Bonsai Tips & Tricks
Someone asked me for some Bonsai tips in my last post. So here are just a few tips that might save a couple of trees out there:
- Soil - Using good soil is essential. Each especie has its own needs but Akadama is usually a good choice.
- Watering - You have to be carefull with both over-watering and under-watering. One of the benefits of using Akadama is that when it starts to dry it changes color to a lighter shade of brown. I usually water my Bonsais every two days in the Winter and every day or twice a day in the Summer. In general the soil should be moist, not soaking wet, and not dry. Practice makes perfect ...
- Repotting - Repotting should be done in early Spring and it's the ideal time to get rid of the that dreadfull soil that most Bonsai shops use. Repot your Bonsai every 2 years in the early Spring. Do not fertilize for 3-4 weeks after repotting. Do not let the roots go dry while repotting. Water well when finished.
- Prunning - Prunning should be also done in early Spring.
- Dormancy - Some plants need to enter a dormancy state in the Winter. So if you keep them always inside they will think it's always Summer and never reach that necessary state. Don't be afraid to leave your Bonsais outside in the Winter but protect them if severe conditions arise (extreme cold or wind). [know more]
- Fertilizing - This is a tricky subject as fertilizing needs change from Bonsai to Bonsai. Just some advices:
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- Don't feed if the tree is in a sicken condition.
- Do not fertilize for 3-4 weeks after repotting.
- Don't feed if the tree is in a sicken condition.
