How to plant and care for a bonsai from scratch

How to plant and care for a bonsai from scratch

Bonsai are miniature trees with molded branches and roots. Here are the tips to take care of them and make them grow.

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

I bonsai which in Japanese means "tree in a tray or in a vase" are precisely miniature trees, intentionally shaped by pruning the branches and roots.





Bonsai originated in China over 2000 years ago, before becoming popular in Japan as well. The art form reflects the Zen ideas of nature, elements and change, expressed uniquely on a small scale. With regular care and attention, many fine specimens become so old that they are passed down from generation to generation.

You can create your own bonsai when you are young nursery plants or from seedlings you find in the garden, such as maple, or you can buy bonsai kits that contain specific seeds. Evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs do equally well, and seasonal flowers, too, like azaleas, meli selvatici or wisteria, they can create pretty bonsai. (Read also: Bonsai: 10 tips for beginners)

How to plant a bonsai

Le bonsai plants are grown in shallow pots, so they often need daily watering, especially in hot weather. In winter, bonsai must be kept indoors or in a greenhouse; hardy plants can stay outdoors, as long as they are protected from wind and direct sun.

  • 1 pass: cut the lower two thirds of the clod of earth attached to the roots. Rake the soil on the surface to expose some roots. Moisten them all using a spray bottle.
  • 2 pass: remove dead branches and all unnecessary branches. Remove dead roots and large roots that will interfere with potting. Place the plant in the pot and work the soil; cover it with gravel or moss and water well.
  • 3 pass: At this point, decide which branches would benefit from shaping. To get the shape you want, wrap a wire snugly but not so tightly that it inhibits growth, this will help guide the branch to grow in the direction and shape you want. When the branch has grown enough to hold its new shape, remove the wire.

Bonsai care after planting

Once the bonsai is planted, it must be treated slightly differently than a normal one houseplant. Here are some helpful tips.



Watering of bonsai

he bonsai it should be watered often, especially in summer with high temperatures. So, with this plant the best method is to feel the ground, and when it feels slightly dry it is time to water. (Read also: Micro Bonsai: the fantastic miniature bonsai from Japan

Fertilization: how to fertilize bonsai

As a general rule, most bonsai should be fertilized during the growing season, which runs from early spring to mid-autumn. But fertilization needs can vary based on the type of tree. You can use a granular or liquid fertilizer, and you can even find fertilizers made specifically for bonsai. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Soil

Most of the blends of soil for bonsai they are a combination of hard clay, pumice, lava rock and earth. There are endless combinations and you need to experiment to understand which one works best. Good bonsai soil needs to retain water well, without drowning the roots.

Repotting

Most young bonsai must be repotted every two years, while more mature trees can stay in the same pot for up to five years. Repotting should be done when the roots are exposed, and run around the bottom of the container. This procedure should be done in early spring; in addition, when moving to a larger pot, pay attention to the soil mixture, which must not be too different from what the tree was used to.


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