Bonsai plant care: everything you need to know

Have you always wanted a Bonsai plant, but don't know how to care for it? Or do you already have a Bonsai plant, but want to make it even more beautiful? Then you've come to the right place. In this blog I will tell you everything you need to know about caring for a Bonsai tree. With my tips as a botanist from The Green Bottle Garden, an online store specialized in Bonsai, among other things, you can make your Bonsai plant shine like never before.

What is a Bonsai plant?

A Bonsai plant is a miniature tree that is grown in a small pot and pruned to maintain a certain shape. The word Bonsai literally means 'tree in pot' in Japanese. Growing and caring for a Bonsai plant is an art form that has been practiced in Asia for centuries. The goal is to imitate the beauty and harmony of nature in a small format.

How to choose a Bonsai plant?

There are many different types of Bonsai plants to choose from. Some are suitable for indoors, others for outdoors. Some are easy to care for, others require more experience and skill. Some are evergreen, others lose their leaves in the winter. Some are cheap, others are expensive. So how do you choose the right Bonsai plant for you?

The answer depends on your personal preference, your budget, your climate and your available space. But if you are a beginner, we recommend that you start with a Bonsai plant that is easy to care for, that suits the climate where you live, and that is not too expensive. Some examples of such Bonsai plants are the Carmona and the zelkova . You can recognize these species by their shiny, waxy leaves.

How do you care for a Bonsai plant?

Caring for a Bonsai plant is not difficult in principle, but it does require some knowledge and routine. There are five important aspects of caring for a Bonsai plant: placement, watering and pruning. Let's go through them one by one.

Placement

The placement of your Bonsai plant is very important for its well-being. You need to consider two important factors: the difference between indoor and outdoor cultivation and the amount of sunlight.

Inside or outside?

Bonsai plants usually thrive outdoors, where they experience natural light, temperature and humidity, essential for their growth. In cold regions such as the Netherlands, you should bring your Bonsai indoors in the winter to protect them from frost. In warmer areas, move them to a shady spot in the summer to prevent overheating.

Species such as carmona are better suited to living indoors. Place them in a bright environment all year round, such as a south-facing windowsill, but avoid direct proximity to heating or air conditioning units because of the dry air.

Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for your Bonsai plant to photosynthesize, the process by which it makes its own food. Without sufficient sunlight, your Bonsai plant will become weak and pale, and eventually die. Therefore, you should place your Bonsai plant in a bright spot, where it will receive at least four to six hours of indirect sunlight per day.

Watering

Watering your Bonsai plant is the most important part of its care. Too much or too little water can be fatal for your Bonsai plant. Too much water can lead to root rot, fungal diseases and suffocation. Too little water can lead to dehydration, wilting and leaf drop. The soil should always be slightly moist, but never soaked or bone dry.

You can check the moisture of the soil by sticking your fingers into the soil to feel how wet or dry it is. This is a simple and effective method to know when to water your Bonsai plant. If the soil feels bone dry, it is time to water your Bonsai plant. If the soil feels moist, you can wait a little longer. If the soil feels wet, you have overwatered and you should let the excess water drain away.

Pruning

Your Bonsai plant needs pruning to determine and maintain its shape and style. You can do two types of pruning: maintenance pruning and topiary pruning. Always use sharp and clean tools to prune your Bonsai plant.

Maintenance pruning: Perform this during the growing season to maintain the shape of the Bonsai. Prune new shoots back to one or two leaves, especially at the top and outside, to encourage growth inward and downward. Also remove dead or damaged branches.

Shape Pruning: Do this in the winter when the Bonsai is dormant. Remove thick branches that disrupt the aesthetics, such as those that obscure the trunk, cross each other, or grow unnaturally. Cut close to the trunk and treat pruning wounds with wound paste to promote healing.

To prune your Bonsai plant you will need sharp and clean tools such as pruning shears, loppers and knob pliers.

Conclusion

A Bonsai plant is a great addition to your home or garden. With the right care, you can let your Bonsai plant flourish and enjoy its beauty.

Thanks for reading and have fun with your Bonsai tree!

Happy growing, fellow plant lovers!

Jonathan, Botanist at The Green Bottle Garden