Bonsai care is a meditative and rewarding process, one which can be easy even for beginners. Through bonsai care, you will enjoy an appreciation for nature and humanity’s ability to skillfully produce even more amazing artistry.

When just starting out with your first bonsai tree you will have a lot of questions. I know I did. By studying and understanding the basics and apply them you will slowly build confidence and expertise, as well as see your bonsai grow.

Bonsai Care: First Things First

The Basics of any garden is the appropriate combination of the right soil, the correct amount of light and right amount of water.

There are, however a few things that differentiates bonsai trees from other plants. Most people starting out with their first tree don’t know that most bonsai are bred to be outdoors. There are certain species that could survive indoors, so if that is your plan make sure to do some research on the ideal species for your conditions and also but be prepared to give it around 12 hours a day of fluorescent light.

It is important to use the right soil for your bonsai tree. In the “wild” your tree’s roots will grow deeply into the earth resulting in your tree growing tall. Since your bonsai will grow in a shallow container, you are forcing it’s root system to grow shallow and wide. This is largely why the tree will stay small. Since the roots are very shallow, standard potting soil is to dense, trapping to much water which will slowly make the root system rot and your tree to die. This is why using a special bonsai soil mix is important.

Bonsai soil is usually a mix of sand, loam, and organic leaf mold or peat moss. The climate you live in determines what exact soil to use. I suggest to ask your local nursery, bonsai shop or local bonsai enthusiast what soil is the right one for your tree.

Water and food

One of the questions that people just starting out with their bonsai is “how often should I water my bonsai?” It is hard to give one answer to that question because it depends on so many factors, the species of your bonsai, the climate were you live, humidity, seasons and other factors.

You want to find that balance between too much water and too little. It can be a bit confusing at first. If you are using tap water it can be good to let the water sit overnight to get rid of the chlorine and let other chemicals oxidize. Do not use cold or warm water to water your plant, room temperature is best to not shock your tree.

First, wet the soil. That will make it easier for your bonsai to take in more water. After that, water generously until water comes out through the drainage holes. It is important that all the soil gets wet. It is preferred to water your plant in the morning before the daily photosynthesis cycle starts. If you live in a dry climate you can also mist your bonsai daily to retain its humidity levels.

As for fertilizer in bonsai care, use a completely balanced fertilizer (i.e., 20-20-20, which is equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) every other week at quarter strength. A balanced fertilizer is ideal in bonsai care because your tree is considerably smaller than the plants the fertilizer is typically used for. Never fertilize a dry tree (the shock could kill it – make sure to water first!) and don’t fertilize a sick tree; remember, fertilizer isn’t medication.

Now you have the skills to grow your bonsai tree into a fabulous piece of art. Just stick to the basic bonsai care fundamentals. The right soil, the appropriate amount of light and water, and using the right fertilizer.