Sunday, February 24, 2008

Basic Tips for Caring Your Bonsai Plants by Janet S. Brown

Basic Tips for Caring Your Bonsai Plants by Janet S. Brown


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The beauty of bonsai plants is a big attraction to human eyes. Although they may look like half-starved mini plants to some people, they are actually a special kind of works of art that need to be taken good care of. This article will show you some important tips for giving good care to your bonsai plants.

* You Need to Know Your Plants and Its Environmental Needs

Generally, bonsai plants can be made from any type of trees. Hence, how you grow and care for your plant depends, in a large part, on the specific species it originates from. For example, if your bonsai is made from a tropical tree, it will not fare well in cold temperatures and will need special care.

It may be easier for you if you pick a tree that grows well in the kind of temperature and environment in where you live. Like regular-sized trees, bonsai plants will adjust to the changes of the season in your area. Take note of the specific tree species that you pick. They may have even more specific needs according to their species.

* Properly Water Your Bonsai

Dependent on its species, the soil type and the season, bonsai plants may have different watering needs. You will need to develop a watering plan just for your bonsai.

Having discussed bonsai's watering needs, you should be aware that neither over-watering nor under-watering will do any good to your plants. A simple way to determine the level of watering required is to feel the soil with your fingers and nails. Moist soil is a good sign, whilst dry soil usually means that you need to start watering right away.

Most bonsai owners water their plance every day in summer but only do so every other day in winter. This does not apply to all bonsai plants. If your bonsai is made from a very special species or if the soil condition in your area is a bit unusal, you must have a different watering plan for your plant.

* Grow Outside

As a general rule, bonsai plants need sunlight and should be grown outside. They are not indoor ornamental fixtures, although they appear more like an art than a plant. Without sufficient sunlight, bonsai plants will get sick or may even die. The only exception is probably where you have a tropical bonsai but happen to live in a cold area. In this case, you will have to develop some sort of indoor protection for your plant.

If you bonsai plant is native to your place, there is no reason why it should not do well outside even in winters. You will only need to give it some protection when the weather turns extremely harsh.

These are only basic beginner tips for would-be bonsai enthusiasts. If you are really intent on growing bonsai plants, you should seriously consider studying more in depth details about bonsai care. Important issues that need to be covered include pruning, wiring, re-potting, etc.

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