Bonsai

Bonsai container gardens can provide an unusual opportunity to test your green thumb and provide a plant that can grow for generations.

General Tips

Watering
The basic rule is: Never let the tree dry down completely.

Pest Prevention
Clean your Bonsai by removing dead or unhealthy foliage, especially any brown foliage around the inner branches. Run water through the foliage to wash the plant. Spider mites, very tiny red sucking insects threaten conifers during periods of low humidity. Infested plants will be off-color and, if you look closely, you'll see webbing among the needles and branches. You can also check for mites by holding a piece of white paper under the branches and giving them a firm tap. Dislodged mites will fall on the paper. Treat with an insecticide labeled for spider mites. Check again in four days and repeat as necessary.

Repotting & Styling
Conifer Bonsai will require root pruning only every 2 or 3 years. Occasional trimming & perhaps wiring is also necessary to help your Bonsai achieve the look you desire. When trimming a conifer do not hedge prune. Pinch, or selectively prune unwanted growth. There are a number of excellent Bonsai books available to give you pointers and inspiration.

Fertilizing
The object of Bonsai fertilization is a slow, steady response as opposed to rapid, lush growth. Bonsai respond to frequent feeding during the growing season, spring summer & fall. Slow-release pellets such as Ferti-lome Gardener's Special, scattered or gently pushed into the soil at the rate of one pellet per square inch of soil surface, provide long-term feeding. The pellets are slowly broken down by soil microorganisms to supply general fertilizer requirements for up to a year.

But don't neglect direct soil feeding with an organic fertilizer, fish emulsion for instance , at ½ the directed rate about every other week. Organic fertilizers do not allow the buildup of salts in the soil and supply virtually all the minerals the plant requires for strong growth. You'll also see a good response by misting the plant with a soluble fertilizer at ¼ to ½ strength each week.

Conifer Bonsai
Conifers are cone bearing trees & shrubs that make excellent Bonsai material. The group includes: Spruce, Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypress, Hemlock, Larch, Crytomeria, Chamaecyparis, & Ginkgo. Most are extremely hardy,

Watering
Never allow the soil to become bone dry, nor keep it constantly wet. Here are a few pointers. Feel & press the soil surface gently every day. If it's moist, don't water. If it's dry, soak the plant thoroughly.

When your Conifer Bonsai is displayed outdoors water from above until the soil is saturated, the water draining through several times. In the winter when surface watering may be messy indoors, you can immerse the plant in water that comes about one-third to ½ way up the pot. Water enters through the drain holes, soaking the soil. Usually 30 minutes is sufficient. Water again when the soil is almost dry.

Light
Most Conifers thrive in bright light, defined as at least 4 to 6 hours a day, so you probably can't overexpose your Bonsai. But you can harm it and make it predisposed to various problems by not giving it enough. When outdoors in the spring, summer & fall, light shade is fine but if you keep it inside during the winter a bright south or west window is best.

Location
Fresh, circulating air is essential to your Bonsai. Conifers do best outdoors and tolerate very cold temperatures, but dry out when exposed to very cold wind. When night temperatures are consistently below freezing it is time to move your Conifer Bonsai into a cool or unheated garage, basement, cold frame, a very cool room in the house or plant it, pot and all.

When night temperatures are above freezing move your Bonsai outdoors. Avoid sunburn by acclimating your tree from its winter position to full sun by gradually increasing its time in the sun.

Note: You can keep your conifer Bonsai indoors for one winter only. Next year it will require the natural cooling of winter to sustain good growth. Conifers require a dormant period of at least 40° for six weeks every other winter. During that time it is important to keep the plant moist and in the light.

Tropical Bonsai
The tropical belt surrounds the equator. Trees native to this area include: Ficus, Fukien Tea, Natal Plum, Buttonwood, Bougainvillea, and many others. Because these plants thrive in warm temperatures the year round, they are well suited to indoors.

Watering
Proper watering is critical. Feel the soil every morning. If the surface is dry or only slightly moist it's time to water. Water from above until the plant is thoroughly soaked. During hot, dry weather Bonsai require frequent watering. A few, Ficus and Bougainvillea for instance, like to dry out completely between watering. Some succulents like to dry out for several days. The basic rule is: Never allow the soil become bone dry.

Temperature
As you would expect, tropical Bonsai thrive in hot, humid climates and are at their best when temperatures are above 75 degrees. In the winter try to keep them in a location between 65 and 75.

Light
Grow the majority of tropical Bonsai in strong light. Put them outdoors when nightly temperatures do not drop below 60 or 65 degrees. Provide light shade, filtered sun, or direct morning sun but protect them from our drying winds. When indoors keep your tropicals in or very close to, a warm window. If your home cannot provide enough light in the winter, supplement with a growing light. Regular fluorescent light simulates sunlight better and cheaper than expensive "grow" lights. Place your plant as close to the light as possible for up to eighteen hours a day.

Subtropical and Other Bonsai
Subtropicals, native to climates with hot summers and very mild winters, make excellent indoor bonsai. These include: Serissas, Brush Cherries, Okinawan Hollies, New Zealand Tea Trees, Catlin Elms and many, many others. Another group of plants native to temperate climates such as ours behave like Subtropicals when grown indoors. The most notable of these is Boxwoods and Pagoda Holly.

Watering
Proper watering is critical. Feel the surface of the soil every morning. If the surface is dry or only slightly moist it's time to water, soaking from above until the soil is saturated, draining through several times. During hot dry weather your tree will need frequent watering because direct sunlight and wind cause the soil to dry rapidly. Small Bonsai in small pots sometimes dry out in a day or even hours. Be alert to changing conditions. Allow the soil to dry down but never, ever bone dry.
In the winter surface watering can be messy. If you find it more convenient immerse the pot in a tray of water that comes half way up the pot. Water will enter through the drain holes and soak the soil. The length of time required varies with pot size but usually 30 to 40 minutes is sufficient.

Temperature
Subtropical Bonsai easily tolerate summer heat with adequate watering and do best with winter temperatures between 45° and 65°. Always avoid freezing or near freezing temperatures.

Light
Grow your Subtropicals in very good light. You can place your Subtropical Bonsai outdoors in the late spring when the night temperatures do not drop below 50° and leave it outside until early fall. Filtered or morning sun is ideal for most varieties, though some (especially larger ones) thrive in full sun. When indoors, keep your Subtropical in, or very close to, a bright window. If your home cannot provide enough light in the winter, supplement with a growing light, regular fluorescent light simulates sunlight better and cheaper than expensive "grow" lights. Place your plant as close to the light as possible for up to eighteen hours a day.