Bonsai Care
Andrew Green
What are the basics of effective Bonsai care.
Caring for your Bonsai tree involves many of the same
activities associated with caring for a pot plant or an indoor
plant. Well developed and healthy fibrous roots are essential
for the continued good health of your Bonsai tree and repotting
is an essential way to manage this process. Normally a young or
fast growing Bonsai will need to be repotted roughly once a
year; for less prolific growers or older trees it can be done
as infrequently as once every five years. You should always try
to repot during late winter or early spring when the buds start
to swell.
How to repot a Bonsai tree.
The process of repotting a Bonsai tree is one that you should
take seriously and follow these simple instructions:
First, you should tidy the tree by carefully pruning off any
unwanted, long branches. Also, make sure the tree has been
under cover for a few weeks if it is an outdoor Bonsai, this
way the soil will be relatively dry. Once you remove the tree
from it’s pot you will be able to see whether it really needs
repotting. If it is root bound then you should repot it,
however, if there are another few inches of room so the roots
can grow a little longer then you can carefully replace the
tree in it’s original pot and continue as normal.
You should remove surface soil from the roots either by hand or
using a nylon scrubbing brush. Brush away from the trunk and be
careful not to damage any of the roots. Removing the loose soil
will give the Bonsai tree a healthier look and feel. Once you’ve
removed most of the soil in this way, you can use a small, fine
bristled paintbrush to remove the soil stuck in the roots or
that has collected in the roots.
Use a Bonsai fork to comb out the roots. Do this by combing out
the roots from underneath and then use scissors to prune up to a
third of the roots and then cut out small wedges around the root
base to allow fresh soil to collect and keep your Bonsai
healthy. Add a layer of grit to the bottom of the pot and then
add the Bonsai compst of your choice.
Take the time to position your Bonsai tree in the pot and then
push a little more soil into awkward places. Complete this as
often as you need to as mentioned above.
About The Author: Bonsia HQ,
http://bonsaihq.com/ for lots of
information about looking after your bonsai.
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