Caring for bonsai trees is a very precise art form. Originating in Asia, keeping these trees requires a great amount of care, pruning and attention. There are many different types of trees that can be trained as bonsai, some of which will produce flowers and/or fruit, and others that have a beautiful show of leaves or needles. When thinking of getting one, it is important to know what to do to ensure proper care.

Bonsai trees can be purchased in gardening stores. If desired, they can also be grown from seed, or clippings can be taken from an established tree. Starting from seed can be difficult, as can taking clippings, and this is best left to more experienced bonsai gardeners.

Choosing a pot for a bonsai is an important decision. It is not only based on personal preference for color and style, it also has to be of an appropriate size, and the pot will need to be changed every once in a while as the tree grows and the root system needs more room. Some gardeners of bonsai decide that their tree is either a male of female, and choose the pot based on this.

The pot chosen needs to have holes in the bottom or lower sides to allow water to drain away from the roots and allow no accumulation. Excess water can allow fungus to grow and damage the root system, and can also rot the tree with devastating results. Also, when there are holes on the pot, it can be watered form the roots up by setting the pot into a shallow tray of water until the soil is moist.

Special pruning tools are available for the proper trimming and clipping of the tree. These are quite important in caring for the tree, and achieving the desired results without damaging the branches and roots. These tools are available wherever bonsai trees can be purchased. For beginners, only a couple are necessary, and buying too many is not necessary. They can be purchased singly or in special sets.

In order to train the bonsai tree to grow in a specific pattern or direction, the use of bands and wire is necessary. This helps to train the branches, and helps to restrict growth in one area, and encourage it in another.

Successful bonsai gardeners are familiar with the specific water needs of this type of tree. While letting the tree dry right out will ensure failure, watering too much or too often can have terrible effects as well. A regular watering schedule can help, and recognizing when the tree requires water and when it does not is a part of the art. Outdoor bonsai need more frequent waterings, and this should always be dome early in the day. Using a light spray on the leaves and branches is important to the health of the tree, and helps with appearance as well.

Learning how to care for bonsai trees can take time and patience, and it may take several trees to get the proper technique. While it can be tempting to buy many, as bonsai keeping can be addicting, it is always good to start with one, learn about their care, acquire the necessary tools, and then consider getting another.

Author Bio: i.If you’re interested in a bonsai tree, then visit Gabriel Meriwether’s site and find out all about the ficus.

Category: Gardening
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