How to look after my bonsai
When it comes to protecting a bonsai tree, watering, spraying, fertilizing the tree, and protecting our bonsai plant from seasonal changes, protection are just some of the things to keep in mind.
WATERING
When?
How often your Bonsai tree needs watering will depend on a number of different factors. Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry. Use your fingers to check the soil at around one centimetre deep for dryness. If your tree does require water, soak thoroughly, so the entire root system is wetted. To do so, keep watering until water runs out of the drainage holes, and possibly repeat the process a few minutes later.
HOW?
Water your tree from above using a watering can with a fine nozzle. this will prevent the soil from being washed away.
FERTILISING YOUR BONSAI
When?
Most Bonsai trees should be fertilised during the entire growth season of the tree. from early Spring until mid-Autumn. For best results fertilise indoor trees all year round. However, take the time to consider the species of your tree, the health of your tree and the stage of development; for example older and more mature trees can be fertilised less frequently.
Which Fertiliser?
You can choose to use either a liquid or granular fertiliser. Bonsai specific fertilisers can be purchased from any good garden retailer. How? Feed your Bonsai using the quantities and frequency stated on the fertiliser packaging. You can choose to reduce the recommended quantity slightly for trees that are not in training, to balance their growth instead of stimulating it. It is very important not to overfeed your tree.
#SEASONAL CARE ###During Cold Months During the Autumn in colder areas, hardy or evergreen trees start preparing for the coming Winter by hardening up new growth and (for deciduous trees) dropping leaves to reduce moisture loss. This period of dormancy is important for Bonsai trees, so you don’t need to bring them indoors. Subtropical trees are different, these should be brought indoors during the Winter if temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. In warm climates they can remain outside all year round. When indoors, tropical trees need lots of light and relatively high humidity. A spot in front of a north-facing window will provide the right amount of light.
During Warmer Months
It is recommended to protect your Bonsai from high temperatures during the warmer months of the year. If temperatures start to exceed 30 degrees Celsius these simple measures will help keep your Bonsai hydrated and healthy.
- Place your Bonsai in a shady position out of direct sunlight
- Maintain humidity by misting both the Bonsai and the ground around the Bonsai
- Check the soil for dryness - additional watering may be required
- A thorough watering in the late morning will ensure the soil is still moist at the end of the hottest part of the day
