How to Grow Bonsai Trees -
5 Simple Steps to Mastery
By Saul
Peterson
When you first look at an
established Bonsai tree the image of growing a similar
object is quite daunting. The symmetry, the sheer beauty of
it can initially appear too difficult a project for the
complete novice; it isn't. Everybody has to start somewhere,
and hopefully these 5 simple steps will help you to
understand a little bit more about how to grow bonsai trees.
Even the most knowledgeable person can make mistakes. Try to
get a bit of knowledge under your belt and then take up the
challenge. Don't forget, it's not the end of the world if
you make a few mistakes. Most mistakes can be rectified.
1. Don't forget that most bonsai are outdoor plants All too
often the mistake is made that because it is a bonsai it
should be kept indoors. This is only the case if it's a
tropical tree. Tropical trees are notoriously more difficult
to take care of than native trees. I would always recommend
starting with outdoor native trees as they are much easier
to look after.
2. Bonsai as well as people
can get stressed One of the main reasons that your first
bonsai can die is it can easily get stressed just like
humans. Stress is usually caused by moving it around a lot
so that it's confused about how hot it is or humid. Remember
trees don't normally move their positions. When you first
bring your tree home and place it in its new spot it might
lose a few leaves because of the move. Don't worry too much
and knee jerk by moving it around some more! This will not
help the cause, it needs to get used to its new spot.
3. Bonsai need light This
one might seem quite obvious to most people but getting the
amount of light is crucial to success. As a general rule
leafy trees need to be kept in semi-shade and needle trees
need to be kept in full sun. Indoor bonsai can get very hot
left next to a window so try not to put them in direct
sunlight.
4. Bonsai need water
Another one where most people will shout 'Of course they
do'. Again it is something that needs to be done just right.
The soil in the bonsai pot should be gritty and free
draining so that it is not too wet thereby causing root rot.
At the same time it should not be allowed to dry out too
much and make the tree wilt. Fully understanding watering
requirements is something that comes with experience.
5. Bonsai need food This is
not such an obvious one and something that most people
neglect. Because they are kept in pots we need to remember
that they do not have any dead plant matter to feed on and
the soil that they are in can get drained of nutrients. To
solve this there are a number of different ways to feed the
tree. I personally use a granular feed once every 2 or three
months to keep them strong and healthy. However there are
other methods that you can use although they need more
frequent applications.
By following these 5 simple
steps you shouldn't have too many problems growing your
bonsai. There are many more things to learn about how to
grow bonsai trees, for example pruning and wiring, even the
style you want for your bonsai garden. These matters are
covered in different articles, but again, understanding the
techniques required will come with experience. It really is
challenging, but highly rewarding, as you learn how to grow
bonsai trees.
About the
Author:
For a simple, easy to follow guide to growing and caring for
Bonsai visit our website at
www.a1toparticles.com. Saul Peterson has
been fascinated by Bonsai since the age of 15 when he
started growing from seed. Some 35 years later he houses his
collection at his Spanish olive farm. To contact Saul e-mail
him on bonsai@a1toparticles.com.
If you're interested in
more bonsai articles, click here -
Bonsai Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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