New to Bonsai trees. tips?
- Thread starter Nicolas1219
- Start date
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Don’t be tempted to grow it inside
Learn how to water -when the tree needs it not on a schedule
Learn how to water -when the tree needs it not on a schedule
pandacular
Masterpiece
Get more trees!
This is a serious tip—beginners tend to overlove their small number of trees.
This is a serious tip—beginners tend to overlove their small number of trees.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Definitely outdoor tree. Many trees die from indoor conditions.
Watering is the next key. How often depends on size of tree, size of pot, soil type, how long since last repot, local conditions, time of year, humidity, rainfall and a host of other minor factors. You'll need to check soil moisture every day until you get a handle on how much the soil dries. Many growers water twice a day in hot weather but some can get away with once a day in Summer. During the rainy season you may not need any additional water. The only way to work out your tree's needs is to check - often.
Trees can die in a matter of hours if they get too dry. It takes a lot longer but trees also die if they are too wet for too long.
Say goodbye to holidays and weekends away. Your tree needs you now.
Light is crucial to healthy trees. The leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant. Without enough light plants deteriorate and may even die. How much light? As much as possible while not drying the roots too much. Some afternoon shade is usually a good thing.
Fertiliser: Because we water a lot, nutrients are leached out of the pot. Replacing lost nutrients with fertiliser is important for a healthy tree. Liquid fert every 2-3 weeks in the growing season or organic fert (which is slower acting) every 4-6 weeks. Less fert required in the dormant period but I suspect most plants will grow almost all year round in Florida.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Many are very small. Yellowing foliage and/or webbing among the needles are signs of a problem. Watch for scale and mites.
Prune whenever the new shoots grow past the shape you planned.
Good luck with your first bonsai. A very few people manage to keep their first tree alive but don't be surprised if this one does not make it long term. Most of us have been there and done that.
Watering is the next key. How often depends on size of tree, size of pot, soil type, how long since last repot, local conditions, time of year, humidity, rainfall and a host of other minor factors. You'll need to check soil moisture every day until you get a handle on how much the soil dries. Many growers water twice a day in hot weather but some can get away with once a day in Summer. During the rainy season you may not need any additional water. The only way to work out your tree's needs is to check - often.
Trees can die in a matter of hours if they get too dry. It takes a lot longer but trees also die if they are too wet for too long.
Say goodbye to holidays and weekends away. Your tree needs you now.
Light is crucial to healthy trees. The leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant. Without enough light plants deteriorate and may even die. How much light? As much as possible while not drying the roots too much. Some afternoon shade is usually a good thing.
Fertiliser: Because we water a lot, nutrients are leached out of the pot. Replacing lost nutrients with fertiliser is important for a healthy tree. Liquid fert every 2-3 weeks in the growing season or organic fert (which is slower acting) every 4-6 weeks. Less fert required in the dormant period but I suspect most plants will grow almost all year round in Florida.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Many are very small. Yellowing foliage and/or webbing among the needles are signs of a problem. Watch for scale and mites.
Prune whenever the new shoots grow past the shape you planned.
Good luck with your first bonsai. A very few people manage to keep their first tree alive but don't be surprised if this one does not make it long term. Most of us have been there and done that.
Joelshack2362
Shohin
Get to know your local environment and learn to water off that.
Joe Dupre'
Omono
Re: watering. The best tip I ever heard about watering. Imagine a soaking wet sponge with as much water as possible squeezed out. That's the optimum moisture level.
Check out our own Leatherback's YouTube channel "Growing bonsai by Jelle". Great for newbies and long-time bonsai practitioners alike.
Check out our own Leatherback's YouTube channel "Growing bonsai by Jelle". Great for newbies and long-time bonsai practitioners alike.
Similar threads
