How to Care for Bonsai
How to care for Bonsai
Bonsai
- Bonsai are trees grown in a small pots, most of these are the same trees you will find in any woodland in the UK.
- The literal translation for Bonsai is ‘plant in a low pot’.
Temperature
- In most cases Bonsai’s prefer to be kept cool, between 5 degrees celsius and 12 degrees celsius.
Watering
- Bonsai are grown in very small pots so will need daily watering.
- As the container is usually very full of compost the best method of watering is by dunking.
- Bonsai should be kept damp. If they are allowed to dry out they will begin to defoliate (lose their leaves).
Maintenance
- Bonsai will only need maintenance if leaves start to turn yellow. If this happens pull off and dispose of any affected leaves.
- New leaves should regrow if the plant is watered correctly from then on.
- Inconsistent watering leads to the plants green leaves falling off. When the plant is left to dry out excessively and then re-watered the plant will start to shed healthy leaves. (If poor watering continues then the plant will eventually die).
- Leaf drop may also be caused by keeping the plant too warm. This will not only cause leaf drop but also increase the amount of water the plant requires.
Note: Some Bonsai are deciduous and will naturally lose all their leaves in the winter.
