So, just like Mr. Miyagi in the “The Karate Kid” movie you want to know how to take care of your bonsai tree. Well, all jokes aside, caring for these miniature trees is serious business. Whether you buy one at the store that’s already grown and ready for display (after all, your probably want to show off your bonsai so you can show everyone how hip you are), or grow it from seeds, you need to know how to care for your bonsai tree so that it does not die.
If you have a bonsai tree, or have been researching them for any length of time, you probably already know that the term “bonsai” really means the art of taking care of an extremely small tree in a tray, and not a certain species of tree. Of course, bonsai trees are going to be small, but the term actually refers to the manner in which you grow and take care of such trees. So, knowing this, realize that you are part of an exclusive club of people who want to become at one with their tree and care for it as if it is their child.
When thinking about how to care for your Bonsai tree, you first have to understand that there are a lot of different species of bonsai trees – and that will affect the care, what works for one species may not necessarily work for another. Fortunately there are some general rules to follow, though. First off you need to research and choose a good type of fertilizer (which almost always comes in a liquid form) for your particular tree. In addition to this, you need to know the time of year to fertilize as it can be different for each tree. Finally, the correct kind of soil is very important and not something to be overlooked. You can actually take a shortcut and buy soil that has been specifically engineered for bonsai’s at specialty stores, or if you are of the experimenting type, attempt to discover the perfect blend of earth, sand and other material yourself.
One of the most important things in caring for your bonsai tree is pruning – the act of managing the branches and leaves. While pruning, the key focus should be on the trunk. You need to let each branch grow freely and make sure that they don’t start crossing over and interfering with each other. It’s vital that each branch has room to breathe and grow. Some species of trees can be pruned at any time of the year, but some should only be pruned at quite specific times so it’s best to go to a nursery (or an online Bonsai Forum) and ask an expert what’s right for your particular bonsai tree.
The most important thing in knowing how to care for your bonsai tree is awareness and knowledge, so make sure you do your research regarding your specific species of tree.
