Advice on Caring For a Bonsai Tree
Bonsai which is an interesting technique of growing the adult trees in a miniature form was originated in Japan a long time ago. In fact when you see a banyan tree that looks like a 50 year old one with all its long branches, shoots and cylindrical roots but at the same time the height is just 4 to 5 feet then this becomes very unusual and exciting.
This is the reason why many people take keen interest in decorating the most exposed corner of their house with a Bonsai tree. But there are few things that are essential when it comes to taking proper care of a Bonsai tree. The most important elements are water, light and fertilizer.
Watering the Bonsai Tree
Water is the main component that a tree uses to prepare its food. A bonsai tree might die within its tub if you do not water it for continuous 48 hours. But then again excess water can act like poison to a bonsai tree. Now this is a fact that you will need to identify the right time to water your bonsai tree.
You can do this by judging the soil. Dig the upper surface of the soil and look at the inner part. If it is moist enough then you do not need to water it anymore. If it is dry then do not delay in watering them.
Fertilizing the Bonsai Tree
The soil that surrounds the roots of the bonsai tree contains very little nutritional value. Moreover the slightest bit of the minerals and other nutritional particles simply wash away when you put water everyday. But they need regular supply of food in order to survive and the bonsai trees just like other normal trees collect their food from the soil.
This is the reason why fertilizing the soil on a regular basis is very important. The most important elements required for its survival are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. You should apply the fertilizers which are rich in these 3 mineral contents. In fact the type of fertilizer will also depend on the species of the bonsai tree.
Keeping the Bonsai in Light
The rays of the sun are the basic necessity for any plant. There are many people who keep their bonsai plants at one corner of the room as a part of decoration and completely forget about taking them out regularly in the sun. This is the reason why the bonsai trees often become weak and gradually die.
So always place your bonsai tree in the sun-light for several hours in a day. But scorching heat of the sun and high temperature is harmful for the bonsai. Hence it is always advisable to keep them under some kind of shade which will shield the bonsai tree from the stark light but benefit them equally.
The Choice of Bonsai Soil Can Have an Impact on the Cultivation of Healthy Bonsai
Bonsai is the art of cultivating plant into miniaturized version of the actual trees. Although the same seedlings are used, the techniques used in grooming the plant stunt its growth. The roots and the crown are constantly pruned so as to fit into the tiny container, thus dwarfing its growth.
The right mixture of bonsai soil will contribute to a healthy plant. It came in many varieties that you can get it from the gardening shops and nurseries. There is a necessity to mix in the correct proportion, making them costly and the fact that bonsai needs to repot every two years. The right mixture of soils will help it to absorb the nutrients as well as supporting enough moisture for the plant to thrive. Drainage for the plant is as essential as achieving good air circulation for the roots, so there is a need to achieve the ideal mix.
To make the hobby of planting bonsai as inexpensive as possible, some bonsai planters mix their own soils from dead plants and many other types of organic matter to achieve the right proportion. Different types of plant require different proportion of soil mixture as some plant need more moisture to thrive as compare to others.
One very essential point to note in bonsai soil mix is that the bonsai is contained in a very shallow pot with just the right amount of soil to help it to grow throughout the whole year. The plant will only be healthy and blossoming if you achieve the right proportion of bonsai soil mix so that it can absorb sufficient water and nutrients.
Asides from sunlight to produce chlorophyll, bonsai needs the ideal bonsai soil to absorb the right amount of water as well as retaining nutrients for it to flourish. Coupled with that, you need to provide drainage for the plant too as the absorption of too much water will lead to quick decay of the roots.
You have to ensure that the bonsai soil mix is thorough and there are some basic rules that you need to adhere to as different plants have differing needs where water and nutrients are concerned. In mixing bonsai soils, the ratio of water retaining ability also vary according to different plant.
The right ratio is in the region of fifty-fifty but in recent times, inorganic soil becomes popular in nurturing bonsai plant. Although organic soil is inexpensive and you can easily get your hands on it, the quality is not the most ideal. Inorganic soil, on the other hand can hold up well without breaking up and the ability to retain water as well as draining off excess amount of it qualify it as the best.
It is important to keep yourself knowledgeable on the topic of bonsai soil mix and the various types of soil before going ahead with mixing them. Once arm with sufficient knowledge, you can then rest soundly that the task of cultivating a healthy bonsai will be so much easier.
Secrets of Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees
Your house will look more beautiful with the addition of indoor bonsai trees. These plants are mostly cultivated by experts because there are certain techniques that should be used to limit the growth of the plants. They also need certain cares to make sure that they grow for years to come. When you buy one from a nursery, you need to continue taking care of the plant after it goes out from the shop. The price of indoor bonsai trees is not cheap so it is best to be careful with them.
A bonsai generally prefers outdoor condition, but with attentive care, it will flourish indoors. Every plant, including bonsai, needs enough light to grow properly. Therefore, the first thing you should consider in growing indoor bonsai is finding the right spot. It is a good idea to put your bonsai near the sunniest window in your house. However, you should be careful not to put the plant to close to the glass because it may produce excessive heat that is dangerous to the plant.
Alternatively, you can use artificial light for your indoor bonsai, especially if there is no enough sunlight during winter months. Twelve hours exposure everyday to fluorescent lamps is suitable for this purpose. You should not put the bonsai too close with the lamps though because the heat may harm the plant. One foot is the advisable distance in this case. An important note is that you should not put your bonsai near a window even if it is closed during winter. The cold temperature can seep in and it is very dangerous for the indoor bonsai. You should not put the plant near a radiator as well because it can dry up the soil quickly and eventually kill the bonsai.
An important factor for indoor bonsai to flourish is a humid environment. In order to achieve this condition, you can mist the leaves regularly. If you cannot mist the plant regularly, then you can use another strategy. You take a tray and fill it with water and pebbles. Then you put the bonsai pot on the tray. The pebbles prevent the water to soak the bonsai pot, while the water will evaporate and create a humid environment around the plant.
Besides these special treatments, you still need to do typical treatments that are normally done to a bonsai to make sure the survival of your indoor bonsai. It may seem a tedious work to take care of indoor bonsai trees, but if you implement these practices, you are increasing the chance of survival of the plants.
How Did Bonsai Plants Start in China and Japan?
The art of bonsai making has a very long history. In fact, it has been around for centuries. It is believed that in the beginning this practice was called Punsai, which means growing a tree in a pot. The first countries that popularize the art of bonsai making are China and Japan. Only recently it has spread to Europe and America.
The art of bonsai making in China
In ancient China, bonsai making was used to be called Penjing. It is believed that bonsai was originated during the Han dynasty. At that time, the emperor of China ordered a great courtyard to be built. This courtyard had to be grand and it had to include various landscapes that could be found in his empire. In order to follow this order and please the emperor, the royal subjects cultivated small trees to make the garden looks beautiful and realistic.
The small trees were greatly pleased the emperor. He even considered bonsai as one of his valuable possessions. Over the years, he was obsessed with it and he imposed a regulation prohibiting people to cultivate the plant. The penalty was death for anyone who dared to break this regulation. For a long period after this regulation was imposed, only people with power and money were given the right to cultivate the plant. As a result, a bonsai tree was considered as a valuable commodity in China for many generations.
These days, bonsai is still a valuable commodity for Chinese people because it is one of legacies that China has developed for the world. Some modern people, however, dislike the art of bonsai making because the process is similar like the practice of bonding the feet of women. During the ancient China period, women who had small feet were considered beautiful and thus they controlled the growth of their feet by wearing iron sandals, which was obviously a painful process. This confinement of the feet of women is similar like the confinement of bonsai plants. The plants are placed in small containers to limit their growth. As a result, some Chinese people are uncomfortable with the art of bonsai making.
The art of bonsai making in Japan
Other than Chinese, Japanese people are also well known for their ability in making bonsai plants. Around 794 to 1191 during the Heian period, Chinese people introduced the way to make bonsai to Japanese monks. They learned the process and started cultivating bonsai plants in monasteries. These monks were the first people in Japan who knew how to cultivate the plants.
The monasteries were visited by many people and they recognized the unique appearance of the bonsai. They wanted to know how to grow one and after some time, many people including the royal family started cultivating these plants. The plants were famous at that time and they became the symbol of honor and prestige among Japanese people. Even today, bonsai plants still decorate the houses of rich and influential Japanese people.
Bonsai History
Bonsai is the practice of growing single tree in pots. This practice was wide spread in China over a thousand years before it was referred to as pun-sai.
This art had specific specimens that had little or sparse foliage and it had rugged or gnarled trunks that resembled dragons or birds.
Though it is a Chinese tradition, the bonsai trees were taken up by the Japanese between the years 1185 to 1333, that is the Kamakura period, this Chinese culture was taken there by the then fast spreading Zen Buddhism. The culture is thought to have been introduced into Japan in the AD 1195, though debatable. The mentioned time could however be accurate in that there is mention of it in a Japanese scroll attributed to that time.
When this Chinese tradition was introduced into Japan, it was refined much than it had been in its original country. The bonsai trees were confined within the Buddhist monks and monasteries, but later on they were allowed to represent prestige and honor. The Japanese ideals and philosophy of bonsai represent the ancient beliefs on the harmony of the nature, man and the soul. By 14th century, bonsai was highly refined and this means that it must have been in existence many years before.
The words written in the Japanese scroll stated that finding pleasure and appreciating the plants was to love deformity. The contents of the scroll is not really known, whether it is a negative or positive statement. The plant however has been known to be appreciated among the upper class of Japan during the Kamakura period. The Japanese elite used to display the plants on special shelves during special occasions but it was also part of their lives.
In the 17th and 18th century, Bonsai was refined to a higher understanding and a refinement of nature; at this time the containers used were deeper than those used these days. In maintaining the bonsai removal of the unimportant parts of the plant was done. The removal of the unwanted was very symbolic of the philosophy of the Japanese. At this time all the Japanese wanted to have these plants that were obtained from the wild and refined into art.
Over time, Bonsai began to take on different styles, Bonsai artists introduced other forms and fused it with elements in bonsai plantings e.g. rocks and accent plants.
In the mid-19th century, Japan the art was heard of by the rest of the world. Soon there were exhibitions in Vienna, London. In 1900 the Paris World Exhibition was a stepping stone for the world to know about the plant and the art itself.
The upsurge in the demand and the lack of naturally-forming plants led to commercial production of Bonsai by training young plants to grow like Bonsai. Skewers, wire and bamboo were used to train the plants. The Japanese capitalized on this art, opening nurseries dedicated to growth and export of bonsai trees.
Japanese regard Bonsai as a symbol of their culture and ideals, the art is no longer reserved for the upper-class.
The Japanese however focus on using traditional native species like maples, pines and azalea for their Bonsai. In other countries though, there is no certain set standard for the plant.
Various Bonsai Styles
Bonsai basically refers to a method of training tees and not a special kind of tree as many people think. It literally means a tree in a pot.
There are various bonsai styles and this is much more important for beginners who need to understand important principles of bonsai and basically the various styles used, this will familiarize them to bonsai material. When you start a bonsai, always remember that you are dealing with a living plant.
Here are some of the basic bonsai styles:
1. Formal Upright
Trees with this kind of style always occur when it’s been grown in the open and of course under normal and perfect conditions. One of the most important requirements for this style is a perfectly straight trunk, slowing down naturally from the base to the apex.
The second requirement is that the branches should be spaced in a systematic order so that if viewed from any direction, they must appear balanced. This style is recommended for spruces, larches, junipers, pines and spruces. Maples are also recommended though they might not be easy to train into a conformist style.
2. Informal Upright
In this type of style, you will realize that trees bend or change their direction away from other trees, buildings, wind or shade.
In the informal upright bonsai, the trunk should bend to the right or left, this applies to all types of bonsai. The condition in this kind of style is that the trunk should NEVER bend towards the viewer.
The principle to achieving an informal upright bonsai is that it requires a tapered trunk but the positioning should be in such a way that it is closer to the way a natural tree would look if exposed to the elements at an early age.
The style works best with such species as Japanese maple, beech, trident maple-basically all conifers and ornamental trees.
3. Slanting
Slanting trees naturally occur as a result of a deep shade during early development therefore making it slant, however, whether curved or straight, the trunk leans at a definite angle.
This style is one of the simplest to achieve when working on a bonsai. The bonsai can basically be trained at an early age by tying or wiring the trunk until when it is in a slanted position, or by putting the actual pot in a slant position causing the tree to grow abnormally.
The slant style works best for all conifers and related species in the informal bonsai style.
4. Cascade Bonsai Style
The basic in this kind of bonsai style is that the tip of the cascade bonsai reaches below the base of the container. The trunk appears to be pulling against the force of gravity with a natural taper on it. Branches normally appear to be facing or rather seeking light; if done in the correct way, this style of bonsai is pleasing.
5. Semi-Cascades
The tip of the tree projects over the top part of the container but does not drop below its base. This style basically occurs when the tree grow on clifs or overhang water. The angle at which the trunk lies is not precise even though the plant grows below the pot rim.
Many species work well with this style expect those which are strongly upright.
Various Types Of Bonsai Trees
There are many types of Bonsai trees available and the first decision for anyone interested in growing Bonsai trees is what type of Bonsai tree to purchase. This is an important decision because there are various other things that a Bonsai cultivator must purchase and all of them depend on the type of Bonsai tree. The design of the pot, type of tools, etc. are all such factors. There is also the matter of really gathering knowledge about the tree that is selected. What are the trees optimal growing conditions, how often does it need watering, how often does it need pot replacement? All these questions have different answers based on the type of Bonsai trees. Study the types of trees and also what is involved in growing them properly. Match these against your own space and time availability.
Some of the common tools that you will need to take care of a Bonsai tree include wires of different sizes, wire cutters, a small as well as large pair of scissors, a small pair of garden shears (these should be sharp), and a larger pair of pruners to cut thick branches (if the Bonsai tree has thick branches).
There are already some places where a pre-trained, juvenile Bonsai trees can be purchased. This sounds like a good option but care should be taken when picking such a ready trained Bonsai tree. You need to knowledge to make a competent assessment that the Bonsai juvenile you purchase today will indeed turn out to be a good specimen when it is fully grown. There are also stock trained Bonsai trees available at plant nurseries. These Bonsai are already fully grown and do not need any training but simply everyday care. Visiting these nurseries is a good idea anyway because you can see the different types of Bonsai trees when they are fully grown.
Bonsai pots can be purchased from any plant shop but before making the purchase make certain of small points like: the pot had adequate drainage and little feet on it so water can drain away. The gap on elevated pots also allows for better airflow. The soil you use should be half organic and half grit as this also helps maintain a good level of drainage and at the same time provides the plant good anchorage in a shallow depth.
Use wire screens to prevent the soil from running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot along with the drainage. First make a layer of grit at the bottom of the pot before putting in the Bonsai soil. Once you have planted the Bonsai tree it is time to give it the shape that you want. A good way is to use wires and coil them in spirals around the branches and then simply bend the whole thing in the direction you want it to grow. Be careful as not to break any branches that you shape. The size of juvenile Bonsai trees especially needs gentle handling.
Bonsai Trees For House And Garden
What plants, other than ferns and cut-leaf maples, would you recommend to be included in a japanese garden? There is a great variety of plants that could be used in a japanese garden. It depends on what type of garden you have in mind. Japanese gardens have evolved from primitive “Tei” gardens, to gardens that were influenced by the Sung and Tang Dinasties.
These gardens were very sumptuous and depicted dramatic landscape features. There were also Buddhist gardens that depicted paradise on earth. Influenced by the tea cerimony and its aesthetics, the military lords of feudal Japan, comissioned some very interesting gardens that still exist. My favorites are the Zen gardens and their simplicity. As you can see, there are many different types of japanese gardens, and they could use many different types of plants and materials.
Most all japanese gardens are use as a place of peace and quite. A way for the gardener to get out of the world and just enjoy sometime to themselves and there family. A lot of gardeners take a lot of pride in there garden. There garden reflects the way the gardener sees or feels like when they go out into there garden. A lot of monks and buddhist spend a lot of time in there gardens cleaning and just enjoying the great gifts that they were given. They even belive that if you listen hard enough you can hear the plants talking to you.
Bonsai refers to the miniaturizing of a plant, but it does not identify the type of plant that it is. There are hundreds of different types of bonsai plants. All of the bonsai plants out there never have the same name, but the only thing that they do have in common is that they are from the bonsai family. A complete description of the plant – leaf dimensions, leaf color, number of stems growing from the soil, does the stem branch or grow straight, does it have bark, and any other distinguishing characteristics that would ID your plant.
There are many types of bonsai trees out there for example: Madagascar palm bonsai tree, jade bonsai, and azalea bonsai. Bonsais are rarely easy and nearly always very expensive – and profitable! Unlike many bonsais, a Jade can survive as a houseplant. Bonsais are potted in a variety of different containers of different sizes and shape and with varied soil compositions.
But not all jade bonsai are the same. Having good inforamtion on the type of bonsai and what is need for it is something you can ask where you go and get your plants from, take inforamtion off the internet, look at books on bonsais, or you can talk to another gardener about it.
Azaleas Bonsai are tough to keep because Azaleas do not tolerate dryness and Bonsais have little soil and small pots so they dry out quickly. That means you may have to water your Azalea every day or two, although I cannot be sure of that without knowing the size and other factors. The withering that you mentioned is probably due to excessive soil dryness.
In addition, your Azalea needs at least a few hours of direct sun every day and it prefers cool temperatures. It may do better outside in a cool semi-shaded area during the warmer months. In any case, this is not an easy plant as it is very unforgiving of any lapses in watering, light or temperature.
The presence of fungus gnats is a good indication that the soil is staying too moist and the roots are rotting. The fungus gnat larvae feed on the decaying roots. I cannot say just how often your Bonsai should be watered, but is is apparent that you are watering too frequently. I suggest watering no more than twice per week as long as there is no evidence that the plant is wilting. This will help curb the root rot which, unlike the gnats, will kill the plant.
Adult fungus gnats fly around and are an annoyance, but they are not harmful to people. Each gnat lives for about 5 days. The trick is to get rid of the next generation – the gnat larvae that live in the top layer of the soil. Try to keep the soil as dry as possible. Remove all loose soil and rocks from the surface and place 1/2 inch slices of raw potato on the surface of the soil. These potato slices will attract the gnat larvae.
After a day or so, discard the slices along with the larvae inside. Repeat this until there are no more larvae in the potato. You just need to be a little more careful about how much water you give your bonsai after all the larvae are gone. Make sure that you do keep you bonsai tree in the sun.
Basic Care for Juniper Bonsai
Growing bonsai trees is an ancient art that is becoming increasingly more popular. Research shows that plants benefit our mood and attitude. Introducing bonsai plants into your life will bring these benefits along with reduce stress levels and enhance the ascetics of your home environment. Because juniper bonsai trees are easy to grow, they make great plants for beginners. Anyone can grow a bonsai tree if they properly care for it. The following information will help make your bonsai experience a positive one.
There are over 50 species of evergreen juniper trees. The needles range in color from dark green to blue. The juniper increases in beauty as it grows and is a great addition to any landscape. The juniper is an outdoor plant. Fresh air and sunlight are essential to its growth and health. Although it should not be exposed to extreme freezing temperatures, it is a hardy plant, withstanding the coldness of winter and thriving in most climates. Still, it should not be exposed to extreme freezing temperatures and should be brought inside during sub-zero temperatures. Indoors, it should not be placed near heating vents or left without sun exposure. In winter, an unheated, sunny, enclosed porch is an appropriate place for a juniper. If left inside indefinitely, a juniper will lose its healthy appearance and eventually die.
Plenty of fresh air and sun are the first elements to caring for your bonsai. Soil and fertilizer are other important components. Buy soil specifically formulated for bonsai trees. These mixtures contain less fertilizer than the average potting soil, which is designed to encourage maximum growth. The fertilizer should have a high nitrogen content. Fertilize your bonsai every other week during the growing season, spring until autumn. If your bonsai looks unhealthy do not add more fertilizer, which is a common mistake with beginners. Rather, an unhealthy bonsai is usually due to over-watering. Re-pot your bonsai every two years until the plant is 10 years old. After it is re-potted do not expose it to wind or direct sun for 1-2 months.
The next important element for a healthy tree is water. The saying, “if some is good, more is better” cannot be applied in reference to watering your bonsai. Beginners have the tendency to over-water their bonsai plants. Over-watering causes Bonsai roots to rot. You should water your bonsai when the soil is nearly dry–but not completely dried out. The soil should be dry about a half inch to an inch deep. It should appear dry on top, but when you check the soil underneath with a toothpick or your finger, you can still feel moisture. In most conditions you will water every two to three days, but could be as little as once a week or as often as every day, depending on your climate. When it needs watering place it in a container of water or your sink for about 5-10 minutes to saturate the roots. Then let it drain. You can also top water. If top watering your bonsai, water, and then wait a few minutes, and water again. You will repeat this until your bonsai has received enough water.The juniper can also be misted every couple of days to keep dust off the needles and help in keeping humidity.
Plenty of fresh air, rich soil, and the right amount water are the first items to consider when growing a juniper bonsai tree. The basics are usually the most important in any skill or trade. If you can control and regulate the basics, you will be well on your way to growing a healthy bonsai plant. Those elements combined with your care and attention will produce a beautiful plant that will help your mood, attitude and stress levels for many years to come.
Bonsai Tree Care Information – From Watering to Pruning to Soil
The practice of Bonsai began in China and Japan hundreds of years ago, and is simple the miniaturization of naturally occurring plants and trees. Bonsai trees are not “special small” trees, but rather trees that ave been slowly miniaturized from their full size.
The main areas of tree care are the following:
Watering your Tree
Bonsai Trees require more watering than most plants, as they are grown in less soil and the soil itself is free draining (meaning it doesn’t retain the water and lets it pass through). The type of tree, the sunlight it is exposed to all factor in to how much watering should be done. You can tell if your Bonsai Tree needs water by looking at it, feeling the soil and if you prefer; by using a moisture meter to be certain.
Fertilizing your Tree
Bonsai plants are grown in smaller amount of soil compared with other trees and plants, therefore fertilizing and feeding your tree is key. You will want to fertilize once in the Spring and once again in the Fall to ensure maximum health and growth. Your fertilizer should contain chelated iron, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash. Make sure before you fertilize, to water your tree and then apply less than the recommended amount.
Misting your Tree
Bonsai trees and plants in general thrive in a humid environment, something that is somewhat uncommon in most of the world. Some gardeners would recommend misting your plants, to recreate this humid environment. The issue with misting is that it’s only a short term benefit to your plant. We recommend placing a tray below your tree, which you fill with water and allow natural evaporation to do the work to create humidity. Make sure the plant is setup off the tray so the roots are not sitting in the water constantly.
Sunlight for your Tree
Bonsai trees thrive in a sunny location, and only with a few exceptions (repotting, extreme trimming) it should live permanently in a sunny spot. It’s a good idea to leave your plant within a foot of a direct source of ultraviolet light. Southern (east/west okay too) exposure is best, if you plan to grow in a northern exposure location you may need the assistance of grow lights. Do not use Incandescent light as it is much too hot and does not provide a complete spectrum of light. Choose your type of tree wisely as some do better in less light and some require lots of light.
Trimming & Pruning your Tree
One of the main attractions of Bonsai ownership is the possibility to shape and mold your tree to meet your vision and desire. However there are fundamental concerns you need to keep in mind whilst pruning your tree. Balance is very important, and keeping a nice even distribution of branches over the your roots below is key to keeping your tree healthy and complete. You begin shaping your tree when it’s very young, and continue to shape even as your tree ages year after year. Butterfly shears are used to remove leaves and branches as needed. Large branches should only be removed with a concave cutter. Maintaining your trees appearance while minimizing the appearance of pruning is essential.
Protecting your Tree (from disease and pests)
Similar to many other trees and plants, bonsai are vulnerable to attacks by diseases and various pests. If you keep your bonsai in excellent health, you can ward of insects who are attracted to dyeing and weak trees. A healthy amount of light, fresh air and clean soil will ensure your bonsai stays healthy and gives you years of enjoyment. Insecticide soap spray is an option, however you should re-apply on a regular interval to prevent attacks from coming back.
Training your Bonsai
Expanding on the training idea of pruning and trimming, bonsai can be further trained using copper wise or hemp rope. The copper wire is rooted at the base of the tree and than wrapped around the trunk and branches, which allows your to train the branches to grow in your desired direction and shape. The wire should be wrapped closely but not too tight and the bends created should not be too extreme as to damage the branch. Once the wire starts biting into the bark, it should be removed. Removal should be done by snipping the wire at each bend, do not un wrap the wire as it can damage the branches and bark.
Soil for your Tree
When discussing watering above we noted that Bonsai trees use free draining soil, which means that it passes the water through and does not retain like typical potting soil. The makeup of the soil allows the roots of your bonsai to breathe freely. Bonsai soil comes in two main types, conifer and tropical mixtures. When you repot your tree make sure to do so with dry soil.
Repotting your Tree
As your bonsai grows and matures it will need to move containers. However unlike most repotting we do not upgrade our pots to larger sizes. When the bonsai is repotted the roots should be trimmed to fit the previous container size. Average time between repotting is 5 years, however it should be checked annually to verify root ball size. When trimming the root ball, do not remove more than 1/5 of the root material. Finally when repotting keep the bonsai out of the sun/light for at least a week.
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