Bonsai Basics

Bonsai is an ancient art of miniature trees, and one that’s becoming increasingly popular as people seek to express their creativity through horticulture. While many beginners are introduced to bonsai by purchasing a pre-made tree, it’s actually much more interesting, cost-effective, and rewarding to grow your own.

There are many bonsai basics to know, including how to care for a tree, what kind of soil to use, when to water, and the importance of repotting. It’s also important to remember that Bonsai is always a work in progress. It can take years before you achieve a truly beautiful and mature specimen.

While some people may be concerned about the ethicality of taking normal trees and confining them in small pots so that they can be shaped using wire, there is nothing wrong with the practice. Trees do not feel pain, and they are not harmed by the process in any way. This is no different than the practice of keeping pets or even humans in confined spaces for aesthetic purposes.

For your bonsai to thrive, it needs to be placed in a sunny location with adequate humidity. A south-facing window is ideal, and supplementing with a humidifier in dry climates can be helpful. Bonsai also requires regular feeding, as they cannot get enough nutrients from the soil alone. Using a controlled-release fertilizer (CFR) pellet that releases the nutrients over time is the best way to ensure your tree gets what it needs. Look for a product with a N-P-K ratio that is close to a 3:1:2 ratio, as this will be most beneficial for your tree.