Taking Care of Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees are extremely sensitive to theirTechniques such as cutting, pruning, and pinching
conditions and the caretaker needs to learn howare used to manipulate the pattern of growth and
to properly take care of these wonderful andthe result is a magnificent tree that is aesthetically
attractive plants. Here are a few tips to ensurepleasing to the eye. Today, Bonsai trees and their
that you're able to keep your tree healthy.beauty fascinate western cultures.
Bonsai trees are kept small by pruning theFertilize with a balanced tree fertilizer. Remember,
branches and roots and growing the trees in pots.bonsai are not houseplants. Fertilizer must be
A tree planted in a small pot is not a bonsai until itcarefully monitored. Fertilization is usually very light
has been pruned, shaped, and trained into theand is usually applied in the spring just before new
desired shape. Bonsai trees are associated withgrowth begins. During the summer bonsai may
artistic shapes and forms. This refers to the artrequire daily watering, depending on the exposure
of training and cultivating miniature trees in potsand container size employed.
and containers.Trees are cultivated and groomed in a small
Bonsai trees are not miniature naturally, but cancontainer to stunt their growth and they are a
be made out of any ordinary tree or shrub andbeautiful miniaturized version of the real trees. It
are miniaturized through bonsai techniques. Thereis possible to cultivate whatever trees you fancy.
are many different bonsai techniques, some areBonsai trees are mostly outdoors and can often
basic techniques while others are very advancedonly be viewed indoors for a limited period of
and only practiced by experienced bonsai masters.time before the tree is stressed and eventually
These trees are living miniature trees and bonsaidies.
is the reproduction of natural tree forms inSome reasons for this include improper
miniature. The practice of growing and formingtemperature, humidity, air circulation and lighting.
these beautiful little trees has been going on forBonsai trees are living miniature trees which
centuries in China and Japan. Bonsai trees areincrease in beauty and value as they mature over
usually about balance, you do not want to get athe years. Get into Bonzai trees for some are
tree that looks like it will fall over.really dramatic patio or unique LIVING home and
Branches that stick out towards you are alsogarden decorations.
common pruning targets. Of course, what youBonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become
prune from your plant should be your personalroot-bound in their containers, and the roots,
decision. Branches and twigs that can easily belikewise, are pruned. But root-bound plants won't
bent towards the "good side" are tied togetherthrive forever in that condition and bonsai trees
loosely with bonsai wire.must be re-potted every two or three years to
The more branches you can tie together, theleave the roots with new soil.
more trees you will have for your little forest.Bonsai trees are truly an art form. They are
Branch pruning should also occur near the start ofplants that are grown in trays or containers and
spring. Pick the branches that you wish to keepdeveloped so that they remain small. Bonsai trees
and carefully remove the others.are offered much more attention at their budding
Techniques cover both indoor and garden bonsaistage by the bonsai farmer. The main aim of the
plants. Plants suited to bonsai pruning include ficus,Bonsai tree owner or Bonsai tree farmer is to
azalea, Japanese maple trees, Chinese elm,provide all the conditions necessary for the Bonsai
bamboo, wisteria, gardenia and juniper.tree to grow up strong, healthy and aesthetic.