How to take care of a bonsai: the tips to follow
In recent years, bonsai, small miniature trees that live in pots and require a series of precise precautions for their care, are becoming very successful as indoor and outdoor plants. In fact, unlike other plants, resistant and in need of little attention, the cultivation of bonsai is a real art, a practice that requires time and dedication. However, growing and taking care of a bonsai is not impossible, indeed: once you understand what the small plant needs, it will be a pleasure to have it at home and dedicate yourself to its maintenance.
We have collected the best tips on how to take care of a bonsai, perfect for those who are not normally a gardening expert and for those who approach this tree species for the first time!
Which bonsai to choose
The bonsai plant is native to China, but its cultivation and the art associated with it have become a symbol of Japan. The term bonsai derives from the Japanese, from the "union of"bon", or" vase ", and"you know", a word that means both" plant "and" educate. "From the name, therefore, we understand how the maintenance of the bonsai cannot be obtained if not following precise rules and applying to it every day with love and passion.
Most indoor and outdoor bonsai come from areas with a very high humidity level and a tropical climate, which is decidedly different from ours. Since they are already particularly delicate plants, the bonsai ficus ginseng is usually recommended to beginners, a small tree able to adapt to different climatic conditions. In addition to the ficus, other species suitable as first bonsai are the zelkova, the crassula, the carmona macrophylla or the sagerezia, all very beautiful varieties aesthetically for the shape and color of their leaves and which are less demanding to grow.
Advice on how to care for a bonsai
Although there are several species, it is possible to find common tricks for the care of all bonsai. The first fundamental factor for the survival of these plants is certainly the light: whether they are indoors or outdoors, finding the right position for the bonsai is already a big step forward. We must not forget when and how to water it, the correct times of fertilization, pruning and repotting. Let's see below how not to make mistakes.
1. Exposure to light
Whether it's ficus ginseng or some other variety, bonsai need light. They must be positioned in a well-lit area of the house, where, however, they do not receive the sun's rays directly. A good compromise could be on a window sill with the curtains drawn or a similar situation. The bonsai's need for light is explained by the phenomenon of chlorophyll photosynthesis: without the right lighting, this process essential for the life of the plant cannot take place and causes it to deteriorate quickly.
An indoor bonsai can be placed in the open air during the summer and warmer months, as long as you choose a shaded, bright and cool area. By being outside in the summer, the small tree will develop an even greener and greener foliage. However, remember that it does not tolerate the cold and harsh climate and, therefore, it is important to bring it back to the home immediately as soon as the first colds are felt.
At home, bonsai should not be placed in contact with direct heat sources, such as radiators, stoves and fireplaces, because they are bad for the plant. The heat sources, in fact, excessively dry the air and damage the roots of the bonsai as the potting soil is heated. To ensure your plant has the right level of humidity, it is advisable to place the bonsai pot on a saucer with expanded clay on the base and a small amount of water, which creates humidity through evaporation.
2. Watering
An indoor bonsai like ficus ginseng should be watered once every three days. However, during the hottest months, it is necessary to vaporize the water on the leaves daily to refresh them and to ensure that they remain green, without drying out. When watering the bonsai, it is always advisable to check that no stagnant water forms they can cause the roots to rot. Irrigation should be done carefully so that the entire root system receives the water. The best method is to use a watering can with a thin opening or micro-drip irrigation. In both cases, the leakage of the topsoil is avoided.
In general, to know if your bonsai is to be watered or not, just scratch the soil in the pot a little: if it comes off, it will mean that the soil is dry and it is necessary to irrigate the plant with a small amount of water. .
3. Fertilization
For some plants this procedure is more or less negligible, but for bonsai it is of fundamental importance. In fact, since its growth takes place in a small pot and in a very limited quantity of soil, it needs nutritional resources that come from outside. In this way, the fertilization of the "tree" must be regular over time and it should be started when the plant is still growing and then continued until the "dormant" period.
Fertilizers should be administered once every two weeks. There are many types of fertilizer on the market: gardening experts usually recommend liquid or soluble fertilizers over granular fertilizers, which are more difficult to dose in a small pot.
4. Pruning
Another procedure not to be forgotten is pruning. Bonsai need to be pruned over a more or less short period, depending on how long their foliage appears to grow. Especially beginners should prune them following their original shape, using a pair of scissors or shears, preferably sterilized before use. During pruning, excess shoots are eliminated and the plant is kept healthy.
In this regard, for bonsai we are not only talking about pruning but also about tying or spinning. These terms indicate the technique that gives shape to the miniature tree. Spinning is obtained by intertwining the branches of the bonsai or by intervening on the trunk by making a C curve. It is precisely through pruning and spinning that you can give your bonsai the style you most appreciate. There are different styles of spinning and growing bonsai, although the most famous are those on rock, forest and waterfall.
5. Repotting
The last step of our guide on how to care for a bonsai is about repotting. These plants need to be repotted more or less once every three years, because the growth time of their roots is quite slow. In any case, it is good to periodically check the situation of the root base, because the roots can grow differently depending on the tree species. When repotting a bonsai, you must also prune the latter, eliminating the larger ones.
As for the other plants, repotting is done in early spring or in any case in a "dormant" period. By doing this, the cut roots will be able to "heal" soon, as soon as the tree starts to grow again, and will give vigor to the crown, which will appear with greener and brighter leaves.
