Bonsai Gardening 5 Tips For Beginnerd

Vidura Randeepa
by Vidura Randeepa
4 Materials
$80
1 Day
Easy

Bonsai is a Japanese art form that involves creating miniature trees from full-grown trees. It was created by the Japanese and originated in China.

For centuries, this type of horticulture has been practiced in Japan. It all began with a gentle reverence for the natural world. People can also express their aesthetic sense through it. As the name implies, a bonsai is a “tree in a pot.”


Preparation of soil


This is done by sifting the soil through 3 three different sieves to get three different grades of soil. A well-balanced soil mixture for bonsai contains three parts of garden soil, three parts of manures, and two parts of broken bricks. The bottom layer (coarse soil or sand) – facilitates soil drainage.

The medium layer of soil mixture (Soil+manure+bricks) for filling the pots.

The top layer (fine soil) – gives the finishing touch.

Preparation Root Ball


Remove the plant from its nursery container, and cut off the bottom two-thirds of the root ball. Rake through the soil on the surface to expose some roots. Moisten all the roots using a spray bottle.

Put Root Ball in Pot


Remove dead branches and any branches that distract from the vision you have for your tree. Remove any dead roots and any large roots that will interfere with potting. Position the plant in the pot, and work the soil around the roots. Top the soil with gravel or moss, and water well. Bonsai plants are grown and trained in shallow pots.


Start Shaping Tree


Decide which branches would benefit from shaping. To achieve the desired shape, wrap the wire snugly but not so tightly that it inhibits growth (this will help guide the branch to grow in the direction and shape you want). When the branch has grown enough to hold its new shape, remove the wire.


Watering


Never water on a schedule. water when the soil feels slightly (not totally) dry.

Fertilizer


Most bonsai trees should be fertilized throughout their growing season (early spring to mid-fall). But, fertilizing needs can vary based on the type of tree you are working with. You can use a granular or liquid fertilizer, and you can even find fertilizers made specifically for bonsai trees Follow the instructions on the package for best results.


Repotting


Most young bonsai trees need to be repotted every two years, while more mature trees can be in the same pot for up to five years. You'll know you need to repot if you see that the roots are exposed and circling around the bottom of the container. If you need to repot, do so in the early spring when the tree is still dormant. As you upgrade to a larger pot be mindful of your soil mixture to make sure it isn't too different from what the tree is used to.

Suggested materials:
  • Suitable bonsai preparation plant   (Plant Shop)
  • Soil   (Plant Shop)
  • Fertilizer   (Plant Shop)
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Vidura Randeepa
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