish if grown outdoors on a patio or deck during summer months. The ideal placement is where the bonsai receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Return your bonsai indoors when night temperatures fall below 55 degrees. Never allow your bonsai to freeze.



Watering Properly
Watering properly is critical to maintaining a healthy bonsai. Indoor bonsai should normally be watered every two or three days. Never allow your bonsai to completely dry out. Humidity trays filled with decorative stone not only capture excess water, they also create needed humidity around your bonsai.

During the time your indoor bonsai is outdoors, it will require more frequent waterings. Thoroughly water your bonsai daily during this outdoor period.

Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray nozzle. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai’s soil. Water should be running out of the drain holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering.

General care is also important to maintaining a beautiful bonsai. Bonsai should be periodically trimmed to keep their miniature shape. To best understand trimming and wiring techniques, we recommend purchasing an instructional book.

Repotting
Your bonsai will need to be repotted every four to five years. It is necessary to repot your bonsai when its root system becomes pot bound. After receiving your new tree, always wait at least one growing season before repotting your bonsai to make sure it is well established. We recommend you refer to a bonsai book for specific instructions.

Fertilizing
Fertilizing bonsai is required. Most water-soluble and time-released fertilizers work very well when used as directed.

Insects & Diseases
Insects and diseases can attack bonsai just like any other plant. Inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the trunk and foliage periodically will help keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have products available for treatment.

Outdoor Bonsai
Outdoor bonsai are hardy plants that require seasonal change. For best results, most conifers, including pines and junipers perform better if grown in a full sun area.

Deciduous trees such as maple, elm and hornbeam, also broadleaf evergreens like azaleas and camellia, prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Patios, decks and balconies are great areas to display your bonsai during the growing season. Outdoor bonsai can be displayed indoors, but only for short periods of time. You should never leave your bonsai inside for more than five days.
Watering Properly
Watering properly is critical to maintaining a healthy bonsai. Outdoor bonsai are watered according to the season. Outdoor bonsai should be watered daily in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter you will not need to water as frequently. However, you should never let your bonsai’s soil dry out.

Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray nozzle. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai’s soil. Water should be running out of the drain holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering.

Robin Alexander is writer for http://flowergalleria.com

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