Bonsai care instruction
Bonsai is the art which has 2,000 years history. The definition of the term "bonsai" is a plant, usually a tree or shrub that is grown in a container and made to look like a mature tree. The word bonsai is made up of 2 Japanese characters or word phrases, "bon" & "sai"," bon" is the pot , tray or container, the "sai" is the tree or potted plants. The original word bonsai comes from the Chinese word "pen jing”, sounds similar to bonsai and has same meaning.
Watering
Submerge the bonsai in a sink or basin until the water level is about 1/2" over the pot for 5-10 minutes. Misting the leaves everyday especially if the pot is not deep. During severe weather conditions (High temp, very dry), water the bonsai as soon as you notice the soil is dry (use your finger to test the soil surface). Don’t let the soil dry out! Keep the soil moisture all the time. This is the key to keep the bonsai alive. . In general, most trees kept indoor need watering once every 2 to 3 days and the trees kept outdoor need watering once every other days or daily depending on the weather. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Sunlight
Sunlight, especially the ultra-violet ray, greatly affects the growth of trees. If you want to keep the bonsai inside, the location with as much direct sun as possible is best, although indirect sun will also work well. The tree should not be placed more than one foot away from the glass as the sun's energy drops off dramatically direct light source. A South, East or West exposure works best. A northern exposure or no natural light environment will require the use of grow lights which should remain on up to 16 hours each day and the lamp should not be more than 2 inches from the top of the tree. A typical incandescent light is too hot and will not provide the various spectrum of light that is required to maintain bonsai. If you want to keep the outdoor bonsai outside, the place in the shade is better.
Fertilizer
Because bonsai is cultivated in limited amounts of soil, adequate feed is very important. Basically a small amount of feed is given once a month. The fertilizer should contain three principle ingredients: nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. Our slow release fertilizer granules(placed over the soil) whose nutrients are continuously with each watering and easier to use. Find it on our website.
Trimming & Shaping
Any time you like! You can trim your bonsai with sharp shears and shape it whatever you like with cooper or aluminum wire, but makes it to look like a tree.
Repotting
All potted vegetation will eventually outgrow their containers. On average, you should repot your bonsai every 2-4 years. If the roots are close to forming a circular ball around the perimeter of the pot, it is time to trim the roots and repot. Repotting only during the appropriate repotting season, do not repot in summer. Use the free-draining soil and larger container for your bonsai. Find the pots on our website.
Bonsai soil
Bonsai does not do well in soil that is always wet due to their complex root structure, this makes the roots rot. Commercially available potting and topsoil are heavy soils that can remain wet for weeks, which is fine for house plants but not for trees. Bonsai soil is a mixture of ingredients which allows the water to drain freely and at the same time, retain moisture, the ingredients allow the roots to breathe air and prevent compaction. There are two basic types of bonsai soil: a conifer mix for deciduous & evergreen trees and a tropical/subtropical mix for tropical trees that do not freeze. Before adding any soil mixture, be sure to cover the drainage hole(s) with screening to prevent the soil from washing out of the pot. Do not repot the bonsai in summer because of the heat. Simply find the bonsai soil on our website.
Insect & Disease Prevention
For bonsai health, especially from spring to fall, you should inspect the tree. Many pests and diseases such as spider mites, snails, aphids, and fungus can be handled in a simple manner.
The right ways: (1) keeping your bonsai in good health since the insects and bacteria tend to attack the weak tree. (2) giving your bonsai ample light, fresh air and ventilation.(3) keeping the soil moisture, but not too wet. You can use the insect killer for roses and flowers (sold at flower stores) to spray the surface and the back of leaves, trunks, branches of the tree and the surface of the soil. You may also use an insecticidal soap spray which is not harmful to humans or animals.
Major bonsai tree’s care as followed:
Azalea ('Hino Crimson' (Kurume)
The Azalea is a member of the genus Rhododendron. It is an evergreen that flowers abundantly in spring with deep red flowers that remain on the tree for weeks. The Azalea tends to represent good qualities of personalities, but it also symbolizes specific emotions or events. Many people feel this flower means: Remembering your home with fondness or wishing to return to it.
Location: It is a living miniature tree and is not a house plant; therefore, your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. As a guide, around Thanksgiving Day it is time to prepare your Bonsai for its winter dormancy period which should last approximately three (3) months. This can be accomplished in several ways. One method is to bury your tree in the ground (preferably without the pot) up to the rim of the container and then mulch up to the first branch. It is best to choose a location that is protected from wind and sun, but not rain or snow. A second method which is also common is to place your tree(s) in an unheated garage or shed. During this time, your tree does not require light because it is in a dormant state. It will require watering approximately every two weeks. Throughout the spring, summer and fall your bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun – morning sun and afternoon shade is best. An Azalea bonsai can be brought into the house on special occasions and displayed in a prominent place. Your Azalea should not remain inside for more than a few days at a time, as the atmosphere is detrimental to the health of your tree.
Water: watering must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry, never let the soil to become completely dry. If Azalea is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Azalea will require watering approximately once 10-15 days when it is in a dormant state. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
BOXWOOD (buxus microphylla “compacta”)
It comes with small leaves, excellent specimen for bonsai, blooms and produces small berries.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Chinese Elm (ulmus ‘parvifolia’)
The Chinese Elm is native to East Asia, graceful upright rounded canopy with small, dark green leaves, and has a leathery appearance with a shiny top side and small, blunt teeth and can develop twiggy branching. It is a traditional bonsai.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and appreciate being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Ficus Benjamina
It is a species of fig tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. The thick shiny evergreen leaves generously cloth the long branches. The dense rounded canopy and gracefully drooping branches make it ideal for bonsai. It is a traditional bonsai.
Location: Indoor bonsai. You can keep it inside, the east window is best, the south or the west is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Fukien Tea (ehretia microphylla)
The Fukien Tea is named after the Fukien of Fujian province of southern China, it has small white flowers that can bloom at any time and an attractive grey bark with darker elevated areas. With its beautiful small shinning leaves, white flowers, the Fukien Tea is a great addition to any bonsai collection. It is a traditional bonsai.
Location: Indoor bonsai. You can keep it inside, the east window is best, the south or the west is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Gardenia (gardenia jasminoides radicans)
The Gardenia is one of the most popular plants for bonsai due to its beautiful appearance and wonderful fragrance, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. Gardenia smell is not as strong as, say, tuberose, but sweeter. Gardenia is common choices for wedding bouquets. That makes sense, since these flowers have several meanings such as love, purity, and refinement.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. Gardenias grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade. You can keep it indoors in high light and outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Hawaiian Umbrella (arboricola “schefflera”)
The Hawaiian Umbrella Tree bonsai tree is beautiful in appearance and is very easy to care. It is an evergreen, dark green leaves year round that fan out into an umbrella form. It is excellent choice for beginners, as it does extremely well under various lighting conditions and isn’t too picky about watering and soil conditions.
Location: Indoor bonsai. You can keep it inside, the east window is best, the south or the west is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Jade tree (Portulacaria afra)
The Baby Jade also known as Dwarf Jade Plant, Elephant's Food, and Elephant Bush, is a small-leaved succulent found in South Africa. It is a soft-wooded, semi-evergreen upright shrub or small tree. The fleshy trunk, branches, and leaves are used to store water. It is the excellent bonsai tree for the home or office.
Location: Indoor bonsai. You can keep it inside, the east window is best, also in the middle of the house.
Water: You can water it once a week. If you find the soil dry a little bite on the top of the soil, just water it. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
The Jasmine is native to eastern and southeastern Asia. It has shiny dark leaves and white flowers. The waxy snow white flowers are about 1" across with a tube-like corolla opening out into five petal-like lobes borne in clusters of 3-12 and intensely fragrant. Jasmine’s meaning varies by place and culture, but it often symbolizes love, beauty or sensuality. It’s pure white blossoms can also symbolize purity.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: Jasmine likes water. The soil should always be slightly moist, but not soggy. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Juniper (juniper procumbens “nana")
The Juniper is the most popular evergreen in the United States. When we think of a traditional bonsai and what it should look like, we think of a "Juniper Nana." It is very hardy, long-lived, and tolerates many adverse conditions. Juniper nana is a low-growing juniper native to Japan. Its nice canopy and impressive bark are the reason everyone should have at least one Juniper in their bonsai collection.
Location: The Juniper can be placed either indoors or outdoors, but outside in the shade best. If you want to keep it inside, near by the window. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more. The Juniper is a living miniature tree and not a house plant; therefore, your juniper must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season.
Water: Water is very important for Juniper. Never let the soil dry out completely! In the spring and summer, mist the leaves once per day and keep the soil moist all the time, but not soggy. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Ligustrum (ligustrum ‘lucidum’)
The Ligustrum is also referred to as a Glossy Privet or Chinese Privet, native to China and Eastern Asia. The Ligustrum is now grown ornamentally in the United States. It has white puffy flowers during the late spring and early summer and small blue-black berries in the fall.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and appreciate being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. It doesn’t really matter how you water your tree, but rather that when you are finished the tree has been well watered.
Japanese Red Maple (acer palmatum - atropurpurea)
The leaves of the Japanese Red Maple are purplish-red becoming green in late summer and are deeply lobed. In the fall, they turn a beautiful red. This is deciduous tree, will lose some or all of its leaves during the winter. Small reddish-purple flowers will appear in May-June. The Japanese maple is a symbol of strength, endurance, balance, practicality and is called “kito” in Japanese which means calm, rest or at peace.
Location: The Japanese Red Maple Bonsai is a living miniature tree and not a house plant; therefore, your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. Throughout the spring, summer and fall your Bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your Bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun – morning sun and afternoon shade is best. If you want to keep it inside, near by the window. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: Never let the soil dry out completely! In the spring and summer, mist the leaves once per day and keep the soil moist all the time, but not soggy. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Money tree (pachira aquatica)
The Money Tree is also called the “Good Luck Tree” and is an age-old token of good luck and an invitation to good fortune. It comes with to five unusual light green leaves that spread out along the top of each stem, does not require much care. The Money tree is hardy and extremely tolerant of low light and dryness.
Location: Indoor bonsai. You can keep it inside all the time, nature light.
Water: Not too much water for the Money tree. Basically, you just water it once every 7-10 days. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Japanese Black Pine (pinus thunbergii)
Japanese black pine is a medium sized, irregularly pyramidal tree that makes a strikingly beautiful bonsai, and is sun-loving tree that does not grow well under shady conditions.
Location: Outdoor bonsai. Your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. Throughout the spring, summer and fall your Bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your Bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun – morning sun and afternoon shade is best. If you want to keep it inside, near by the window. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: Keep the soil moist all the time, but not soggy. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis)
The Rosemary is an evergreen with narrow, aromatic dark green leaves that are the source of the herb rosemary. It bears small clusters of light lavender blue flowers in spring and summer, native to the Mediterranean sea coast.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and appreciate being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Sago Palm (cycas ‘revoluta’)
The Sago palm is a long-lived, exotic palm that tolerates neglect but thrives with attention. This very symmetrical plant supports a crown of shiny, dark green leaves which grow out into a feather-like rosette on a thick shaggy trunk. The crowded, stiff, narrow leaflets are long and have strongly re-curved or revolute edges, native to southern Japan.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. The Sago Palm grows in full sun as well as partial shade and does fine in bright indoor areas with a few hours of daily sunlight exposure. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees you can place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: Keep the soil moist all the time, but not soggy. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Snow Rose Serissa (serissa‘foetida’)
It is commonly called Snow rose, blooms profusely with single or double white miniature flowers, small foliage. It is native to wet meadows in Southeast Asia, from India, China to Japan.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and appreciate being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Sweet Plum (sageretia theezans)
The Sweet plum is a tree from the family rhamnaceae, native to southern China. Its flowers are small and inconspicuous; the fruit is a small and edible.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor bonsai. You can keep it indoors in high light and appreciate being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one. The east, south, or west exposure works well. A northern exposure will work, but will use "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice, much better if you can provide more.
Water: keep the soil moisture all the time. Don’t let the soil dry out. If you put the tree outside in the shade in summer, it may be necessary to water every day and every other day in spring and fall. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo stalk is native to Southeast and southern Asia, symbolizes good luck and good fortune. Good for indoor, very easy to take care.
Location: Indoor plant. You can keep it inside always, indirect sunlight.
Water: sitting in the container with water all the time.
Succulents
Succulents store water in their leaves. Because of this, succulents thrive in dry conditions and are to live where rainfall is scarce, grown all over the world.
Location: Either indoor or outdoor plants. It loves light, but indirect sun.
Water: Succulents should be water only when the soil has dried out, normally watering it once every 10-15 days.