Bonsai trees have been grown for centuries, with many cultures creating an art form out of the care and styling of the trees. And while this has been an art refined by many, don’t be afraid to give a try at raising a bonsai tree for yourself. With a little care and consideration, you too can grow a plant that is impressive! To get started, take a look below at 7 tips for growing a bonsai tree and creating something that you can be proud of. It is easier than you might think. Here is how to get started!
7 Tips for Growing a Bonsai Tree
1. Choose an indoor variety.
While bonsai trees can be grown outdoors, they do require certain temperatures and humidity. When starting your bonsai adventure, you would do better to pick an indoor variety that won’t be affected by the weather outdoors. When choosing a variety, choose a non-tropical for easier indoor growth.
2. Choose a ready made variety.
Should you buy a bonsai cutting or wish to plant from seed you can in fact save money, but it could be 3-5 years before your bonsai is ready to be shaped. Do you want to wait that long? Probably not! Instead, opt for a ready made variety so you can start the shaping process and enjoying it right away.
3. Know proper pruning techniques.
Your bonsai will most likely be pruned twice a year, mostly in the spring and summer months when growth is vibrant. Knowing how to prune is important, so here are some pointers. If two branches grow at the same height of the tree, you will want to keep one of them and remove the other. You will also remove any branches with unnatural twists, and remove disproportionately thick branches that occur at the top of the tree.
4. Wire your bonsai tree.
Wiring the tree is how you will help it keep its shape as well as small size. You can wire your tree by wrapping anodized aluminum wire around the bonsai branches to further bend and shape them. Wiring can be done at any time.
5. Know when to remove the wire.
The wire will help the tree grow into shape, but you need to remove it as soon as the branches show signs of growing thicker. Otherwise, you can scar the branches and actually cause damage to the tree. Observation is the best way to prevent this.
6. Observe the plant’s watering needs.
The best way to water the plant is deeply, meaning you allow the soil to soak up the water completely and wait until it fully dries out before watering again. This will help you avoid root rot which is an easy way to kill the plant. Instead, water only once the soil has gone completely dry, and water generously at that time.
7. Don’t move that plant!
One of the quickest ways to kill your bonsai is to move it to a new area where it is not acclimated to. Never take the plant outdoors if it has been an indoor plant, and don’t move it to a space that is of a different temperature than what it is use to.
Growing your own bonsai tree can be a fun challenge to try, and when you follow these tips you can enjoy some amazing results. Try growing your own bonsai tree indoors and see what you can achieve!
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