Boxwood Bonsai

All Boxwoods are excellent Bonsai trees. Their slow growth allows the development of intricate branches, gnarled bark and very dwarf leaves. They are also highly adaptable to and may be grown outdoors for three seasons or indoors the year round.

Watering
Proper watering is critical. Never allow the soil to become bone dry, nor keep it constantly wet. Feel the soil every day. If the surface is moist, do not water. If the surface is dry, soak the plant thoroughly. When your Bonsai is displayed outdoors water gently from above until the pot is saturated, the water draining through several times. In the winter when surface watering is messy, immerse the plant in a tray of water that comes one-third to half way up the pot. Water will enter through the drain holes, soaking the soil. The length of time required varies by pot size but usually thirty minutes is sufficient. Water again when the soil is almost dry. The basic rule is: NEVER LET THE TREE DRY OUT COMPLETELY.

We also recommend touching your plant regularly . With experience you'll know the proper 'feel' of your Boxwood.

Light
Though Boxwoods grow very well in full sun they adapt to strong indirect light. Many Bonsai enthusiasts consider Boxwoods the ideal tree for northern or shady windows, locations where few others thrive.

Indoor/Outdoor
Boxwoods may be grown indoors all year or outside from May through October. The strong light, gentle winds and rains will strengthen any tree, so we encourage you, if possible, to keep it outside for the summer.

Fertilizing
The object of Bonsai fertilization is a slow, steady response, as opposed to rapid, lush growth, during the natural growing season. Boxwoods, therefore, respond to light, frequent fertilizing every 2 weeks from March through October. Slow-release pellets, such as Fertilome Gardener's Special, are slowly broken down by soil microorganisms. Scattered or gently pushed the into the soil at the rate of one per square inch of soil surface, they can 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 half the directed rate about every other week. Organic fertilizers do not allow the buildup of damaging soluble salts in the soil and supply virtually all the minerals the plant requires for strong growth. We also see a good response by misting our Boxwoods with a soluble fertilizer at quarter to half strength each week.
If your Boxwood is indoors for the winter fertilize at the half rate once a month.

Pest & Disease Prevention
Boxwoods are generally pest free but you should regularly pick out any dead leaves and wash down the foliage.

Repotting & Styling
Your Boxwood Bonsai will need to be root pruned and repotted every two or three years. Occasional trimming, and perhaps wiring, is also necessary to keep your specimen looking good. We can recommend a number of excellent books that will help you in the artistry and detail of Bonsai.