All trees grow in more humid conditions than our homes, offices and dormitories. So what can we do to provide this essential humidity ? Misting the tree is only beneficial for a short time, so what we recommend is to place the tree on a humidity tray and add water to the tray. As the water in the tray evaporates it creates a humid environment around the tree 24 hours a day. When the water in the tray is gone, add more water. It’s a good idea to separate the pot from the water in the tray by adding some pebbles to the bottom of the tray. This will prevent any roots from sitting in the water.
Fertilizing
Because bonsai trees are cultivated in limited amounts of soil, adequate feed is very important. As a general rule, a small
amount of feed is given in the spring and a larger amount in the fall. Feed for bonsai should contain three principle ingredients; nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. It is also a good idea to use a fertilizer containing “chelated” iron. Water before fertilizing your tree and then apply at half the strength recommended by the brand’s manufacturer. Rotate the use of brands since different manufacturers add different amounts of trace elements and minerals. You could also add Superthrive,
On average, repotting will be necessary every 3-5 years, but the tree should be removed from its container and its root system inspected once a year.
which is a vitamin supplement to the fertilizer mix. You may find it simpler and easier to use slow release fertilizer granules (placed over the soil) whose nutrients are released with each watering.
Repotting
Repotting must be done periodically to keep your bonsai healthy. Trimming the roots prevents the tree from becoming pot bound and also stimulates new root growth. For almost all varieties of bonsai, repotting is best done in the spring just as the plant is awaking from dormancy. Most bonsai need to have this done every two or three or four years. Older trees require less frequent potting than younger trees; conifers require repotting less often than broadleaf deciduous trees.
To repot a bonsai the tree is carefully removed from its pot (there may be a wire anchoring it in place. Cut this wire and remove it.). The roots are then carefully combed out with a root hook. Trim off the root ends enough so that it will fit back into the same pot. Replace the soil with new bonsai potting mix. Secure the tree in its pot with wire to anchor it in place. A tree that wiggles in its pot will have difficulty growing new roots. Newly repotted trees should not be exposed to full sun and drying winds until the roots are actively taking up water.
All potted plants will eventually outgrow their containers. While houseplants need to be “potted-up”, that is, placed in larger and larger containers, the miniaturization of a bonsai trees is maintained by keeping the roots confined to the small container. On average, repotting will be necessary every three to five years, but the tree should be removed from its container and its root system inspected once a year. If the roots form a circular ball around the perimeter of the pot, it is time to trim the roots and repot.
The main objective of trimming and pruning is to shape the bonsai into the desired form and to reduce growth above ground in order to maintain a balance with root growth.
When repotting remember to:
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Use only bonsai soil
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Remove air pockets by working the soil down through theroots
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Do not remove more that 20% of the root system
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Repot during the appropriate repotting season
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Water well and keep out of the sun for a week or two
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