BONSAI TREE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The craze for bonsai tree is a never dying passion for garden lovers. As bonsai trees are unique and more delicate compared to other normal plants, special care for a bonsai tree is needed for it's healthy and beautiful growth.
This article is my little effort to help our community of bonsai lovers with some basic bonsai care tips. The instructions below are basics to advanced caring of a bonsai tree. Let's get started.
BONSAI TREE CARE BASICS
WATERING BONSAI TREE
The first and the most important is the watering of the bonsai trees. For this the basic factor is observation of the soil - although factors like species, tree size, pot size, soil mixture and climate must be considered but the need of watering only occurs if there is dryness of soil. The above factors helps to calculate the amount of water needed by the bonsai tree.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY BONSAI NEEDS WATER
There is no exact guideline or pattern of watering a bonsai tree. Instead, we have to observe individual plants. The instructions below are my practical ways I use for my bonsai trees.
For beginners, the best way is to feel the soil ; use your fingers to check the soil around 1/2 cm deep, if it is dry then it's time to water the plant. Never water if the soil is wet.
For beginners, the best way is to feel the soil ; use your fingers to check the soil around 1/2 cm deep, if it is dry then it's time to water the plant. Never water if the soil is wet.
HOW TO WATER BONSAI TREE
Always water using a watering can with a fine nozzle. The soil must soak the entire water so that the root system gets fully wet. Repeat until water runs out of the drainage holes. Remember water should not puddle on the surface of the soil.
Fertilizer requirement of a bonsai tree is much higher than a normal plant. As bonsai trees are planted in a small pot with a small amount of soil, so it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically.
BASIC BONSAI FERTILIZER
Like other normal plants nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the three basic elements of a bonsai fertilizer. But, the required proportion is quite different from other plants. For most bonsai plants -
in spring NPK proportion is 10:6:6
in summer NPK proportion is 6:6:6
in winter NPK proportion is 3:6:6.
Some micronutrients like zinc, iron, manganese, copper are used when recommended.
Bonsai trees must be fertilized frequently from early spring till autumn. But for fertilization factors like species and health of the tree must be considered.
There are some per-species recommendation of fertilizer which must be strictly followed. Moreover, older and mature bonsai trees need less fertilization than a new plant.
We also have an alternate of readymade bonsai fertilizer. You can purchase it from nursery or buy it online.Also remember to use as per instructions of the product.
in spring NPK proportion is 10:6:6
in summer NPK proportion is 6:6:6
in winter NPK proportion is 3:6:6.
Some micronutrients like zinc, iron, manganese, copper are used when recommended.
Bonsai trees must be fertilized frequently from early spring till autumn. But for fertilization factors like species and health of the tree must be considered.
There are some per-species recommendation of fertilizer which must be strictly followed. Moreover, older and mature bonsai trees need less fertilization than a new plant.
We also have an alternate of readymade bonsai fertilizer. You can purchase it from nursery or buy it online.Also remember to use as per instructions of the product.
REPOTTING BONSAI TREE
The main purpose of repotting is to supply fresh soil and nutrients to the bonsai plant. The need of repotting completely depends on the condition of the roots. If it has become pot bound, then it is time for repotting it. For most of the species, new plants needs repotting every 2-3 years, but more mature plants need to be repotted every 4-5 years.
The best time for repotting is during the early spring. This season helps in quick damage repair of the roots during repotting.
Soil mixture must be used according to the need of the species, but for most plants the sandy loamy soil is perfect.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Bonsai trees also need insects and disease treatment like any other trees. To eliminate the problem identify the type of disease. Some common problems are :-
DYING LEAVES
The most common problem is the dying of leaves. In this problem leaves suddenly turn yellow and starts falling off. If leaves slowly turn yellow and die, it is the result of overwatering or overfeeding.
INSECT ATTACK
To fight insect attack we have to identify the insect and consult a bonsai expert of a nursery or asking for advice at online bonsai forum. Some common insects are aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, caterpillar, ants etc.
After identifying, use the proper insecticides, but be careful to follow the instructions before using.
BONSAI CARE AND MAINTENANCE FOR BEGINNERS
In this article I have tried to give as much as I acquired during my course of personal Bonsai care.
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