How To Take Care of Bonsai? Bonsai tree care and maintenance tips.

Here are the quick care points-

• Get the right bonsai tree
• Locate the bonsai plant well
• Hydration of the bonsai plant is the key
• Maintenance of a bonsai plant is a must
• Repotting a bonsai plant
• Fertilizing is an add on

Plants are the finest and serene way to uplift the vibes of your spaces. Green plants can add life and leisure to any corner of your home.

With the growing trend of adding more greens to the interior, houseplants are one of the great statement pieces widely used in modern homes. And if you are an ardent plant lover like me, you must have this constant thought of getting home new plants every week!

Bonsai trees are one such house plant, often used to add greens and grace to a space. These delicately crafted miniature trees can be placed in any corner of your home because of their compact size and elegant appearance. These trees are perfect for drawing anyone’s attention to your rooms, contemporary bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and balconies.

Though bonsai trees are usually easy to care for, it is important to understand your bonsai tree to keep them healthy and happy forever. Here are some of the tips you can follow to take care of your Bonsai.

1. Get the right bonsai tree

Before getting home your Bonsai plant, it is important to decide whether you want an indoor Bonsai tree-like Ficus ginseng bonsai, Ficus panda bonsai, Dwarf jade bonsai, and Chinese elm bonsai or outdoor Bonsai trees like Bougainvillea bonsai, Ficus elastica bonsai tree, and Ficus microcarpa. There are a lot of species of Bonsai available to choose from.

2. Locate the bonsai plant well

Once you have thoughtfully selected your tree, the process is not as difficult as it may seem.

Bonsai trees, both indoor and outdoor, need a good amount of sunlight exposure. Make sure to understand whether your plant needs direct or indirect sunlight to grow well.

An indoor bonsai tree will also require more humidity, so spray them with water regularly. On the other hand, an outdoor bonsai tree requires lots of sunlight, so place them in the right spot.

3. Hydration of the bonsai plant is the key

Hydration plays a significant role in your Bonsai’s life; as the root system of the bonsai trees is quite well developed and are confined to a small pot, the soil dries out quickly and requires regular watering. Read your soil well. Once it appears dry, pour water around the roots till it starts dripping from the pot’s drainage hole.

You can also try bottom watering for bonsai trees, which is by far the safest and most effective way to water your Bonsai. All you need to do is just place the Bonsai in a pan or sink of room temperature water so the roots can soak up the water they need, and excess moisture will escape from the pot through the drainage holes.

You should water your bonsai tree every two to three days and make sure the soil never dries out completely. You need to be very careful about the quantity of water, as both overwatering & underwatering can have negative effects on your tree’s health. 

An overwatered bonsai tree will have yellow leaves, loose trunk, branches that become small and weak. In contrast, underwatered bonsai trees will show wilted and dry leaves and signs of drop-offs. 

4. Maintenance of a bonsai plant is a must

Don’t forget that it takes years of hard work and dedication to create one bonsai tree, and these miniature greens need constant care and attention. Keeping your Bonsai in shape and pruning it regularly is essential to ensure its beauty and health.

To start with, understand and identify the main branch structure and prune the long branches to get a clear look. You also need to remove any crossing shoots which may be cluttering the main branch. Cut down the rotten leaves and branches, remove any weeds around, and refine its shape. Leaves should be pruned during the spring and summer season so they may recover and grow new leaves. Pruning your Bonsai tree is an ongoing process and needs to be followed periodically. 

5. Repotting a bonsai plant

To maintain your Bonsai's health and help it grow properly, you need to repot your tree at a regular interval. Although reporting is not a yearly process, for some trees, it may be done in 2-3 years, whereas for some, it can be done after 5 years or longer.

Repotting allows your tree to grow well, as it may be pot-bound due to the lack of space. Shift your plant to a bigger pot to ensure proper growth and nutrients for your Bonsai. Prune down the roots to eliminate the ineffective old ones and carefully comb out the roots to loosen them up.

6. Fertilizing is an add on

With time, the soil of your bonsai tree may lose its nutrients and may not be as effective for its growth. Add the necessary fertilizers regularly to replenish the soil’s nutrients. Just a word of advice- be EXTREMELY carefully while choosing the fertilizer for your plant. More often than not, fertilizers, especially chemical ones, are known to burn the roots. So, it would be best to be careful about the type and quantity of fertilizers to use for your bonsai trees.

Author’s Note

I hope these simple care tips will help you keep a healthy and green Bonsai Tree. Just a little care and attention towards your Bonsai will give you lush green trees, elevate your home interiors, and add happy vibes to your spaces.