Bonsai is the art of growing miniaturised trees in a bon (small shallow pot). It’s an ancient art, that in one form or another has been practiced in Japan for around 1,000 years. At the heart of it, Bonsai is about dwarfing a tree by growing it in a small pot, controlling how much nutrients it gets and manipulating the shape through pruning and training.
Planting Calendar
It is best to plant your bonsai cutting or seedling from May to November.
Prepare
Traditional bonsai can be broadly grouped into two different types – coniferous trees (pines), and deciduous/ broadleaf trees. However, there are no set restrictions to bonsai, so you can always try something a little different with other plants, including Jade plants or Christmas cacti. When choosing a plant make sure it is a young cutting or seedling so it can grow into its new pot.
Position
Like most trees, bonsai trees usually need a good six hours of sunlight daily and therefore are best kept outside. Although certain varieties can be kept indoors, you will need to make sure they stay outside for at least two days a week (depending on their variety) to keep them happy.
Plant
Bonsai will need to be planted into a small bonsai pot when they are small (as cuttings or seedlings) with Kings Potting Mix and Kings Pumice Sand. Depending on which type of bonsai you’re growing, you may also want to incorporate some other additives into the soil (this could be compost, vermiculite and akadama, which is a granular Japanese clay).
Care
Watering
Bonsai need regular watering to thrive and survive. Water when the top couple of centimetres of soil have become dry. In summer, you may find you need to water your plant daily.Once a week soak the roots of your Bonsai by submerging the pot and all in water.Leave it there until no air bubbles are coming up.
Feeding
Feed with Kings Fast Food fertiliser at half strength once a month through spring, summer, and autumn. Make sure the soil is still moist before feeding. If your bonsai is a fruiting or flowering plant, make sure to choose a fertiliser that contains a higher level of potassium (K) before and during flower and fruiting production.
Protecting
If insect pests become and issue spray your Bonsai with Groventive Garden.
Pruning
Trim and pinch branches once a year for shape and height. Use a sharp pair of secateurs or snippers. Prune back to a branch or a bud. When pruning back to a bud, the cut should be made at a 45º angle sloping away from the bud.
General Care
Most younger bonsai need replanting and their roots pruning every 2-3 years, while for older trees it’s every 4-5 years. The best time to repot your bonsai is in late winter while the tree is still dormant. You can plant into a slightly larger pot, however this often isn’t necessary. The main aim is to trim back the roots to stop the tree becoming too root-bound, and to refresh the potting mix. Take the Bonsai plant gently out of its pot, tease out the roots, and then trim off around 1/5 of the roots and the soil. Repot using Kings Potting Mix, water in with Aquaticus Garden Booster at half strength added to the water and then keep in a sheltered spot for the next couple of weeks. Make sure that you keep the root ball moist throughout this process.
Tip
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Bonsai Indoors.
Bonsai need to be grown outside, but can be brought in a few days a week to enjoy inside. Place them in a well lit position but our of direct sun.