Caring for Your Bonsai Tree

The first thing to consider when looking after a bonsai tree is watering. Watering is the most important aspect of bonsai tree care. This is especially true if the bonsai tree is kept indoors for prolonged periods. How much water you need to give will depend primarily on two things: the type of soil and the species of bonsai. Different types of soils absorb and retain water at differing rates. You will also find that different bonsai tree species need differing amounts of water to thrive.A rough rule of thumb is that approximately 75% of water gets taken up via the root system and 25% via the leaves. Because the leaves are an important water absorption surface, you should ensure that you keep them soil and dust free.Make sure that you don't use excessive pressure when watering your bonsai. A fine mist will generally be adequate. You can get watering bottles that expel water in a vapour form which are excellent for this purpose. Tap water is fine for watering bonsai just ensure that it's of a medium temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.Soil choice is also critical to the health and longevity of your bonsai tree. You should match the soil type to the tree species. A rough and ready guide is that 30 per cent humus and 70 per cent grit should be used for needled evergreen bonsai trees and 70 per cent humus mixed with 30 per cent grit for deciduous trees. You will need to ask advice or get a good book to help you with soil choice for the rarer species.Pruning is the aspect of bonsai care that most beginners have trouble with. It's one of those skills that only really becomes fully formed with experience and knowledge. All aspects of a bonsai tree will need to be pruned at some stage - leaves, branches and roots.First, consider the style you've chosen for a particular bonsai. Draw an imaginary line over your bonsai and cut the branches that protrude, obstruct or deviate from that line. Second, prune to redirect growth to one area. If you prune the left side heavily, you will redirect growth to the right side.You should prune leaves and buds with care. Always keep in mind that you're growing a miniature tree and you have to exert the discipline on the tree in order to achieve this. The tree will always want to grow to full size so if you leave it to its own devices, that's what will happen.Caring for bonsai takes lots of patience, knowledge and learned skills. It involves continuous work, but the results are more than worth the effort.
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Alan Allport is a long-time bonsai tree enthusiast who has had a bonsai site at www.aa-bonsai.com for several years. For the best bonsai tree wholesale info you should check it out today.This and other unique content bonsai tree articles are available with free reprint rights.