Bonsai plants are beautiful, and can be a great addition to the decor of your home, office, or apartment.
This article will discuss some of the basics of starting a bonsai tree for a beginner that may be considering growing their first bonsai tree.
Bonsai trees are much like any other plant and require the same things as any other type of plant.
You will need the proper soil, an adequate amount of light, and the correct amount of water.
There are some differences between bonsai trees and other plants.
One fact that many people are unaware of is that most bonsai trees are bred to be outdoors, and will need twelve to sixteen hours of daylight or fluorescent light.
Some types are bred to be indoors.
Another difference is the soil that will be needed.
You will not be able to use normal potting soil; it will hold too much water and drown the tree.
In their natural habitat bonsai trees grow tall, and have deep roots.
Since we grow them in shallow containers their roots spread out instead of down, and this is what keeps them small.
Pre-mixed bonsai soil should be used in your container.
The feeding and watering of the bonsai plant is much the same as it is with most houseplants.
You will want to achieve a happy medium between over, and under watering your plant.
The variables of this can be staggering so you may want to follow this basic rule of thumb.
If the soil is dry it needs water, you will want to use water that is room temperature.
Get the soil damp; wait a few minutes, then water the plant until water starts to run out of the drainage hole in the bottom of your container.
You will want to water the plant early in the morning every day, or you may choose to mist the plant one day, and water the plant the next day.
As for the food, use a balanced fertilizer, and do not fertilize a dry plant.