Bonsai Tree Soil Homepage

Question: Do you have any advice on how i can take better care of my bonsai tree? (soil type, how much water, etc.)?

(Posted by: riku_master123 on 2008-02-12 17:11:10)

What soil should I plant it on? How many times a day to I have to water it? How much sunlight does it need? How many times a week should I trim it? etc. etc. etc. (It's pretty small, by the way.)

Posted by: emmasnw on 2008-02-13, 05:22:04

This website will give you some basic information on Bonsai Care bonsai-garden.com/ Additionally there are a series of bonsai related articles that address specific issues growers of bonsai deal with bonsai-garden.com/ bonsai-articles.htm Goodluck!

Posted by: cr500 on 2008-02-12, 17:25:47

Bonsai are trees in small pots. If you planted it in the soil, it will become huge. I will answer this question if you let me know what type of plant you have. Now go drink a beer and relax.

Posted by: LMNO on 2008-02-12, 18:45:14

Plant it in bonsai soil. You should be able to find this at a store that sells bonsai and supplies. Water once every 1-3 days. The water requirements will depend on the pot size, and heat/ sunlight it is recieving. I would say every other day in the winter is a good rule of thumb. Everyday might be necessary in the summer. Sunlight requirements depends on the type of plant, but for many common bonsai a few hours of direct sun with bright indirect light all day is best. You will trim to shape only when it needs it. When new shoots are growing you can trim them to out. I would reccomend picking up a book to learn about trimming techniques. Never take off more than 1/ 3 of the plant at a time. Feed in the spring/ summer 1-2 times a month with a regular houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength. Hope this helps!

Posted by: Bill Choat on 2008-02-13, 06:55:13

First, you must determine the species of tree since 100's of species are made into bonsai. If you don't know the species, send a photo to me at: wchoat@american-bonsai.com and I'll send you care instructions. If you can't send a photo, describe the foliage. Meanwhile, you'll want to read the Bonsai Care page on my site: american-bonsai.com