Tips for Bonsai Tree Care: The Four Essentials

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Bonsai is a Japanese word, it translates as “tree in a pot”. Nevertheless, bonsai trees didn’t come from Japan, but originated in China during the Chou dynasty (900–250 B.C.). It was many years later that Zen Buddhists established the bonsai tree in Japan. (Zen also is a Chinese import to Japan, the original spelling is Ch’en). Initially, these trees in a pot were grown from one specific species of tree; today a bonsai tree may be cultivated in miniature form from almost any type of tree.

The gradual establishment of the tree in Japanese culture brought a transformation in the spiritual meaning of Zen as reflected by the bonsai tree. The care and attention lavished on these trees became a symbolic expression in miniature of the spiritual connection between mankind and creation. Bonsai tree care became a spiritual, centering, and meditative task.

These days, bonsai tree care has grown to become a widespread hobby enabling city dwellers to sustain a spiritual connection with nature. If you’d like to join their ranks, here are the five essentials in giving bonsai trees good care.

Soil Nutrients and Fertilizing

Bonsai tree care embraces the nurturing of soil in the spring and fall. Introduction of potash, nitrogen, and phosphoric acid into the soil should be the basis of this seasonal cultivation. The wellbeing of your indoor bonsai tree is also subject to fertilization. Bonsai tree care should encompass scheduled fertilizer addition twice a month in the spring months. Fertilizing should be done once a month in late fall and throughout the winter.

Water

Bonsai trees are planted in restricted amounts of special bonsai soil. This arrangement calls for bonsai tree care to monitor the frequency of the number of waterings. Two different methods are available to be used for finding out the dampness of the soil; one method is to use a water meter to indicate the level of dampness of the soil and help to determine if water needs to be added or not.

The other, less scientific way is by just putting a finger into the soil, up to the first joint, to feel if the soil is moist or dry. If the soil is dry, add enough water to make the water exit from the drainage hole of the pot. Bonsai care also entails increasing your watering during the summer months and decreased watering during winter months. Additionally, it is vital to always keep the roots of the tree dry, so that root rot or mold does not set in.

Sunlight

Depending on the requirement of your particular tree, another bonsai tree care essential is for the tree to get some direct sunlight. Your choice of tree species should be based on the limited availability of light. Otherwise, the bonsai tree can be placed outdoors temporarily to receive its daily measure of Vitamin D and solar rays. One admonition concerning sunlight: limit sun exposure if your tree has been recently placed into new soil or has been significantly trimmed.

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