Care of your Bonsai

"The Secret of bonsai is to look at the tree lovingly every day" - Kyozo Murata

Bonsai trees require the same care as other plants, with a few extra considerations. All bonsai grow outdoors in their native environments,so keeping them as near as possible to their natural conditions will produce the best results.

Siting Your Bonsai

It is important to think about where your bonsai is to be sited, remember the following: light, temperature and humidity.

Light

All bonsai trees need light. The amount of natural or artificial light required to produce the best results varies with the type of tree. Outdoor bonsai need a location that provides at least six hours of daylight. Indoor bonsai also need a window, but not one with direct sun.

Temperature

Most indoor bonsai trees like room temperatures between 65 and 75 degree Fahrenheit. It is not good for your bonsai to be placed very near to a radiator or on top of a TV. A draught free area is also important. Bonsai kept in a conservatory will require ventilation and shade.

Water and Humidity

All plants need water. It is important that sufficient, but not too much water is available to your bonsai. Check your tree every day, it will need some water most days, or at least every second day. The best way of watering is to immerse the pot in a bowl of water so that the water level is just below the pot rim. Let the pot soak for 10 to 15 minutes (the top soil will be moist), allow to drain before returning it to its usual position. The tree should never be allowed to dry out. Beware of overwatering, too much is as bad as too little! You may find that immersing the pot twice a week is enough, then checking each day to see if the soil is dry and giving water as necessary. It is better to use rain water rather than tap water which contains lime.

Humidity levels in most homes are quite low and will need supplementary moisture. Use a tray with a little water and pebbles to raise the bonsai pot, ensure the water level is below the pebbles so the tree is not actually stood in the water. Your tree will also benefit from misting the leaves.

Feeding

Your bonsai tree will deplete the nutrients available in the soil. Providing supplementary nutrition is necessary for the good health of your tree. Feed during Spring and Summer every two weeks.