Fertilizing and Watering
Fertilizing and Watering – Keeping Your Work of Art Alive
The second most common cause of Bonsai-related problems: Most trees will be instantly killed or damaged severely if you underwater or allow the compost to dry out completely; however if you over water the tree you can just as easily cause the tree roots to rot and die from disease. The best rule to follow is to check a trees need to water and only water it when it is required. Never use a routine when watering your Bonsai. Using a routine can lead to sodden compost which suffocates the Bonsai roots.
The compost surface must be at the beginning of drying out before watering again. After this, the tree can be watered thoroughly once more. The time between watering sessions could change from 12 hours to 7 days depending on the temperatures, wind and humidity levels. Since there is little space in the Bonsai pot, Bonsai tree care can be very difficult. The small containers hinder the growth of the roots and make proper watering considered an art.
Some species of Bonsai can handle dry periods, many other may need almost constant watering. If you water too often, or allow soil to become saturated with water, this may promote fungal infections and “root rot.”
A Bonsai tree can be deprived of moisture to drought due to sun, heat and wind exposure, therefore the soil should be watched daily and water applied generously when needed. The soil should be allowed to become completely dry, or “bone dry” for very small amounts of time.
The Juniper is one common plant that is cultivated for the production on Bonsai trees; the Juniper does not show signs of drying out and damage until after most of the damage has been done, and the leaves may look green and healthy even when the root system is completely destroyed. When you fertilize your Bonsai, you should use a water-soluble formula and use it once or twice a month during the growing season. Your decision of fertilizer may change depending on the type of plant you decided to shrink.
Add the fertilize when the soil is moist and when the plant is growing. You can use a household plant fertilized that is diluted with water to half strength. Beginner re-potting is another area or the Bonsai tree that must be addressed; there is a very simple and uniform technique that must be done correctly and at the perfect time. A lot of trees have to be re-potted every year, or twice a year in the spring when you can start to witness new growth. If you re-pot a tree incorrectly, they will decline in health and vigor.