Watering Bonsai
Watering
More bonsai are lost due to improper watering than from all other causes combined. The length of time between watering can vary quite a bit depending on conditions such as humidity, soil moisture retention, weather conditions, and size of pot. Bonsai usually need to be watered every day or two. The best time to water is early in the day or late in the afternoon at the same time every day. A thorough watering is accomplished when excess water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, BUT…too much water can be just as bad as too little water. In general, the soil should be moist, not soaking wet, and not dry.
Fertalizing
Fertilizing
Feedings vary from plant to plant (such as flowering plants have different requirements than the junipers). A water-soluble fertilizer is usually applied every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, in a half-strength solution. Miracle-Gro or Miracid are commonly used, but check label directions for your tree. DO NOT FEED right after repotting (wait for 3-4weeks). Don’t feed if the tree is in a sickened condition. Premoisten the plant soil first. Never fertilize a very dry bonsai.
Over fertilizing causes a whole new set of problems. Aside from “burn,” many effects are subtle. The levels of fertilizer that will cause these effects are not clear, and there are some that would argue that they do not exist. The effects include overly large leaves from excess nitrogen, soft turgid leaves and tissues, weak stems, long internodes, low resistance to some fungal pathogens, lowered resistance to insect damage, perhaps even an attractiveness to some insects such as borers.
Repotting Bonsai
Repotting
Regular repotting of your bonsai to replace important nutrients, ‘stale soil’ and allow for new root growth is vital to your bonsai’s health and growth. Generally, the trees should be repotted at a time when they are most dormant – such as late autumn to early spring, so that they are subjected to the least amount of stress possible. Young or small bonsai require repotting every two or three years, and older and larger specimens less often.
You can tell that a bonsai needs repotting if water takes a long time to drain through the soil or if the roots are crowding around the sides.
Scale Insects
Insects and Disease
A bonsai is nothing more than a miniature version of a normal plant, therefore it can be treated with commonly found insecticides and fungicides according to directions on the package. Insects such as aphids, spider mites, scale, and root aphids are common problems corrected by sprays, soapy rinse, or a systemic. Scale insects (pictured) come in a bewildering array of shapes and sizes and can quite often go unnoticed until the infestation becomes quite established.
Pests can be treated either chemically or organically and both methods can be extremely effective. When mixing insecticide solutions, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Too weak a solution and the insects will remain, too strong and the foliage may be damaged.
Trimming
Trimming, Pruning and Training
Trimming and pruning are the means by which a bonsai is kept miniature. This involves the systematic removal of vigorous growth in the spring. It is important however, to understand that for the health of the tree one should never remove all the new growth at one time. The roots are trimmed and so is the foliage on the plant. The tree is wired to assist in getting branches to grow in a specific position and to enhance the look of the tree. The wire is removed after 6 months. Usually the branch should then stay in that position on its own. Wire should be carefully cut from the branches. Do not unwind wires a s this could break the branch. Trim branches to expose the trunk and to shape the tree into the look you want. Two goals in bonsai are to make young trees look older by thickening the trunk and the positioning of the branches, and to find enjoyment in nature.
Indoor Bonsai
Indoor Bonsai
There are many varieties of plants that do well as an indoor bonsai such as ficus, aralia, azalea norfolk pine, serissa, gardenia, or boxwood. Note that these are all woody-stemmed plants and can have their limbs wired to direct the growth. Tropical and subtropical varieties cannot tolerate temperatures below 40-50 degrees F. These plants can be left outside when the temperatures stay above this. Light inside the house should be by filtered sunlight from an east, south, or west window. Grow lights 12 hours a day work well. When the plant is kept outside during the summer, place in partial shade.
Outdoor Bonsai
Outdoor Bonsai
There is a wide choice of trees for outdoor bonsai. The winter dormant period is essential to the general good health of a bonsai. In northern climates, winter protection from freeze-drying winds is necessary. Trees should be kept in an unheated area. An unheated garage, shed, breezeway, or cold frame can provide this. Check with your bonsai club for other ways. Check the root system for moisture and water as necessary while in winter storage. Unless the root ball is frozen they will need to be watered every week or so. In the summer, water more often as weather conditions demand. Never let the tree go dry, but do not keep it soaked either. Some of the trees suitable for outdoor bonsai are junipers, maples, elms, pines, gingko, hawthorn, and flowering crab apple.