Beginners often hesitate to take on the challenging and fun Bonsai Basics because of the amount of work it takes. Don’t be discouraged! This is a rewarding and fun activity, enjoyed by many and given pleasure by the majority. If you follow these 7 simple steps, you will be immersed in a relaxing environment of growing miniature trees and feel great satisfaction in what you have accomplished.
Step 1 – You must start with Bonsai Pots. Remember that true Bonsai Are Trees And Not Plants!
The next step is to select a planter or container that will be used to hold your Bonsai. There are a couple of ways to do this. First, you could decide to find a pre-made bonsai pot and simply assemble your own. This is the quickest way, but you may have to go buy the supplies and be prepared to shell out some money.
Another alternative is to save some money and simply use your imagination to select a pot that you can find inside most households. In the lookout for recycle bin goodies, you may uncover some ceramic pots that have been dormant in the trash.
Step 2 – Your Bonsai Tree Needs A Soil Add-On
The final step is the addition of the Soil. This is often a separate purchase, but many of the inexpensive ones will contain some sort of potting soil as the base.
Now you have your soil, what’s next? The final step is deciding whether or not you’d like a permanent feature in your garden. Choosing a permanent Bonsai starter (terra) is a harder decision because you will need to decide if the tree will be living inside or outside.
If you choose the permanent option, you will need to decide how permanent the position of the tree is and how well it will tolerate extreme weather. There are some lovely terra cotta pots available, but you will need to decide where they are placed in the garden.
There is a huge variety of pots available tow experience the wide variety of containers.
Step 3 – Further Choosing of Beginners
The next step is to decide whether you’d like a Beginner kit or a kit full of the items necessary for normal indoor planting. Items such as fertilizer, small starter pots, wiring tools and decorations are part of what is included.
The Beginner kits include everything the beginner needs, but they are still a bit expensive. Most of these items are reusable, but of course, not all of them may be.
The kits are a good idea for those who are just starting out. They give you a good start, but you still need to buy your own seeds and fertilizer.
Step 4 – planting the bonsai
This is the exciting part. It’s time to put a little effort into your bonsai and start growing! Here are some things you need to know about planting (see part 1 for some tips and background).
A bonsai should be kept in a well lit position. It’s like art, if you look at it for long enough. I’m talking about the conditions under which you want your bonsai to remain. The full effect of bonsai can only be seen when you see it in person.
Watering- Most important thing to remember when cultivating Bonsai is never to let your tree dry out. For most trees, a once per week watering is plenty, but some may require twice per week watering during the warm summer months.
Weed- Bonsai should be planted in a location where weeds are kept to a minimum. Weeds can compete with the bonsai for water and nutrients and if the bonsai does not receive enough water, weeds will quickly spread in the midst of your beautiful plant.
Fertilizer- If your tree is in need of fertilizer, be sure to use the right type of fertilizer. There are some things you can feed your bonsai that are harmful to the plant. Using the wrong fertilizer can caused harm to the plant or death of the bonsai.
Pruning- Give bonsai a regular trim of about everyinas the first year. This will help keep it strong and healthy. After that, you can wait till the second year to trim the bonsai.
This styles are a few of the popular starter bonsai. If you are tired of the japanese maple, you can always go for Chinese red, black or white pine as they are inexpensive and easy to cultivate.
