BONSAI

WATER is the most important factor of Bonsai. Since the Bonsai root system is confined to a small area, the soil can dry out very quickly. A very brief time of dryness can bring damage to the Bonsai plant. To avoid such condition, the Bonsai plant needs to be checked now and then, in a day and if necessary, sufficient amount of water should be supplied.The best means of watering the plant is to submerge the pot ina water container for about 5 -10 minutes. Continue until the water comes out of the drainage holes.

TO TEST THE MOISTURE CONTENT: when the soil feels slightly damp, water should be supplied.

LOCATION of your Bonsai should be in a cool, well-lighted area. You may bring the plants indoors for about 2 to 3 days. Generally, outdoor plants are intolerant of indoor climatic conditions. Outdoor Bonsai can tolerate severe weather, like, fog, rain, mist and even snow. Even the wind has an effect of inducing stronger root growth.

FERTILIZE the plant, once in evrey four months. Most fertilizers contain Nitrogen(N), Phosphorous(P) and Potassium(K). Nitrogen enhances the growth of leaves and stem. Phosphorous and Potassium are added for the multiplication of cells and for healthy root growth and for new buds, flowers and fruits. They also fights against plant diseases. Use a balanced fertilizer with a fairly low Nitrogen content year round and as little or no Nitrogen through the winter, so the tree can retain its energy. Feed your Bonsai from early spring to late summer. "Osmocote", is one of the fertilizers that is recommended by Bonsai enthusiasts. Do not fertilize your plant during winter or when the soil is very dry or if it has been root pruned.

PRUNING AND REPOTTING are the important aspects of a Bonsai plant. Pruning can be done anytime in the growing season. It's always good to have a specific shape in mind before pruning. Hard wood plants need to be trimmed by sharp pruning shears. Soft woods deserves, finger pinching. Wires can be used to achieve the desired shape. It can be wrapped around the branch in a spiral form, but not very tightly. Carefully and gently, remove the wire with shears, before it cuts or pierce the trunk.


REPOTTING should be done in every 2-3 years. A careful pruning would be necessary, if the root system appears to be packed tightly, so that there will be enough room for root expansion. Root pruning is another important factor to retain the dwarf form. Spraying the plant 2 to 3 times a day, simulates the dew, fog and moisture. This will work excellently when the environment is very dry. For better growth, remove 1/3 of the soil and cut the roots at 45 downward slant, then its good to transplant the Bonsai into a larger pot.

DISEASES AND PESTS are another very important aspect to be noticed, since, Bonsai's can easily catch disease. Remove all dead leaves and weeds from the soil surface.