How to grow a bonsai tree? That’s the question most beginner bonsai enthusiasts ask. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The short answer is It all depends! Success with bonsai greatly depends on two things; watering and location. With that said, some bonsai species are definitely easier than others.
For example, what’s the hardest part about starting to grow a bonsai tree? Is it actually picking out trees that are suitable for bonsai? Or, is it just the initial “training” phase? Most beginners fail at both tasks. They either choose trees that are not suited as bonsai trees for beginners or they do not water those bonsai trees for beginners correctly.
Here’s a little advice for those starters who think they have no options other than grafting a common bonsai tree into their home or garage: Don’t do it. Almost any bonsai plant that has small leaves is going to be difficult to care for. Do not even try to bonsai pines, junipers, or cedars. While they will grow small leaves, you’ll have problems with them over time. Even oaks and pear shaped trees are known to be susceptible to disease after they are fully grown, so you may want to avoid those altogether when it comes to growing bonsai.
Another important tip for beginners is that most bonsai trees are actually larger versions of some of the most common houseplants we all have in our homes. They are just smaller versions of the larger ones we have. Examples include: the gladioli, California poppy, boxthorn, hibiscus, orchid, Chinese elm, Japanese elm, bamboo, petunia, and more. These houseplants can often be found in our homes, but it’s not recommended for beginners as they will be more difficult to take care of. Instead, start out with something simpler like the cypress tree or the flowering cherry tomato plant.
If you’re new to bonsai and have never grown any bonsai before, this process will take longer than usual. If you plan on learning how to grow a bonsai tree, make sure you are prepared to spend several months caring for it. Your first tree should have only small amounts of soil, no more than a few inches deep. Bonsai growers often prefer shallow containers, such as ceramic jars, but regular pots work too.
Bonsais do not need fertilizer, soil, or water. As your bonsai grows, you will need to clean the soil regularly to remove excess soil and keep the tree healthy. You should watch for splinters that may occur if the branches are bending as they grow. These splinters will eventually die as the tree grows, but if you want to continue to trim them as they grow, make sure you don’t cut them too far down.
The next step in how to grow a bonsai tree is to learn how to prune your bonsai. Every time your bonsai branches grow, you can pinch back a corner, take away some leaves, or prune the tree. If you have a large tree, there are many different pruning techniques that you can try. On smaller bonsai trees, such as the juniper bonsai, there are fewer ways to accomplish this task. In this case, it’s best to simply use a sharp pair of wire and snip at the branches. Be sure to be extra careful not to hurt your tree with the wire though, or you could wind up damaging it even more.
How to grow a bonsai tree is a simple process that anyone can do. You don’t need to have years of training behind you, but you do need to be willing to spend a little bit of time pruning and shaping your tree every so often. Bonsai are beautiful little trees that can make your home look very attractive. You can grow a bonsai tree from a small starter kit or you can start from scratch. Either way, you’ll have a great tree that will give you years of enjoyment.