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Bonsai is a combination of art and gardening. It originated in China, but it was the Japanese that took the art to a higher level. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that bonsai plants began appearing in homes and gardens worldwide.

Bonsai are not always the same type of plant. Plum, azalea, bamboo, pine and camellia are often used. While small leafed plants are commonly used, they are not required. Contrary to what many people believe, they are not genetically dwarfed plants. Instead they are kept to their characteristic small size by careful pruning of the roots and branches and pinching back new growth. Wires and judicious pruning are used to shape the plant.

While a bonsai does require care, it is not quite as difficult as you might expect. As with any other plant, it will require adequate light and water to survive. This is especially true of indoor plants. Your plant should be placed in a window with southern or eastern exposure. If there is not enough sunlight available, you may want to use a grow lamp. Be sure to take the plant outdoors occasionally for fresh air and sunshine.

Outdoor plants generally do not require a lot of attention in terms of light. Care should be taken to match the amount of sunlight to the plant. While some plants like juniper can tolerate full sun all day long, others prefer some shade in the afternoon.

Watering is where many plant owners go wrong. Bonsai plants tend to dry out quickly due to their size, necessitating frequent watering. However, it’s important not to over water the plant either. Most plants do well with a daily watering, with additional watering on really hot days. With indoor plants, a mister works well. If water is coming out of the container at the top or bottom, you may have over watered or allowed the soil to become too dry, making it pull away from the container. If the soil is dry, it will be necessary to soak the pot.

To ensure your plant stays healthy and has plenty of foliage to prune, a fertilizer should be used occasionally. Look for a water soluble one that comes in a 20-20-20 ratio. Time release liquid ones work well.

Pruning is needed to maintain the small size of the plant as well as shaping it. New growth should be removed in the spring and from time to time during the growing season. However, it is important that you leave enough for the plant to continue to thrive.

Styling is a matter of preference. If you have purchased a started bonsai plant, this may have already been done for you and you will only be required to prune to maintain the work. If you are growing your own or have bought an un-styled or unshaped plant, take some time to research what is best for your plant. Not all plants will be suited to your desired shape or style. Beginners may want to start with basic styles and shapes until more experience is gained.

Taking care of your bonsai plants can be a calming part of your day. Take care of your plant and you will be enjoying it for years to come.

Bonsai is a combination of art and gardening. It originated in China, but it was the Japanese that took the art to a higher level. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that bonsai plants began appearing in homes and gardens worldwide.

Bonsai are not always the same type of plant. Plum, azalea, bamboo, pine and camellia are often used. While small leafed plants are commonly used, they are not required. Contrary to what many people believe, they are not genetically dwarfed plants. Instead they are kept to their characteristic small size by careful pruning of the roots and branches and pinching back new growth. Wires and judicious pruning are used to shape the plant.

While a bonsai does require care, it is not quite as difficult as you might expect. As with any other plant, it will require adequate light and water to survive. This is especially true of indoor plants. Your plant should be placed in a window with southern or eastern exposure. If there is not enough sunlight available, you may want to use a grow lamp. Be sure to take the plant outdoors occasionally for fresh air and sunshine.

Outdoor plants generally do not require a lot of attention in terms of light. Care should be taken to match the amount of sunlight to the plant. While some plants like juniper can tolerate full sun all day long, others prefer some shade in the afternoon.

Watering is where many plant owners go wrong. bonsai plants tend to dry out quickly due to their size, necessitating frequent watering. However, it’s important not to over water the plant either. Most plants do well with a daily watering, with additional watering on really hot days. With indoor plants, a mister works well. If water is coming out of the container at the top or bottom, you may have over watered or allowed the soil to become too dry, making it pull away from the container. If the soil is dry, it will be necessary to soak the pot.

To ensure your plant stays healthy and has plenty of foliage to prune, a fertilizer should be used occasionally. Look for a water soluble one that comes in a 20-20-20 ratio. Time release liquid ones work well.

Pruning is needed to maintain the small size of the plant as well as shape it. New growth should be removed in the spring and from time to time during the growing season. However, it is important that you leave enough for the plant to continue to thrive.

Styling is a matter of preference. If you have purchased a started bonsai plant, this may have already been done for you and you will only be required to prune to maintain the work. If you are growing your own or have bought an unstyled or unshaped plant, take some time to research what is best for you plant. Not all plants will be suited to your desired shape or style. Beginners may want to start with basic styles and shapes until more experience is gained.

Taking care of your bonsai plants can be a calming part of your day. Take care of your plant and you will be enjoying it for years to come.