Bonsai FAQs
Practiced for centuries in China and Japan, bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree form in miniature. Bonsai is a living miniature tree in an attractive pot which increases in beauty and value as they mature over the years. Bonsai simply translates as "tree in a pot".
How hard is bonsai tree to grow and maintain?
It is simply! Taking care of a bonsai is easy and rewarding for all levels of enthusiasts. However it does require a regular commitment to providing adequate natural light and watering.
How often should I water my bonsai?
Don’t let the soil dry out!!! This is very important to keep the bonsai trees’ life. Bonsai uses the draining-well type of soil because their roots cannot tolerate wet feet. In addition, they are grown in significantly less soil, therefore require more frequent watering. Factors such as tree location, temperature, lighting conditions, quantity of soil used and the changing seasons will determine the frequency of watering. You can get to know when your tree needs to be watered by observing the foliage, testing the soil with your finger just below the surface. 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.
How much sunlight is it required for my bonsai when kept indoor?
Sunlight, especially the ultra-violet ray, greatly affects the growth of trees. Bonsai should be placed in a location with as much direct sun as possible, 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.
How often should I prune and train my bonsai?
Any time you like! You can prune your bonsai with sharp shears and shape it whatever you like with cooper or aluminum wire, but looks like a tree.
How often should I repot my bonsai?
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.
How often should I fertilize my bonsai?
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. You may find our slow releasing fertilizer granules whose nutrients are released continuously with each watering on our website and easier to use, just place over the soil.
How do I prevent diseases and insects from infecting my bonsai?
As living tree, bonsai is susceptible to insect attacks and disease. The right ways: (1) keeping your bonsai in good health since the insects and bacteria tend to attack the weak trees. (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.