Bonsai is a Japanese term meaning 'planted in a tray'. The cultivation of these lovely trees arose in China and was adapted by the Japanese. With a blend of horticultural technique and aesthetics, cultivating a bonsai tree is now considered an art whose goal is to create a realistic miniature representation of nature in the form of a tree.
Tips for Caring for a Bonsai
Bonsai is a great choice for those who want a small, easy-to-care plant, as well as decorate and bring more life to any environment. Caring for a bonsai tree requires technique and is not as difficult as it sounds. Vera Consoli, owner of a flower shop for 30 years, where she sells bonsai and takes care of their maintenance with her clients, gave some basic care tips for this delicate plant.
1. Watering Care
You need to know the ambient temperature and weather conditions to determine the amount of watering for each bonsai. On mild days, it is best to water it once a day, in the morning or late afternoon. On dry days, it is indicated to water the bonsai twice a day. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot due to lack of air in the soil.
2. Use a toothpick to check the humidity
To be more sure if you are watering the bonsai well, a commonly used technique is to sink a toothpick into the pot's soil and then remove it to make sure the toothpick is too wet. If it is soaked, it is not necessary to water at that time.
3. Prune when necessary
The frequency of pruning depends on each species, which usually varies from 3 to 6 months. The simplest pruning consists of removing branches and shoots that have already exceeded the desired size and shape. This can be done using specific scissors or common scissors, depending on the type of bonsai. Pruning aims to force uniform distribution and develop a dense foliage. If your bonsai needs more specific pruning, contact a professional to assist you.
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4. Choose the best place to drop it
Each species will need a specific location, as some prefer sunlight and some prefer half shade. Ideally, try to find an environment where the temperature is constant. According to Vera, it is necessary to observe the coloring of the leaves. If they are yellow, it is a sign that they are receiving too much light. If it is getting dark, it is a sign of lack of light.
5. Learn how to properly fertilize
In the case of external bonsai, it is indicated that its fertilization should be done during the growing period, which goes from early spring to mid-autumn. Inmates can be fertilized all year round. It is recommended not to fertilize diseased trees. Vera always recommends the use of organic fertilizers as well as using only the indicated amount. If you put too much fertilizer, the bonsai may die.
6. Must choose the right vase
Choosing the right pot for bonsai is a task that requires great care, as many factors must be analyzed. According to Vera, the ideal is to opt for unglazed pots that do not have bright enamel, unless the tree has flowers or fruits. The pot size should be proportional to approximately 2/3 of the tree height and the pot depth should measure up to 2 times the trunk thickness at its base.
7. Change vessel when indicated
You need to pay attention to several factors to know when it is time to change the vessel. When you realize that the roots are denser in your bonsai pot or that the water is taking longer to absorb into the soil, it may be a sign that it is time to change the pot. For larger bonsai, the roots will grow faster, so the pot may need to be changed annually. But this rule may not work for everyone, you need to note the differences the tree is experiencing and decide when is the best time to trade. For some types of bonsai, it is preferable to change the pot in summer or spring, for other species fall is the best time.
8. Watch out for pests and diseases
When well cared for, the risk of tree infection is minimal. Therefore always make sure that your trees are planted with correct soil mix. Always follow good care practice tips to keep your bonsai healthy. Vera indicates separating the infected tree from other trees to avoid contamination. Generally it is necessary to remove the infected parts of the tree and by applying a fungicide. Seek the help of a professional to detect the type of pest or disease, so you can find appropriate treatment.
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10 types of bonsai to take care of at home
Want to start or delve into the art of bonsai? See 10 amazing types of bonsai, both indoor and outdoor, that will delight you. You will discover how precious it is to have a miniature tree to look after in your home.
1. Black Pine Bonsai
A species that needs more care for its cultivation, the Black Pine is a classic bonsai. They are very resistant to poor soil conditions. It is a typical outdoor bonsai that likes a lot of light. Its sharp leaves may increase if they do not receive the necessary sunlight. Pine trees do not like much moisture and pruning should only be done once a year.
2. Tuia Bonsai
The Tuia bonsai has a dense and broad foliage, its branches grow in great quantity. It is a tree of easy cultivation. The bonsai Tuia likes the light, can be direct or half shadow. In summer, you need plenty of water and can get up to two waterings a day. In winter, the amount is reduced, ranging from one to two waterings a week. Vera recommends that in spring and autumn Tuia should be watered only when the earth's surface is dry.
3. Jabuticabeira Bonsai
For those who like fruits, especially jabuticaba, will love this bonsai. Jabuticabeira is a fruit tree, sensitive to cold and slow growing at low temperatures. When the temperature is below 10ºC, we should protect it in a location away from the cold wind. In other seasons where the temperature is warmer, the ideal is to put them in a place where it receives sunbeams, in periods of not very sunny, says Vera. Jabuticabeira likes a lot of water, but only in summer, outside this period watering is necessary only when the soil is dry.
4. Blackberry Bonsai
Mulberries grow fast and have good adaptation to any type of soil, but prefer moist and deep ones. They consume plenty of water in the summer, as they dehydrate easily. Mulberry fertilization should be done during spring and summer. They usually bloom in late winter, from September to November. Its delicious red to purple fruits enchant anyone.
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5. Pomegranate Bonsai
The Pomegranate is a typical outdoor tree that develops very well with sunlight, which favors flowering and fruiting. If very low temperatures occur during the winter, it is best to shelter them indoors, where there is light. Pomegranate bonsai likes moist soil and pruning is usually done after flowering, which occurs in late spring.
6. Cherry Bonsai
Like most fruit trees, the cherry tree consumes a lot of water, although it does not like very soggy soils. Vera says it is advisable to wet the cherry soil only when it has a dry surface. Bonsai is easy to care for, although it is suitable for outdoor use, it is possible to grow them indoors as long as the place is well lit and able to receive sunlight.
7. Pitanga Bonsai
Pitangueira is also an outdoor bonsai, but it can be grown indoors if it receives sunlight and the environment is well lit. Likes the soil always moist, but not too much. For very hot days, Vera suggests spraying water on its leaves and avoiding exposure to strong sun. Its fruits usually sprout in the spring, a time for fertilization.
8. Acerola Bonsai
It is a very resistant species, with abundant branching and its fruit is rich in vitamin C. Usually it usually sprouts in the summer, when it is not indicated that fertilization is done. This in turn should be fertilized in spring and late fall. Typical of outdoor environments, because sunlight favors its development. The ground of the acerola bonsai should always remain moist, but not soaked.
9. Fig Tree Bonsai
Tree with green leaves, can be easily cultivated because it has greater resistance. It is best suited for bright indoor environments that receive sunlight for at least three hours daily. When the soil is dry, you need to water it. It is suggested that the fig bonsai pot be changed every two years.
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10. Serissa Bonsai
This tree requires a little more skill for its cultivation. She does not like unstable situations and is sensitive to low temperatures. It has a bush shape and its white or pink flowers bloom twice throughout the year. They are very fond of sunlight and it is preferable that their location maintain a constant temperature without much change. Watering should be frequent and evenly distributed throughout the pot, not letting the soil dry completely or exceeding the required amount.
There are many species with different types of flowers, fruits and colors, to bring more life and nature to your environment.If you are a fruit lover, the fruit options are great and you can choose to your liking. Having a bonsai in your home is learning to cultivate nature, the environment and its art brings us peace and harmony.
Bonsai basics; how to grow a Bonsai tree (March 2024)
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