Caring for Bonsai
The word Bonsai literally means "tree in a pot" and for many
hundreds of years they have been cultivated by first the Chinese and
later the Japanese who brought Bonsai keeping to a great art-form.
Where to keep your tree
Bonsai require a light position near, or in a window, except one that
gets direct sun, as this would be too hot and the plant would dry out.
They can be placed on a table or shelf, but do not leave in reduced
light for more than a day or two. Larger Bonsai are ideal plants for
a conservatory which can be kept cool by ventilation and shading as
long as they are never allowed to dry out.
Humidity
Usually the air conditions in modern homes are too dry for Bonsai and
it is important to give extra humidity. Misting the foliage will help,
but one of the best ways is to use a humidity tray under your Bonsai
tree. This is a tray filled with wet gravel placed under the tree. As
the air dries out, moisture evaporates into the air from the tray. Keep
the water level in the tray under the gravel to ensure that the tree
is not actually standing in water.
Watering
Inspect your tree every day. It is most likely that it will need water
either every day or every second day, as the pots have very little soil
in them. The best way to water is to immerse the pot under water in
a sink for 5-10 minutes, allow to drain, and return to its position.
Never allow the plant to dry to the point that the leaves start to drop.
Feeding
Feed every two weeks with a special bonsai fertilizer between April
and October. This will keep the leaves nice and green. Do not feed a
plant in flower.
Visit our
Bonsai shop online to purchase seeds, scissors, and other accessories.
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