Many Bonsai will go through a natural growing and pausing cycle, some
will shed their leaves during the winter period called plant dormancy (this is
the case of Chinese Elm and Fukien Tea trees ) but will start growing them back
after a few weeks. This natural phenomenon does not devalue your tree nor
should it cause any concern. Simply let this process happen, keep watering your
tree without over-watering it, and then enjoy watching the regrowth of new
leaves – much like what happens with its cousins outdoors.
For more in-depth information about Bonsai go to the American Bonsai Society , and
for additional care instructions visit The Helpful Gardener.
LIGHT & TEMPERATURE: Your Bonsai must
be placed in a well-lit area to receive sufficient UV rays for it to thrive. It
should be kept at least at 60 degrees Fahrenheit with its soil humid to
recreate the climate of the regions in which they naturally flourish. Most
Bonsai love to be out-doors but please avoid freezing temperatures as these
will destroy the tree and roots.
WATERING: You may spray
the leaves with water, "generously and often”. The soil should be humid
but your Bonsai should never stand in a tray filled with water, as this can lead
to root-rotting.
FERTILIZE: Bonsai containers are shallower than
normal indoor plant pots. So if you're going to add fertilizer, make sure you
dilute it accordingly, too concentrated it may burn the roots. Your Bonsai
should be fed fertilizer about once every three weeks - but not during the
winter period.
PRUNING & REPOTTING: Your Bonsai
needs to be "pruned" and "pinched back" regularly to keep
it at the desired shape. This should be done in the spring – before the
season's growth begins, and then regularly throughout the season. If your tree
is a Ficus all the leaves should be cut back to promote regrowth.
Once every two years, you will need to repot your Bonsai –
preferably in the spring. When you re-pot, make sure you prune the roots.
Depending on the size of the roots, remove from 1/3 to 2/3 from the tips.
You'll want to repot in a similar type of container as the original, to create
the same kind of effect. Make sure your Bonsai dish has drainage holes to
prevent rotting roots.
CARE: Because your Bonsai
is kept in a special shallow Bonsai dish it can be sensitive to pests and
diseases.
1. Clean the
Bonsai with a small brush on a regular basis. Do not leave any plant debris on
the soil after you've finished pruning the Bonsai - it will decompose and lead
to the growth of fungal diseases or moss.
2. Hunt for
pests always. Because the Bonsai is watered often to keep it humid, this
attracts pests such as aphids (aka greenfly), caterpillars, ants and red spider
mites. Treat any sightings with pesticide.
DISEASES: Be wary of diseases.
Powdery mildew is the most
widespread fungus disease. If you see a white, dusty layer on the shoots and
leaves of your tree.... it's powdery mildew. Treat with an anti-fungus spray
easily available in the market, and apply as per label instructions.
Rust will
appear as orange or brown patches on the leaves. You may be using too much
potassium in the soil, if this begins to occur, repot and change the potting
compost.
Chlorosis
manifests itself when needles of your tree will turn yellow while the veins
will remain green. This usually occurs in chalky or lime soil, which
"locks up" the iron. Repot and change the potting compost.
NetSuite webdesign