Most importantly are watering, fertilization and choosing the right position to place it.
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i. Watering Bonsai
- Basic file parts of fertilizer
The three basic elements of any fertilizer are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K), with each element serving different purposes. Nitrogen increases growth of leaves and stems, Phosphorus encourages healthy root growth and Potassium encourages growth of fruits and flowers. Different ratios of NPK are being used for different trees at different times of year, which is very important to take into account when fertilizing Bonsai.
- When to fertilize Bonsai?
Fertilize during the entire growth season of the tree; from early spring till mid autumn. Indoor trees can be fertilized around the year. Although sometimes disputed, do not fertilize repotted trees for about a month; also do not fertilize sick trees.
- Which fertilizer to choose?
It is very important to choose the right fertilizer: during the early spring time use a fertilizer with a relatively high Nitrogen content (something like NPK 12:6:6) to boost the tree’s growth. During the summer use a more balanced fertilizer (like NPK 10:10:10) while during the autumn use a fertilizer to harden off the tree for the coming winter (like NPK 3:10:10). The mentioned NPK values are ratios, meaning 5:5:5 is in fact no different from 10:10:10 etc.
A few exceptions are worth pointing out: to encourage Bonsai to flower use a fertilizer with a high Potassium (K) content (like NPK 6:6:12) and for older trees you might want to use fertilizer with a slightly lower Nitrogen (N) content or reduce the quantity of fertilizer applied.
Although “Bonsai fertilizer” is fertilizer like any other, buying from (online) Bonsai shops will help you find the right NPK values. Any fertilizer with the right NPK value is perfectly fine. You can choose to use either liquid or solid fertilizer; which doesn't matter much, just follow the application guidelines as stated on the product’s packaging.
iii. Position, Temperature and Sunlight
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i. Watering Bonsai
Bonsai trees need to be watered depends on too many factors to give exact guidelines. Instead, you need to learn to observe your trees and know when they need to be watered. The following general guidelines will help you to get Bonsai watering right:
- Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry
This means you should not water your tree when the soil is still wet but only when it feels slightly dry; use your fingers to check the soil at around one centimeter (0.4’’) deep. Once you get more experienced you will be able to see (instead of feel) when a tree needs watering.
- Never water on a routine
Keep observing your trees individually, instead of watering them on a daily routine, until you know exactly what you are doing.
- Use the right soil-mixture
The soil-mixture greatly influences how often trees need to be watered, for most Bonsai trees a mixture of akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼ should be fine. However, use a mixture that retains more water (by using more potting compost) when you cannot water your trees that regularly.
- Water your trees when the soil gets slightly dry
This means you should not water your tree when the soil is still wet but only when it feels slightly dry; use your fingers to check the soil at around one centimeter (0.4’’) deep. Once you get more experienced you will be able to see (instead of feel) when a tree needs watering.
- Never water on a routine
Keep observing your trees individually, instead of watering them on a daily routine, until you know exactly what you are doing.
- Use the right soil-mixture
The soil-mixture greatly influences how often trees need to be watered, for most Bonsai trees a mixture of akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼ should be fine. However, use a mixture that retains more water (by using more potting compost) when you cannot water your trees that regularly.
_____________________________________________________
ii. Fertilization
- Basic file parts of fertilizer
The three basic elements of any fertilizer are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K), with each element serving different purposes. Nitrogen increases growth of leaves and stems, Phosphorus encourages healthy root growth and Potassium encourages growth of fruits and flowers. Different ratios of NPK are being used for different trees at different times of year, which is very important to take into account when fertilizing Bonsai.
- When to fertilize Bonsai?
Fertilize during the entire growth season of the tree; from early spring till mid autumn. Indoor trees can be fertilized around the year. Although sometimes disputed, do not fertilize repotted trees for about a month; also do not fertilize sick trees.
- Which fertilizer to choose?
It is very important to choose the right fertilizer: during the early spring time use a fertilizer with a relatively high Nitrogen content (something like NPK 12:6:6) to boost the tree’s growth. During the summer use a more balanced fertilizer (like NPK 10:10:10) while during the autumn use a fertilizer to harden off the tree for the coming winter (like NPK 3:10:10). The mentioned NPK values are ratios, meaning 5:5:5 is in fact no different from 10:10:10 etc.
A few exceptions are worth pointing out: to encourage Bonsai to flower use a fertilizer with a high Potassium (K) content (like NPK 6:6:12) and for older trees you might want to use fertilizer with a slightly lower Nitrogen (N) content or reduce the quantity of fertilizer applied.
Although “Bonsai fertilizer” is fertilizer like any other, buying from (online) Bonsai shops will help you find the right NPK values. Any fertilizer with the right NPK value is perfectly fine. You can choose to use either liquid or solid fertilizer; which doesn't matter much, just follow the application guidelines as stated on the product’s packaging.
Solid Bonsai fertilizer Fertilizer covers
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iii. Position, Temperature and Sunlight
Deciding on what is the best location to place your Bonsai trees can be hard, as several factors (local climate, time of year, tree species, etc.) should be taken into consideration. Best is to know what species of tree you have and to look for specific information about it.
Most outdoor trees are best placed on a bright spot, about half the day in direct sunlight and protected from the wind.
Indoor trees are best placed on a bright position as well; some species prefer lots of sunlight while others prefer half shade. Place indoor trees somewhere with a constant temperature.
Most outdoor trees are best placed on a bright spot, about half the day in direct sunlight and protected from the wind.
Indoor trees are best placed on a bright position as well; some species prefer lots of sunlight while others prefer half shade. Place indoor trees somewhere with a constant temperature.
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