Frequently Asked Questions About Bonsai:
I. Q: How hard are bonsai to care for?
A: It’s fairly simple. Remember your bonsai. Food. Water. Location. Your bonsai needs regular watering and frequent feeding. If you've done well, caring for plants at home, you shouldn't have any trouble caring for your bonsai outside.
Bonsai in a pot will thrive with the proper attention.
II. Q: How often should I water my bonsai?
A: Water the tree pot daily, unless it’s raining steadily. Over 90 degrees increase watering to morning and evening. Quality bonsai have special soil that drains well.
The pots are designed to drain well with large drain holes.
III. Q: Can I keep my bonsai indoors?
A: No, unless it is tropical, it needs to stay outdoors to stay healthy.
Know your tree and you will know your bonsai's location.
IV. Q: How can I leave my bonsai while on vacation?
A: Ideally you should have a friend or neighbor water thoroughly and daily while you are gone, or take it along with you, keeping it in its proper location.
It needs to be watered daily. Al provides vacation care $1/ day.
V. Q: Does my bonsai need repotting?
A: With our substrate "soil" mix, bonsai repotting is necessary infrequently.
Note: poor drainage requires your bonsai to be re-potted, or if you desire a different size pot.
Remove bonsai from pot, clean or replace the screen at the drain holes. Replace into pot as desired.
VI. Q: What about the cold?
A: Outdoor bonsai are cold hardy. The freeze and snow will not damage them. Most of my bonsai are junipers, cypress, pines, and flowering deciduous trees.
Try to avoid watering very late in the day, because if the pots freeze with water in them, they may crack.
VII. Q: Should I prune my bonsai?
A: If you want to, it is certainly fine to prune your bonsai. I prune my regularly to keep it's shape, but you can let it grow out and trim it as you prefer. We offer bonsai classes, and there are also books available which can give you ideas and tips.
VIII. Q: How long will my bonsai live?
A: Bonsai can live for hundreds of years if cared for properly. Many Japanese specimens have been potted for over 100 years. Some trees are estimated to be 400 to 500 years old.
Remember your bonsai daily!
Food. Water. Location.
Bonsai will thrive with the proper attention.
Al provides vacation care $1/day
Bonsai Care: Yes you can :) 1. Water! 2. Location! 3. Food!
1. Water your bonsai thoroughly daily until water drains out the bottom.
(Only when using modern bonsai substrates...not garden soil. )
Water the tree top to bottom.
2. Location: Trees are outdoor plants.
You can keep it indoors for an evening or to enjoy occasionally indoors during the day.
Cold or foul weather outdoors is healthy for your tree.
During the summer heat, morning sun is best, avoiding the intense afternoon sun.
3. Feed your bonsai every 2 weeks April thru October.
Use any good liquid plant fertilize, with at least the full recommended dose.