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Bonsai Plant Care: What You Need to Know

By: Lee Dobbins

Bonsai plant care can often be tricky. Many gardeners who are used to growing more conventional types of plants frequently find difficulty adjusting to their needs. Bonsai plants, after all, are not ordinary plants. As such, they require extraordinary care.

Be that as it may, Bonsais can be a wonderfully rewarding hobby as well as provide you with plants that add a unique look. If you have a bit of a creative streak but no suitable outlet, Bonsais can be a great way to get creative while also nurturing and caring for a living thing.

Caring for your bonsai plant is not that difficult, but they do have some special needs and can be sensitive. Here's some basics of bonsai plant care:

Be aware of the type of bonsai you have. Not all bonsai trees are created equal, and they are seldom alike. Some varieties of bonsai are well-suited to being grown indoors; most varieties develop better outside the house. Quite obviously, indoor bonsai have different requirements than do outdoor types, and vice versa. For instance, outdoor bonsai should not be kept indoors for any long period of time. A good rule of thumb is to keep it inside the house for three days a month at the maximum. Otherwise, the changed temperature and environment will start to damage the plant.

Learn to water properly. Since bonsai plants are generally small, it follows that they have a limited root system. Bonsai root systems are generally inadequate by themselves; it requires human care to help the plant survive. Proper watering is an important part of raising bonsai. Again, it will help to know the type of plant you have. Some species of bonsai need to be watered almost constantly; others can get by with minimum moisture. If you water too frequently, you run the risk of promoting fungal growth. On the other hand, dryness and humidity can quickly kill a plant if not monitored. To water your bonsai effectively, you will need to understand the many particularities of your plant.

Repot with care. Repotting bonsai whenever you feel like it is not a good idea. Most bonsai plants do not hold up well under stressful situations - repotting included. Bonsai plants are usually root-pruned and repotted once a year, often during springtime. Some species can stay in the same pot for two years and you should watch your plant carefully to see if it needs repotting.

Just like any other plant, you should watch out for your bonsai plants health. Look for dull limp leaves or leaves that are turning yellow or brown. Any spotting or growths on the leaves could be a sign of disease. Look for little mites or bugs that might infest your plant. Keep your bonsai away from any other plants that have any kind of infestation or disease. If you think your bonsai might have a disease, remove all the diseased looking leaves and take the necessary steps to get your plant back on the road to health.

Bonsai plant care is by no means simple. However, it is not impossible to learn. By continuing to learn more about your plants and taking the time to hone your skills, you can look forward to having your very own beautiful bonsai trees.

About Lee Dobbins
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about Bonsai trees such as the Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree.

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