Bonsai trees – which ones to choose and how to grow them?

Casandra Greer
It takes approx. 4 minutes to read this article

A bonsai tree is a miniature tree planted in a container. It is an integral part of Japanese culture dating back to the early 14th century. Once grown only by the richest Japanese aristocrats, bonsai is now an art form enjoying great popularity around the world. Check out how to care for them!

How to choose a bonsai tree?

If you are looking for a natural tree for your living room, study or dining room, opt for a small-leaved elm. It impresses with its perfect proportions and, importantly, is easy to care for. It grows quickly and pruning it will not be a problem even for beginner gardeners

Are you dreaming of an artistic bonsai with a stunning oriental look? Then opt for small-leaved caramona. It has beautiful white flowers and glossy leaves. This slow-growing bonsai is easy to maintain and does not require frequent pruning. It feels best in a warm, cozy room. Make sure you don’t expose it to cold or drafts.

You can put a ficus tree in a darker interior. It attracts attention with its beautiful dark green glossy leaves and original bark. This wonderful bonsai is easy to care for, so it will appeal to beginners.

How to water the bonsai tree?

The soil layer is shallow, so it dries out very quickly. Be sure to water your bonsai tree when the top layer of soil appears dry. Depending on the type and size of the tree, as well as the type of soil, the frequency of watering may vary. In some cases, it should even be done daily

Take care to fully saturate the root system. Water your tree until the water flows out through the drainage holes. But avoid overwatering, otherwise you will harm your bonsai. This is indicated by yellowing of the leaves and drying of the smaller branches. If the roots melt in the water and lack oxygen, the tree will not develop properly. Poorly permeable soil can be the cause of overwatering

Take care of the lighting

Bonsai trees will not die immediately if they do not get enough light, but they will become dwarfed over time. You should therefore place them in a bright location, preferably directly in front of a south-facing window. However, if the light is still too low, use fluorescent lighting with radiant spectra that promote the growth of the tree or light-emitting diodes. Turn them on for about 10 hours a day. Also make sure that cold air does not get in through the window

Provide high humidity for the tree

Too low a humidity level is another problem you will encounter when growing a tropical bonsai tree. Remember that heating and air conditioning considerably reduce the humidity in a room. So place a tray filled with water under the pot. You can also spray the tree several times a day. Open a window during the day to increase air circulation.

Keep the right temperature

Bonsai need relatively warm temperatures all year round. Tropical trees tolerate room temperature (15-25 degrees Celsius) well. Subtropical species can also withstand a cooler room.

Ensure good aeration

It is important that the particles used in the soil mixture have enough space for proper aeration. This will create air pockets or small cracks. Not only do roots need oxygen, but they also need intact mycorrhiza and good bacteria. Check to make sure fresh air is reaching the soil.

How to prune a bonsai tree?

Regularly prune the growth areas typically found on the outside and top of the tree. As for maintenance pruning, this is usually done from March to September throughout the growing season. To get rid of unwanted shoots and twigs, use garden shears or a regular knife. This will force even growth and produce dense foliage

To give your bonsai a beautiful shape, you need to trim large branches. Decide which branches should stay and which should be gotten rid of. Remember that structural pruning cannot be reversed. Think about how you want your tree to look. You can do this type of pruning before and after the growing season, which is early spring and late fall.

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