Care of Your Bonsai

The sections below are meant to give you general information regarding the Care of your Bonsai.  Since your bonsai is the reproduction of a natural tree; in miniature form, grown in a pot, they are totally dependant on your care.
With proper care your bonsai will remain a healthy, beautiful, miniature for years to come; increasing in beauty over time.   The instructions below are just the basics; I highly recommend you do additional reading on the care of your particular species of Bonsai in any of the many books offered on Bonsai.  If you desire more in-depth knowledge I would recommend a Bonsai Club.

If you are purchasing a Bonsai from us, we have enhanced the beauty of your premium Bonsai by potting it in a glazed, imported, proportionate, ceramic container which includes decorative landscape pebbles and a multi-colored, textured rock accessory.
Our custom bonsai soil mix has been developed over the years to ensure good water retention, drainage and nutrition absorbing capacity.  Our trees are grown and trained in the USA.
 

Care of Your Indoor and Outdoor Bonsai Trees

1- How should you prepare your Bonsai Tree for Spring?
      What Should Be Done in Spring For Your Outdoor Bonsai?
      What Should Be Done in Spring For Indoor Bonsai?
 

2- How To Take Proper Care Of your Outdoor Bonsai Tree
      PLACEMENT - outdoor
       WATERING - outdoor
       FERTILIZING - outdoor
       TRAINING - outdoor
       TRIMMING & PINCHING - outdoor
       REPOTTING - outdoor
       INSECTS & DISEASES - outdoor

3- How To Take Proper Care Of your Indoor Bonsai Tree
      PLACEMENT - indoor
       WATERING - indoor
       FERTILIZING - indoor
       TRAINING - indoor
       TRIMMING & PINCHING - indoor
       REPOTTING - indoor
       INSECTS & DISEASES - indoor

How Should You Prepare Your Bonsai For Spring?

What Should Be Done in Spring For Your Outdoor Bonsai?
If you have potted outdoor bonsai in storage, keep it there until the weather is warmer. Temperatures in early spring can fluctuate a lot; during the day strong winds can be drying, at night even a light frost can be damaging or deadly to your bonsai. It is critical not remove your Bonsai from winter storage and protections too early.
As days start to warm up, you should check your bonsai to make sure they are neither too wet nor too dry.  Water when necessary, but if they are wet, put them on their side to speed up drainage.  If you are fortunate enough to have a cold frame, it is ok to open it on warm days, but be sure to close it up again at night.  The goal is to keeping the temperature consistent and even; to prevent the possibility of premature leafing. 
Do not take your bonsai out of winter storage during the day, than move them back into storage at night; this is very risky and can cause shock damage.  It is much safer to keep your tree/s in their winter storage; until all danger of frost and large temperature swings has pasted.
Do not be fooled into taking them out early; it only takes one surprise change in temperature to do major harm to your Bonsai.   Better to leave them in a little long; then too remove them too early.

What Should Be Done in Spring For Indoor Bonsai?
In the case of Indoor Bonsai, the best preparation for spring is to have provided your Bonsai with the proper conditions over the winter.  During winter it was important to cut back on the amount and frequency of watering.  It was also important to have provided your tree/s as much sunlight and / or supplemental artificial light, as was possible. 
The darker days of winter can create the conditions for: root rot, leaf drop and fungal growth; without adequate sunlight or supplemental artificial light.
When Indoor bonsai become “light starved”  the bonsai looses its leaves, it looses its ability to transpire, which in turn prevents the roots from being able to absorb water, which in turn creates soggy soil conditions, which in turn leads to root rot, which, if not properly addressed will lead to death of an indoor bonsai.
Never forget to monitor moisture and lighting conditions during the winter.  If you begin to see any evidence of light “starvation” as leaf drop, persistently wet soil and an overall yellowish and unhealthy appearance it is important to correct ASAP.  Keep the soil on the dry side and increase supplemental lighting as much as possible.  Keep the plant out of drafts but make sure there is proper air circulation.  
As the days lengthen and grow warmer and brighter in spring; start applying small amounts of fertilizer’s diluted to at least 1/2 the label recommendation.

How To Take Proper Care Of your Outdoor Bonsai Tree

PLACEMENT  - Outdoor
In Fall and Winter it is important to remember your bonsai is a living miniature tree not a house plant; therefore, your bonsai must be maintained in a cool/cold environment during the winter season. As a guide, around Thanksgiving Day it is time to prepare your bonsai for its winter dormancy period which should last approximately three (3) months. This can be accomplished in several ways. One method is to bury your tree in the ground (preferably without the pot) up to the rim of the container and then mulch up to the first branch. It is best to choose a location that is protected from wind and sun, but not rain or snow. A second method which is also common is to place your tree(s) in an unheated garage or shed. During this time, your tree does not require light because it is in a dormant state; however, it will require watering approximately every two weeks.

Throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall your Bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace, or in a garden. Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun – morning sun and afternoon shade is best. A bonsai can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench. A bonsai can and should be brought into the house on special occasions and displayed in a prominent place. Your bonsai should not remain inside for more than a few days at a time, as the atmosphere is detrimental to the health of your tree.

WATERING - Outdoor
The watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry. If your bonsai is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot; type of soil; natural rain; humidity in your location and type of bonsai tree you own. Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it.
It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree. Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. A good rain is usually a sufficient watering.

FERTILIZING - Outdoor
Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during the winter. Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.

TRAINING - Outdoor
This brief explanation of basic care does not cover training. Training deals with the art of bonsai and should be thoroughly understood before undertaking -- or left to a professional. However, most of the true bonsai trees you find have already been through their training period, thus requiring only periodic trimming and pinching to remain miniature.

TRIMMING & PINCHING - Outdoor
Trimming and pinching keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point. Never should all of the new growth be removed. A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree’s rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it.

REPOTTING - Outdoor
Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root system has filled the pot. You should check the roots every year.  If the roots form a circular ball around the perimeter of the pot, it is time to trim the roots and repot.
When repotting remember to (a) use only bonsai soil (b) remove air pockets by working the soil down through the roots (c) do not remove more that 20% of the root system (d) repot during the appropriate repotting season (e) water well and keep out of the sun for a week or two.
he reasons for repotting are to supply your tree with fresh soil, and to encourage a more compact root system.
Deciduous trees: Most require repotting every two or three years.
Evergreens: Most slow growing evergreens only need to be repotted every four or five years.
Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will not always hold true; this is the reason you need to examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.
Repotting should be done in mid-summer: In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year.
The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot. The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed.  Rake away the soil from the root ends, and then prune back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth or more then 20% of the tree's root mass.
After this, place the tree back in its original pot or into another pot.
The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil. This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets.
After repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.

INSECTS & DISEASES - Outdoor
Since your bonsai is a normal tree, only miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, our website contains several products which will help you eliminate the problem.


How To Take Proper Care Of your Indoor Bonsai Tree

Indoor Bonsai Trees – “Indoor" bonsai trees are defined as trees which will only do well indoors or outdoors in temperatures above 50 ° F.

PLACEMENT SUMMER - indoor
Moving your Indoor Bonsai outside for the summer is recommended when possible. When nightly lows do not dip below 50 degrees, your bonsai can be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace or in a garden.
Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun -- morning sun and afternoon shade is best.  A bonsai is viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench. 
If it is not possible or desirable to move your Bonsai outdoors for the summer, you must to be aware of your bonsai’s immediate environment indoors.  Left in a very sunny window which was desirable during the winter, under lower winter lighting; your bonsai could actually over heat in the summer. If you air condition, you need to be sure the Bonsai is not in a cold wind from an air vent that could make the immediate environment too cold.  Worse is a situation with a very warm window and a cold room; creating a micro environment with a hot side and a cold side. 
Keeping an eye on your bonsai’s environment and common sense is the rule as conditions change from season to season. 

PLACEMENT WINTER - indoor
Once nightly lows begin approaching the 50 degree mark, it is time to bring your indoor bonsai inside, if you have had it out for the summer. This should be done gradually over a period of several weeks.  Bring it in for a few hours the first time, slowly increasing the time it spends indoors until it becomes acclimated to its new environment.
The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing south. An east or west exposure is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will necessitate the use of "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy.  Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice; if you can provide more, so much the better. 
The darker days of winter can create the conditions for: root rot, leaf drop and fungal growth; without adequate sunlight or supplemental artificial light.
When Indoor bonsai become “light starved”  the bonsai looses its leaves, it looses its ability to transpire, which in turn prevents the roots from being able to absorb water, which in turn creates soggy soil conditions, which in turn leads to root rot, which, if not properly addressed will lead to death of an indoor bonsai.
While much of this does not apply to indoor tress that have been indoors for the summer, you need to be aware of your Bonsai environment as the seasons change; any decrease in the amount of light the Bonsai is receiving; change in the humidity of the room; changes in temperature and any micro environment conditions that may occur will all effect the health of your Bonsai

WATERING - indoor
The watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry. If your bonsai is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of bonsai tree you own.
Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it.
It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree. Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. A good rain is usually a sufficient watering. 
Care should be taken in winter not to over water.  Perpetually wet roots wither caused by leaf drop or over watering, will lead to root rot.  Attention needs to be taken to light levels and soil conditions; it may be necessary to cut back on the amount and frequency of watering depending on your location. 
It cannot be stressed how important Lighting in winter is; provide your tree/s as much sunlight and / or supplemental artificial light, as was possible.  (See placement -winter)
Lighting and Watering go hand and hand they affect each other. 
As previously stated dark days of winter can cause an Indoor bonsai become “light starved” the bonsai looses its leaves, which begins the aforementioned cycle that leads to root rot, which if not properly addressed will lead to death of an indoor bonsai.   This cycle can be exacerbated by over watering; never forget to monitor moisture and lighting conditions during the winter.
 If you begin to see any evidence of light “starvation” as leaf drop, persistently wet soil and an overall yellowish and unhealthy appearance it is important to correct ASAP.  Keep the soil on the dry side and increase supplemental lighting as much as possible.  Keep the plant out of drafts but make sure there is proper air circulation. 

HUMIDITY - indoor
During the colder winter months or in any climate that is habitually dry, we recommend placing your Bonsai in a shallow tray filled with a layer of gravel with water added. This provides extra moisture around the tree as the water evaporates and reduces the amount of moisture lost to modern heating systems or dry climates.

FERTILIZING - indoor
Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter. Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.

TRAINING - indoor
This brief explanation of basic care does not cover training. Training deals with the art of bonsai and should be thoroughly understood before undertaking -- or left to a professional. Most of the true bonsai trees you find have already been through their training period, thus requiring only periodic trimming and pinching to remain miniature.

TRIMMING & PINCHING - indoor
Trimming and pinching keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point.
Never remove all the new growth.  A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree’s rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it.

REPOTTING - indoor
Repotting for an indoor Bonsai is the same as repotting from an outdoor Bonsai. 
Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root system has filled the pot. You should check the roots every year.  If the roots form a circular ball around the perimeter of the pot, it is time to trim the roots and repot.
When repotting remember to (a) use only bonsai soil (b) remove air pockets by working the soil down through the roots (c) do not remove more that 20% of the root system (d) repot during the appropriate repotting season (e) water well and keep out of the sun for a week or two.
he reasons for repotting are to supply your tree with fresh soil, and to encourage a more compact root system.
Deciduous & Exotic trees: Most require repotting every two or three years but the time will vary depending on the species especially with the exotics.  How often you need to repot depends on the growth rate of the plant.
Evergreens: Most slow growing evergreens only need to be repotted every four or five years.
Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will not always hold true; this is the reason you need to examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.
Repotting should be done in mid-summer: In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year.
The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot. The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed.  Rake away the soil from the root ends, and then prune back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth or more then 20% of the tree's root mass.
After this, place the tree back in its original pot or into another pot. The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil. This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets.
After repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.

INSECTS & DISEASES - indoor
Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, visit our website where you will be able to obtain the necessary products to eliminate the problem.