Bonsai Trees Care - How Difficult Can It Be?
Posted: Sunday, August 30, 2009
by Christine McKinnon
When my mother-in-law said that she was going away for six months,and that she needed someone to care for her bonsais, I thought, how difficult could bonsai trees care be? And I naively offered to care for her collection of Bonsai trees in her absence.
I thought that I could leave them to their own devices and simply water them once a week. It did not take long and many of them started to turn brown and looked quite seedy. I had to do something in a hurry. It would never do to have my mother-in-law return to find them all dead! How could I explain that I knew nothing about bonsai trees care? But what was I doing wrong?
Should I keep them outside or inside?
Should I repot them? If I did need to repot any, what sort of pot did I need?
I had no idea where to begin the pruning.............
Bonsai sometimes succumb to diseases and insects - maybe this was my problem.
I also thought, if the worst came to the worst and I actually killed one or two, then maybe I could buy some seedlings and make a bonsai of my own to replace it. I was finding out that bonsai trees are very sensitive to their conditions and you need to learn how to look after these beautiful plants - otherwise they will die, quickly!!
I did find help - and not only did I manage to rescue by mother-in-laws bonsai trees, I discovered a soothing hobby which provides hours of enjoyment and an aesthetic and interesting focal point in my home.
I'm sure you know bonsai trees are miniature, natural trees grown as an art form. Their roots are clipped to hinder growth. Trees can grow healthily and beautifully for decades, and as they mature, they change shape. The technique originated in China then Japan and has been practiced for centuries. They are grown in pots and, sometimes with pruning and sometimes without, form sculptured, often windswept shapes that speak to me of mystical places.
There are some secrets to keeping a bonsai healthy but I have discovered that bonsai trees care is actually quite easy, if you know what you are doing in regard to the watering, fertilizing and pruning. With just a little knowledge you will be able to trim and pinch your miniature tree to train it to grow into interesting, aesthetically pleasing shapes that will amaze your family and friends.
And the next time you are asked to be responsible for caring for bonsai trees , you will be able to say with confidence, of course I know about bonsai trees care. And you know that you will!!
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If you'd like to learn more about the easy tips of Bonsai Trees care mentioned in this article, you can do so here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Whats the #1 secret for caring for these trees in your opinion?Hi Graham - in my experience the #one issue in the care of bonsai is watering. Usually bonsai die from a lack of water, but sometimes it can be too much watering. While bonsai don't need watering every day it is best to check the soil moisture every day to see whether watering is required. I have written about the issue of watering in this article which you may find useful: Care Of Bonsai Trees: Watering, It should be Simple Enough. It's good to hear from you - and I wish you luck with your bonsai.
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