Bonsai Trees and Green Thumbs
Bonsai trees are not a species nor a plant group, but rather several species of trees which are grown according to a Japanese tradition called bonsai. It involves housing trees in bonsai pots, which artificially limit their growth. Because these plants are trees rather than shrubs, vines, or flowers, they need specialized equipment (you need to use specialized pruning tools or buy bonsai pots online).
Indoor or Outdoor?
Before you can start caring for your bonsai tree, you have to make sure that the species of tree you are raising is kept in the proper environment. Since there are so many different species of bonsai trees, it is important to remember that they also come from many different places around the world, from tropical zones to temperate climates, so this is important to keep in mind when buying a pre-bonsai (the bonsai in its beginning, transplant form) and when buying bonsai pots online.
Typically, tropical bonsai trees are raised indoors. The most common is the Ficus bonsai, which is popular among beginners due to its hardiness and tolerance for low humidity. Among other indoor species of bonsai are Carmona, Schefflera, Arboricola, and Crassula. In contrast, temperate bonsai must be kept outdoors. These come from zones where there is a period of seasonal dormancy when light diminishes and the yearly growth cycle comes to an end, which yields to a new cycle in spring. Keeping a temperate tree indoors prevents this from happening; fitness for outdoor conditions is something to keep in mind when buying bonsai pots online.
Light
Light is a crucial element to be properly regulated when raising a bonsai tree. While buying bonsai pots online may help regulate the growth, light is necessary to regulate the life cycle, as a lack of light will weaken the plant.When growing an indoor bonsai, keep it near a window facing the south (although you may need to supplement with artificial light if your locale is prone to overcast skies or lack of natural light).
If yours is the outdoor variety, lighting isn’t as hard to regulate; often, keeping your tree in full light is sufficient. Without ample sunlight, an outdoor bonsai will become more prone to pests like insects, and its leaves will grow too large.
Humidity
For both indoor and outdoor bonsai trees, attention to humidity is also very important. Tropical bonsai trees, in particular, need higher humidity than is normal for a house, so when buying bonsai pots online, keep them on or near a humidity tray and mist the tree several times a day.
Water and Fertilizer
In most cases, domestic plants are watered according to routine. This should not be done with bonsai trees. Instead, you should monitor your tree, and only water when it is necessary. An outdoor bonsai tree may not need to be watered for days if there is significant rainfall. If the soil starts to get dry to the touch, it is time to water. Having the right soil mixture is key when buying bonsai pots online.
Temperature
Tropical bonsai trees are raised indoors, which allows them to be immersed in room temperatures or higher year-round.Some indoor bonsai trees thrive in slightly lower temperatures during a winter season. An outdoor bonsai’s temperature is regulated by the season, and even though the tree may be hardy enough for the outdoors, it is still important to protect it from frost. When buying bonsai pots online, make sure they are suited for your tree, whether indoor or outdoor.
Ready to enjoy your new bonsai hobby? If you’re ready to experience the joy of owning a bonsai and caring for it properly, make sure you’re properly prepared to give it a healthy life with the proper accessories. Buying bonsai pots online at Leaves & Soul is a good place to start. Click here to learn more.