Bonsai gardening

Bonsai gardening can be one of the most relaxing and rewarding things a person can do for fun. This ancient Japanese tradition has swept the world and now everyone from Tokyo to Timbuktu grows bonsai in their homes. Now it’s your turn.

One of the first things you should do is buy your bonsai from an accredited dealer. There are people who sometimes sell plants out of a van at gas stations that they claim are bonsai but are actually a fake rip-off. So spend the extra money and buy a real one. Once that’s done, find out if your city has a bonsai gardening group. Yes, these exist. If you are new to bonsai gardening, the people at these meetings can be very helpful and will tell you everything they can.

Now that you have your plant and support, you can start working on your bonsai. When it comes to watering bonsai, there is no set amount of water or the number of times you should water them as each is very different. You should make sure the soil is not too dry or it may dry out permanently. Too much water can cause the roots to soak and die. It is really an inexact science but you learn with a little patience.

Despite what you may think or have heard, bonsai gardening is not intended for indoor growth. Bonsai plants will grow best outdoors with lots of sunlight and protection from the elements. Don’t forget to bring the bonsai indoors in winter and other adverse weather situations such as storms and wind or extreme heat.

Bonsai are just like regular plants in that they must have the ability to grow and expand their roots. You should replace the pot your bonsai sit in every two years. The pots should be slightly larger than the previous one, to help root growth and plant health.

Pruning is probably the reason why many people buy a bonsai. You should prune the bonsai with a specific tool: a concave cutter. A concave cutter prunes the plant without leaving a stump and leaves the bonsai looking good. Pruning can take some time to learn, but you will eventually make it.

As you can see, bonsai gardening can be an easy and fun way to relax and take care of something if you can’t have pets. Bonsai can last for years, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right at first. You have a lifetime to learn!