If you are considering a Bonsai tree for that special person,there are a few things you should know to ensure that you end upwith a nice healthy tree. First and foremost think about theconditions the tree will be in. Indoor Bonsai will generallyneed to be close to a window or be supplemented with artificiallight. A small tray with gravel and a little bit of water underthe tree will add humidity around the tree. It may not need tobe watered every day but it should be checked daily as the smallpots can dry out rather quickly.
Steps in bonsai care
Watering Watering is the most important part in bonsai care.This is the crux of the art of bonsai. Most Bonsai tree that dieare lost due to dehydration, either from lack of watering orfrom being kept in a low humidity environment (indoors) for toolong. How often you should water is a common question people askabout bonsai trees. There is no hard and fast rule prescribedfor the same. When the soil begins to dry out water your plantthoroughly until the excess water runs out of the bottom of thepot, signifying you're done. Remember, over-watering is as badas under-watering, thus all the fuss about getting it just right.
Pots and soil The soil you use affects rooting, feeding,watering and transpiration, it is where half your tree lives sothis is the second biggest consideration in maintaining yourbonsai. While the needs of individual species vary greatly agood rule of thumb is 30% grit, 70% humus for deciduous trees,and 70% grit with 30% humus for evergreen-needled plants. Bonsaitrees should be fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer onceor twice per month during the growing season. However the choiceof fertilizer may vary depending on the species you've chosen tominiaturize. Always apply fertilizer when the soil is wet.Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound intheir containers, and the roots too, are pruned.
Pruning A bonsai plant is pruned in two ways viz. branch pruningand root pruning. Pruning of branches is performed in spring.Much, but not all of the new growth is removed. Branches areselected early on as the only branches to be allowed to prosper,while the excess branches are mercilessly pruned off. The mainfactor in maintaining bonsai is the removal of all but the mostimportant parts of the plant. Bonsai is all about the reductionof everything just to the essential elements. Also Bonsai treesare intentionally allowed to become root-bound in theircontainers, and the roots too, are pruned. But root-bound plantswon't thrive forever in that condition and, indeed, bonsai treesmust be re-potted every two or three years to furnish the rootswith fresh soil.
Changing the shape of the tree Bonsai tree wiring is an advancedskill to grow the bonsai into an art form. Desirable branchesare wired to control the direction in which they grow. Wiringcan do a great deal to change the shape of the plant, but it canalso do a great deal of damage to the plant if done incorrectly.
To sum up This may seem like a lot to do to just to buy a littletree, but it's no different than any other informed purchase,just as you wouldn't buy a fish without having a special homefor it you should have a special home for your Bonsai tree.
About the author:Rob Mellor owns www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helpspeople find out more about the bonsai tree . Please visit the site for more informationon bonsai tree care
