maintenance

Looking after you indoor Bonsai

 

Natural Light Is Important

Your bonsai thrives on natural light, so place it on or near a window sill during the day (and never more than 3 feet away). At night, you can move it to a table or shelf so that it can still be easily seen and enjoyed.

How and when to Water

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It’s really a matter of common sense, since a bonsai needs water when it is dry, like any other plant. Obviously, a tree in a smaller pot in hot conditions will dry out more quickly than one kept in a larger pot in cool conditions. DO NOT use water that has been chemically treated or comes from a filter. Ideally use rainwater – or water that’s been boiled then cooled.

Handy tip for ideal watering: stand the tree in sufficient water to come half way up the trunk, then wait until the bubbles stop. Drain water, then place the tree back in position.

Feeding Habits

Like children your bonsai needs feeding little and often during periods of strong growth. Growing periods vary from plant to plant with some, you may just need to feed through the summer, while others can be fed all year round. Use either a specialist bonsai feed, or on all purpose fertilise at half strength

Pruning

Allow six leaves to develop on a shoot, then cut back two. This will maintain the general shape of the tree. Cut out any shoots or branches growing through the center. Generally speaking, you should maintain an open shape to allow light and air to reach all leaves.

Root Trimming and Re-Potting

Each spring, easy the plant gently from the pot by tapping the base, then check the roots. If they have begun to wrap round the inside of the pot, they need trimming back.

Remove up to one third of the compost, then gently tease out the roots. The aim is to achieve a system of thin roots, rather than large ones, so cut away any that have become thick and trim the finer ones. This will encourage the plant to make finer leaves and branches.

Finally, replace the bonsai in it’s pot, or re-pot into a larger container if necessary.