Bonsai gardening can be one of the most relaxing and rewarding things a person can do for enjoyment. This ancient Japanese tradition has spread throughout the world and now everyone from Tokyo to Timbuktu grows bonsai trees in their homes. Now is your turn.
One of the first things you should do is buy your bonsai from a reputable dealer. People sometimes sell plants out of a van at gas stations that they say are bonsai, but are actually a fake scam. So spend the extra money and buy a real. Once you do, find out if your town has a bonsai gardening meetup group. Yes, these exist. If you are new to bonsai gardening, the people at these meetings can be very helpful and will tell you as much as they can.
Now that you have your plant and your support, you can start working on your bonsai. When it comes to watering your bonsai, there is no set amount of water or number of times you should water it, as each one is very different. You need to make sure the soil is not too dry or it could dry out permanently. Too much water can cause the roots to become soggy and die. It’s really a rocket science, but can be learned with a little patience.
Despite what you may think or have heard, bonsai gardening is not designed for indoor growth. Bonsai plants will grow best outdoors with plenty of sunlight and protection from the elements. Don’t forget to bring your bonsai indoors in winter and other adverse weather conditions such as storms and extreme wind or heat.
Bonsai are like regular plants in that they must be given a chance to grow and expand their roots. You should replace the pot your bonsai sit in every two years. The pots should be slightly larger than the previous one, to help the growth of the roots and the health of the plants.
Pruning is probably the reason a lot of people buy a bonsai. You must prune the bonsai with a specific tool: a concave cutter. A concave cutter prunes the plant without leaving a stump and leaves the bonsai looking great. Pruning can take some getting used to, but you’ll get the hang of it eventually.
As you can see, bonsai gardening can be a fun and easy way to relax and take care of something if you can’t have pets. Bonsai can last for years, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right at first. You have a lifetime to learn!
