An important consideration in selecting bonsai is that species vary the amount of attention they require. Still, whichever species you choose means a commitment of your time. If you can not envision checking and watering your plants regularly, then the joy of bonsai may not be for you. But taking care of bonsai is not all that difficult. By paying attention to five important points – light, soil, water, temperature, and humidity, pests and insects – you should be able to meet the environmental needs of most plants.
Light for the Bonsai
Light is the most important factor governing you trees’ health. Photosynthesis proceeds at the appropriate rate if your trees is in the amount of light proper for the species of plant. Too little light will slow down the rate of photosynthesis. The lack of nutrients will damage the tree’s health, affecting production of new growth as well as the nourishment of existing foliage. New growth will be weak and elongated, with greater space between the leaf nodes. The foliage will become larger, as the plant develops a larger leaf surface to trap more light. Trees is too little light use much less water than usual, another sign of poor lighting. Bonsai in too little light are easy over-watered, but not if you are checking the soil first and not simply pouring water into the soil by habit.
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| Basic Bonsai Care image source: bonsaiempire.com |
A problem that many beginners have is trying to use too many different soil types. Remember that growing four bonsai in four different or unknown types of soil calls for four times the amount of thought and care. It is easier to grow bonsai when you used a soil mix you are familiar with. Knowing which soil mixture your plant is potted in helps take some of the mystery (and some of the danger) out of bonsai.
Water
Japanese bonsai masters believe it takes years to learn to water bonsai properly. Unfortunately your trees cannot wait years for you to learn this skill. And no one else will be able to give you a useful watering schedule. If you are given one, view it not as information but as misinformation. Still, watering is an art that can and must be learned because most plants are lost to over-watering and many others dry out, usually because their pots are too shallow.
Temperature
Some trees grow in all temperatures but others are much less tolerant. Your selection should be made according to your ability to provide temperatures needed by those species. This is especially important when you grow indoor bonsai during the winter. A sunny window is usually fine for subtropical and tropical material.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor in growing tropical bonsai indoors in the winter. In the northeast and other cold areas of the US, houses are extremely dry during winter months.
Pests and Insects
The same pests that harm other plants also harm bonsai. Avoiding pests is the best policy, since it is easier to prevent problems than to save plants infested with insects. If you develop an insect problem, segregate the tree. Wash the infested tree, then wrap the pot to the trunk level in aluminum foil or plastic, and spray the foliage with any kind of liquid soap and water. Seek further advice at your garden center.
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