Got questions about how to care for your bonsai? We've got all the answers you need.

 

What is bonsai?

A bonsai is any plant trained and maintained in a container to be artificially small and compact in growth. Bonsais are long-term plants. Bonsai is a Japanese tradition that has gained popularity around the world. Bonsai enthusiasts, collectors and practitioners consider it an art form. Closely related to bonsai is the traditional Chinese growing form known as ‘penjing’, which features both artistically trained plants and landscape elements in containers.

 

Which plants are suitable for bonsai?

Any permanent plant such as a shrub, tree or climber can be grown as bonsai - even large trees such as Moreton Bay figs, eucalypts, maples and conifers.

 

Should I keep bonsai plants indoors?

Although bonsai plants are small and in pots, most are not suited to growing indoors as they are garden plants that require sunshine. Instead they need to be grown outside. A bonsai could be displayed indoors for a short period, but would need to be returned to its permanent spot outdoors to prevent stress. The exception would be a plant that can adapt to brightly lit indoor situations such as some ficus or woody succulents.

 

Don't keep your bonsai indoors permanently - but you can bring them in as a temporary display!

 

How much sunlight does my bonsai need?

Generally, bonsai need to be displayed outdoors in a position with full sun to part shade depending on the requirements of the plant that’s being grown. Deciduous bonsai subjects also benefit from being outdoors and exposed to seasonal changes including light and temperature. As bonsai plants generally have a small root system and are prone to drying out, shelter from hot afternoon sun and strong winds is important.

 

What kind of soil does my bonsai need?

As bonsai plants are grown in shallow containers, bonsai grow best with good quality potting mix (not soil), and particularly a mix created for bonsai plants. Flower Power recommends Debco Bonsai Premium Potting Mix, which comes in a 10 litre bag.

 

How often should I water my bonsai?

Bonsai require frequent watering, especially in hot or windy weather where plants may dry out. As with any containerised plant, check the potting mix before watering. In summer your bonsai may require daily or more frequent watering, but in winter water may be required much less frequently.

 

Care and pruning are essential parts of successfully growing bonsai.

 

Does my bonsai need pruning? How do I prune my bonsai?

Bonsai plants need regular pruning and training to keep them compact with a balance between root and stem growth. Bonsai may also be trained by using wiring to direct growth and create interesting forms. How the plant is pruned depends on the variety and its structure. Pruning may involve cutting off spent growth, and removing unwanted growth including inward growth. Use sharp secateurs or special bonsai tools to prune. Regularly disinfect the blades to avoid spreading disease. As with all pruning, prune just above a node. If removing unwanted growth, cut flush to a stem.

 

What about root pruning to keep shape?

As bonsai plants are kept unnaturally small and in shallow containers, it is important to trim the roots as they start to outgrow the space available in the container. This is done when the plant is being re-potted. Frequency depends on the vigour of the plant and the size of its container.

 

Does my bonsai need fertiliser? Which is best?

It depends on the type of plant that’s been grown, but most bonsai will benefit from small applications of liquid fertiliser during the growing period (usually spring to summer). Flower Power recommends Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food.

 

Ready to invest in a beautiful bonsai for your garden? Click here to shop bonsai at Flower Power, or click here to learn more from Jennifer Stackhouse on how to create your own bonsai.