Bonsai Tree Care Tips For Beginners

Bonsai, the art of growing miniature trees in containers, dates back to ancient Japanese culture. Cultivating and caring for these miniature masterpieces is an ongoing process of observation and adjustment based on the specific needs of each individual tree. The following tips are a good start for beginners looking to grow a healthy and beautiful bonsai.

Bonsai require a lot of attention and must be kept in a controlled environment to avoid overheating or other problems. Indoor bonsai should be placed in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and watered regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not saturated. Bonsai soil should be free-draining and ideally contain a mix of pumice, scoria (lava rock), and akadama (a claylike substance mined in Japan).

Overwatering is the number one cause of death for bonsai; water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. A regular schedule should be followed but remember that each tree has a different rate of growth and requires its own care routine.

When the weather turns cooler, prepare your bonsai for winter dormancy by removing all the leaves and placing a layer of mulch over the soil surface. This will help protect the roots from frost and allow them to remain dormant until warmer temperatures return in spring.