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How Do I Care For A Bonsai Tree Article
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Caring for Your Bonsai Plant
from: Lawn and Garden MagicWatering
Watering is the most important part of caring for Bonsai, especially for Bonsai kept indoors for too long. There are two things you should keep in mind about providing water for Bonsai -- the type of soil and species. Different soils absorb and retain water at different rates and different tree species have varying degrees of water need.
The Japanese have a saying: water three times, each one for the pot, the soil and the tree. About 75% percent of water is taken in through the root system, but never forget about the leaves. Bonsai plants also obtain water through its stomata, so always wipe or wash away the dust and dirt on a regular basis.
Use gentle water pressure when watering your Bonsai. If you use one that's too strong, you might wash away the topsoil and expose the roots. Use a misting hose or a spray hose with an adjustable spray nozzle and be careful of the water temperature. Good tap water is fine, so take care the water that comes out of the hose isn't too cold or too warm.
Soil
The soil your choose for your Bonsai is critical to its health and long life. It really depends on the tree species of your Bonsai, but generally, soil should be made of 30% humus and 70% grit for needled evergreen trees and 70% humus and 30% grit for deciduous trees. If you have a different Bonsai species, do look up which soil meets its special needs in case you have to prepare a special soil mix yourself.
Pruning
Pruning involves leaves, branches and roots. Bonsai gardeners know that what is done to the bottom, is also done to the top. Remember, less foliage means less for the roots to support. But where to start and which to cut?
First, consider the style you've chosen for a particular Bonsai. Draw an imaginary line over your Bonsai and cut the branches that protrude, obstruct or deviate from that line. Second, prune to redirect growth in one area. If you prune the left side heavily, you'll redirect growth to the right side.
Next, prune leaves or buds with care. Pruning buds will encourage back-budding and cutting leaves will 'discipline' the growth of the Bonsai. It's also necessary to manage the nutrients the roots draw up from the soil. Remember, you're trying to grow a tiny tree and letting it grow on its own will result to an uncontrolled size.
Caring for Bonsai requires much patience, knowledge and learned skills. It involves continuous work and dedication, but if you stick to it, you'll be pleased with the results and realize the effort was more than worthwhile.
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