Care of Bonsai Trees – You Don’t Need Special Seeds

A word of warning if you’re new to the care of bonsai trees: Don’t rush out to buy bonsai tree seeds. There is no such thing.

A bonsai is a work of art; not any particular kind of tree. They are simply ordinary trees that are miniaturized by being potted and having their roots and branches trimmed to prevent them growing to full height. The branches are also “trained” to grow into aesthetic shapes. Almost any perennial, woody stemmed tree will do and, if you’re growing them from seed, normal seed will do.

However growing any tree from seed is a slow process and if you really want to get started on bonsai growing as a hobby it is best to buy a very young plant or, even better, one that has already been potted and trimmed as a bonsai. Once you have your tree at home you will need to know the few easy steps on the care of bonsai trees to keep it healthy and growing in just the right shape. It is not difficult to grow a bonsai but, if you don’t know what you are doing, things can go wrong very quickly.

Like any plant, proper care of bonsai trees involves providing just the right amount of water, food and light. The specific dose is dependent on the variety of your bonsai. Is it a tree that likes dry, desert conditions? More bonsai probably drown from being over-watered than under-watered. However bonsais are often kept indoors, when the plant itself would prefer to be outdoors. The air inside our houses is often very dry, so one little trick to help your bonsai is to spray the leaves with a gentle mist to create a more natural, humid environment.

Like all plants, bonsais also need regular feeding. The pot your bonsai is growing in is its micro-world. Its roots cannot search beyond the bounds of the pot for fresh nutrients which is why your bonsai needs regular feeding. But here’s another warning in your care of bonsai trees: As with watering, you don’t want to hurt your tree by overfeeding it.

All plants need light and bonsais generally like plenty of it. The right amount for your bonsai depends on the type of tree it is. If you keep your potted tree indoors it would pay to turn it frequently so all sides get their share. If you maintain the same position all the time you may find your tree grows towards the light source.

Long-term care of bonsai trees involves pruning of both the roots and branches and training of the trunk and branches to grow into the desired shape. There are five basic bonsai styles: formal upright, informal upright, cascade and semi-cascade, and the windswept, slanting look. It is easiest to start with a tree that is showing a natural tendency to grow into the shape you desire.

As I stated at the beginning, a bonsai is a work of art. It should be pleasing to the eye and tug at the soul. That sounds rather grand and perhaps a little scary for someone who has little or no experience in the care of bonsai trees. Once you have mastered a few simple secrets, the care of bonsai trees can become a pleasurable and enduring pastime.

About the Author:
Christine McKinnon. To avoid being fooled into doing the wrong thing with your care of bonsai trees – get the right advice here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com

Additional Bonsai Resources: 

Bonsai Care Secrets.
Learn The Tips And Secrets On Caring For Your Bonsai. Over 50 Color Photos! 

Help!! Someone Just Gave Me A Bonsai Tree!!
Discover The 7 Simple Steps To Keeping Your Bonsai Tree Alive & Well. Excellent Beginners Resource Targeted To New Owners Of Bonsai Trees. 

The Complete Beginners Guide To Bonsai.
With The Tips And Techniques Covered In This Guide
You Will Go From Complete Bonsai Beginner To Advanced Grower Within A Few Weeks. 

Beautiful Bonsai Secrets.
Step-By-Step Guide That Tells You Everything You Need To Know About Bonsai. 

Bonsai Mastery Secrets.
Learn Secrets About Bonsai Care That Most People Will Never Know About