Bonsai trees are an intricate art that necessitates patience and the knowledge of plant biology, horticulture, and pruning.
Bonsai art involves more than simply shaping a tree into an aesthetic shape; it involves controlling its environment – air, water, soil, sun and nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is an integral part of caring for a Bonsai tree. It helps keep its shape and encourages it to grow more evenly, as well as removing any outgrown canopy sections that have outgrown their intended range of growth. Pruning can also help restore an established Bonsai’s shape after being disturbed or neglected over time.
Pruning a Bonsai tree requires great caution and should only be done when the tree is ready for it. Usually, this means when there is a new branch or shoot that needs to be removed from its canopy structure.
Many people mistakenly assume you only need to prune a Bonsai tree once, but it is actually possible to do regular maintenance pruning and still keep your Bonsai looking great! The amount of maintenance pruning required depends on the species of tree and what goals you have as an artist.
For instance, when cultivating an azalea or rhododendron, it’s essential to maintain their overall shape while giving them room to expand. To do this, prune away long new tip growth on all branches, remove shoots that are growing upward and downward, and trim away any excess growth.
When pruning trees, the ideal time is in early spring or late autumn. However, it’s essential to pay attention to exact timing as seasons can differ according to species.
No matter your choice, make sure you use the appropriate tools for the job. Bonsai tools ensure you’re pruning only healthy branches without harming the plant in the process.
Bonsai tree maintenance typically requires the use of twig shears, normal cutters and wire cutters. These instruments will help you prune away any unwanted branches to make the tree easier to work with.
Another tool that can be invaluable when trimming and shaping a Bonsai is a saw. This is especially useful when working with larger leaves as it will enable you to reduce them without damaging the tree itself.
Watering
Watering your bonsai tree regularly is essential for its wellbeing. Without adequate moisture, your tree could quickly become unhealthy and weakened; without these essential nutrients from the bottom of the pot, soil and small roots at its base could die, leaving your bonsai without essential elements necessary for its health.
Outdoor bonsai trees can benefit from using a rose-spout watering can or rose attachment on a garden hose to ensure they receive enough water. Make sure the rose spout points upwards so the water falls gently on the soil, not shocking its roots. Indoors, you may store your trees in shallow trays filled with water; just be sure to check periodically that water isn’t seeping out of their bottom drainage holes and the soil isn’t too dry.
If you’re keeping your bonsai indoors, water it daily or every other day depending on the temperature and humidity in the air. Watering too often can cause the tree to wilt or turn yellow due to not getting enough oxygen.
You can revive your bonsai tree with a water bath if it’s showing signs of dehydration, such as shriveled leaves and crispy, dried branches. Start by giving it a 30-second watering, then wait 15 to 20 minutes before watering again.
When watering your bonsai tree, use room temperature water as hot water can scorch the leaves and roots. Furthermore, avoid spraying water on your delicate bonsai tree as this could harm its delicate leaves and branches.
Once your bonsai tree has been properly hydrated, it should be placed outdoors in the sunlight. It should receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to stay hydrated throughout spring, summer and fall.
Displaying your bonsai should be done at eye level, approximately three to four feet high. This height provides you with a convenient vantage point for admiring both the tree and its companion plantings.
When selecting a companion plant for a bonsai exhibition, it’s essential to find one that complements the tree. Selecting plants that will fill up the pot and have full foliage and flower displays; small leaves and flowers won’t be as eye-catching for viewers.
Fertilizing
Bonsai trees require regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth. Fertilizers come in liquid, granular, and solid forms; which type is best for your needs depends on the age, size and species of your tree.
As a general guideline, use one part fertilizer per ten parts soil. However, if your soil is particularly heavy, then you might need to adjust the recommended amount accordingly. Furthermore, keep in mind that pot size affects how much fertilizer goes on each pot.
Many fertilizers are designed with specific amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for different seasons of the year. Nitrogen acts as a growth booster while phosphorus and potassium help improve plant health.
Maintaining the balance between these three nutrients is paramount for the health of your bonsai trees. Overfeeding them may cause them to become weak or even die.
Additionally, make sure your bonsai is growing in a well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Doing so will lead to salt buildup within the soil.
It is essential to fertilize your bonsai at the correct time for their species and stage of development. Refer to our care guides for more information regarding when each specie should be fertilized.
If your bonsai tree is a deciduous variety, fertilize it weekly during the growing season and cease fertilizing once the leaves have fallen. Indoor bonsai should also receive regular care throughout the year.
Organic fertilizers are generally less hazardous than chemical ones due to their soft, durable nature and improved holding capacity of nutrients in the substrata. Furthermore, organic fertilizers produce humic acids which are then absorbed by the root system, increasing its biological activity and overall health.
At your local garden center, you can purchase convenient fertilizers that are ready-to-use. Some come as pellets which can be sprinkled or diluted in water; others are liquids that need to be applied around the base of your tree for maximum effectiveness.
For optimal results, opt for organic fertilizers that break down and transform into humic acid over time. This microbial degradation will enable roots to absorb necessary nutrients more readily and quickly.
Trimming
Bonsai gardening requires a great deal of skill and patience. The skillful shaping of trees into delicate forms offers both the grower and tree an incredible sense of satisfaction. Trimming is an integral part of this process that can prove quite challenging to master.
Trimming a bonsai begins with cutting back its leaves and branches. This gives it a more formal appearance while encouraging growth. Furthermore, creating an eye-catching shape will make sure that your bonsai stands out in a crowd.
To get the most out of your pruning, be sure to select a sharp pair of shears and use them slowly and delicately. This will protect the tree from injury.
Once you’ve cut your branches to desired shape, the next step is to wire them together. This provides extra support and prevents the branches from falling over while giving the illusion that they are hanging down – an essential factor when creating the look of a bonsai.
In addition to wiring, you can also trim the trees using a clipping tool. This will enable you to see exactly what shape you’re creating and make it simpler for you to get the desired outcomes.
This can be especially helpful when working with soft plants like jade, which cannot be wired into shape. Furthermore, it prevents the roots from rotting if trees aren’t pruned correctly.
As your bonsai grows, you may need to trim it more frequently in order to maintain its aesthetic and prevent it from becoming too tall. Eventually, it may be time for planting new bulbs or flowers.
Once you’re ready to plant the new growth, take the tree out of its container and plant it in a pot. This is an ideal way to observe how the new plant will fare under different climate conditions in your area.