Caring For Bonsai
A Few Valuable Tips on Caring for Bonsai
Whether you have cultivated your own from cuttings, or purchased one from a nursery, knowing the proper tips on caring for bonsai will ensure that the tree will last for many years.
Bonsai, contrary to the thoughts of many, are not dwarf trees. They are normal trees which, if grown in natural settings, would grow to be tall and majestic. They are meticulously cared for in containers from seeds, seedlings or cuttings and trained to grow in shapes that simulate natural formations. This is accomplished through patient and careful training, cutting and pruning of the tree as it grows; combining art and nature together in what was once considered to be a religious experience. When the proper caring for bonsai is performed, these trees can last for as long as one hundred years.
Several tips for caring for bonsai should be considered to achieve a long life for your tree. The first is lighting; an aspect that will depend on the type of tree you have selected. A flowering tree, for example, will have greater need for light than a conifer, or cone producing tree. As always is the case, a natural light source is best, although many tree varieties cannot take direct sun. If winter months lack the proper amount of natural light needed, artificial light should be substituted to ensure the tree receives adequate light.
Temperature is the next consideration when caring for bonsai. When choosing the tree for your bonsai specimen, take the time to research the conditions your specific tree needs for optimal health. Mild climates are generally desirable.
Along with temperature is the need for humidity by many bonsai trees. This is due to the tropical or sub-tropical nature of many trees normally used for this art form. Again, knowledge about the specific variety you have will assist in this aspect of caring for bonsai. A humid climate may be the desirable environment for your tree, and you will need to supplement that feature through misting the leaves. A note of caution, however; do not mist while a tree is in direct sunlight or burning of the leaves could result.
Watering your bonsai during its productive times should be done frequently, along with feeding the tree. When the tree is in its dormant stage, less water should be provided.
One of the most important methods of caring for bonsai comes through the pruning of the tree. Sharp shears designed for pruning will provide the most aesthetic and healthy cuttings. Keep in mind your original vision of the finished tree when shaping.
Repotting the bonsai should be done every 2 or 3 years, with root trimming included.
Using these tips when caring for bonsai should ensure that your bonsai tree will be healthy for many years; providing you with its beauty and interest throughout.