Since ancient times, the act of nurturing a Bonsai Tree is an art followed in the Chinese and Japanese culture. The maintenance and care of these dwarf trees are somewhere similar to their native or full-grown tree versions. The difference is that bonsai trees can be conveniently placed in a container and positioned on a table or balcony platform without any difficulty. The inclination towards bonsai plants has increased where more and more people want to have access to indoor and outdoor bonsais. Growing a beautiful bonsai requires the correct gardening approach and knowledge in association with growth and care tips.
Below mentioned are some of the vital bonsai care methods about indoor and outdoor bonsai trees. This information is necessary and can help beginners plan their way while promoting these gorgeous looking plants.
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=masZFcGq8tg
Watering
Watering is an important aspect that needs to be managed correctly to maintain the bonsai tree’s health. Bonsai gardeners need to be precise with the amount of water they supply to the bonsai trees since dehydration is one of the common issues that hamper plant growth. On the other hand, overwatering is another concern that needs to be checked. Following a standard watering pattern is essential, or else you can put the life of your bonsai tree(s) in danger.
Best Time to Water Indoor Bonsai Trees
Make sure that watering your indoor bonsai should occur only when the soil appears slightly dries out. Pour the water and wait for it to seep to the bottom of the pot. It is important to wait until the soil starts to dry again before you gradually pour additional water. This practice is helpful as your indoor bonsai trees will never feel dehydrated or overwatered.
Best Time to Water Outdoor Bonsai Trees
In the case of outdoor bonsai trees, there is a possibility that the plant might require water regularly if the climate is warm outside. Ensure the soil in the bonsai pot is dried out, and you water the plant slowly until it passes from top to bottom. Stop the flow when you see the water seep out from the holes at the bottom of the pot. It would help if you watered the bonsai trees gently, which can also be managed by attaching a hosepipe.
Soil Selection
The soil plays a crucial part in sustained growth for both indoor and outdoor bonsai plants. The selection of soil is a vital bonsai care factor that should be given priority. Gardeners need to understand that bonsais’ soil is based on their particular species and not indoor and outdoor categorization.
Make sure to opt for the right kind of soil that delivers all the necessary nutrients for your bonsai plants to grow better. Get in touch with expert gardeners or soil providers who will surely recommend you the most fitting bonsai soil based on its species. For instance, deciduous and coniferous bonsai trees require a good mixture that includes a balance of several soil components. The soil mixtures for both these bonsai categories have pumice and akadama to offer good structure and water retention to the bonsai trees.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer Selection for Indoor Bonsai Trees
For an indoor bonsai, it is recommended to select water-soluble fertilizers. The application of insoluble fertilizers can lead to undesirable results since they turn the bonsai soil dry, which is ultimately not safe for plant growth. According to experts, you should apply fertilizer to your bonsai tree at least once every month during the growing season.
Fertilizer Selection for Outdoor Bonsai Trees
The use of fertilizer for your outdoor bonsai directly favors plant health and growth. It is advised not to fertilize the bonsai trees during winter, especially the dormant period. It is mainly during the growing season when you should feed a general-purpose fertilizer to your bonsai soil. It is available at any local nursery or gardening store. Always follow the mentioned instructions and do not overdo the amount that needs to be fed.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Bonsai Soil?
You must always apply fertilizer to wet bonsai soil; this practice will make sure the plant grows appropriately. The selection of a standard water-soluble fertilizer will surely guarantee the best results. Never think of switching to a different fertilizer kind anytime before the next growing season. For any other methodology or fertilizer application, always prefer connecting to a bonsai specialist.
Best Time to Apply Bonsai Fertilizer
Feeding your bonsai plants, be it indoor or outdoor, with fertilizers should be done at least once every 3-4 weeks. During springtime, make sure to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to enhance the nutrients within the bonsai soil. A balanced fertilizer is recommended during summer, whereas the winter season is the time when a low in nitrogen fertilizer is enough for your bonsai trees.
Pruning
For beginners, pruning methods might not come easy. It is essential to receive better knowledge about bonsai trees’ pruning since they are delicate. If you are an expert in necessary pruning procedures, this can prove beneficial to bonsai gardeners for shaping the bonsai trees into different styles.
To prune a bonsai tree, the best time is early spring or late autumn. The act of structural pruning should be performed right after the growing season. Also, remember that different species of bonsai have different pruning times.
FAQs
Ques 1. How difficult is bonsai care?
Ans: Bonsai trees have specific requirements, but their maintenance is not that tough. It is recommended to select a bonsai that matches your lifestyle. To be precise, if you have a habit of forgetting things such as water your plants, purchase a bonsai tree that can grow conveniently without much attention, such as the Chinese Elm or Baby Jade.
Ques 2. What is the difference between indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai?
Ans: Indoor bonsai is that category that is naturally characterized as tropical or subtropical. These bonsai plants can be treated every year without any gap. On the other hand, the outdoor bonsai category comprises hardy plants that require a dormant winter period maintained at a specific temperature. Moreover, outdoor bonsai trees cannot be kept inside for a continuous period.
Ques 3. How safe is it to buy a bonsai online?
Ans: Finding a quality bonsai specific nursery can be a task. Therefore, you can opt for online options that serve as a convenient source to purchase bonsai trees. However, make sure that these online providers are authentic and safely deliver bonsai trees. Check for customer reviews and customer-friendly return policy; these aspects help judge the genuineness of online bonsai purchasing sites.
