Bonsai Tree Care - A Guide for Beginners
Do your neighbors have an enchanting landscaped yard with flourishing trees, plants, and flowers? Do you wish you had a green thumb, so that you could duplicate the natural beauty? Even as a beginner, you can learn how to take care of plants. There are a few basic steps to follow, but beyond that anyone can have a gorgeous garden.
If you desire to have a lush plot because of its soothing features and relaxing atmosphere, you should consider growing a Bonsai tree. The Bonsai is a dwarfed tree or shrub that achieves its height by pruning the roots as it grows in a pot. You can personally train the Bonsai to produce a particular shape.
There are different species of Bonsai trees just as there are various types of any plant. The Juniper Bonsai is an ideal outdoor option for beginners while the Golden Gate Ficus will enhance your indoors. After purchasing your plant, humidity tray, pebbles, a pair of clippers, and an instruction booklet, you will be on your way to adding some green meditation into your life.
Basic Care for Your Bonsai Tree
Water - It is common sense that plants need water to thrive; however, every plant is different in terms of how much to water and when. The Bonsai tree requires a specific watering schedule. About once a week, before the topsoil is bone dry, you should immerse the entire plant into a bucket or basin of water. In doing so, you will get the water all the way to the mass root. Once you see air bubbles rising to the top of the bucket or basin, you will know the plant has absorbed enough water.
Now the humidity factor of the tree may not be as obvious as the water needs, but it is equally as important. That is why you should purchase a humidity tray and a bag of pebbles. Place the tree into the tray, add the pebbles, and cover the pebbles with a little bit of water. This will naturally increase the humidity level, which is crucial to keeping your plant healthy.
Position - You want your Bonsai tree to add a unique element to your home or office. It is a one-of-a-kind miniature tree that encompasses peace. Although you may have a number of spots for this captivating plant, you need to ensure it receives enough direct sunlight. If it is not placed outside, it must be near a window.
No matter where you put it, the tree will reflect tranquility. If you are stressed out at work, it might be beneficial to add it to your window sill. Likewise, you could place it in your family room away from the television and other noisy electronics. Even in the bathroom is an ideal spot for a Bonsai tree since it is a quiet area where you can meditate.
Prune - Besides its petite stature, there are other special features of the Bonsai tree. Many gardeners claim they are overtaken by a calming effect while trimming their unique tree. As the tree grows, you should prune it.
You must use specific Bonsai clippers opposed to regular scissors to remove any dead branches. Other branches that are growing must also be trimmed. Before hacking the tree, consider how you want the tree to look. Envisioning the desired design and pruning the tree is an art form.
Although your other trees or shrubs simply get cut with large power tools, you can be creative when pruning the Bonsai. In fact, the more you think about its shape, the more meditative the entire process can be.
Soil - You should not use any regular dirt for your Bonsai tree. You need to find a soil that drains quickly yet still retains water. Small particles for proper aeration are also essential. This way, oxygen will reach the roots. If you are unsure of where to begin, ask your local nursery or fellow gardeners for advice. There are specialty soils that are perfect for Bonsai trees. Do not forget to add particular fertilizer to the soil during growth season from early spring to mid-fall.
Watch this instructional video for Bonsai beginners:
A Bonsai Tree Is Still A Tree
Although they are small in comparison to their relatives, Bonsai trees are still trees. The careful pruning and cutting you have done has hopefully produced a beautiful miniature of the species.
Even though a Bonsai is in an extremely controlled environment, there are thousands of years of evolution at play. Always be aware of the growing season, dormant season, and recommended pruning schedule for the species.
