Bonsai Trees Care and Maintenance

Bonsai Trees - Learn how to take care of
these delicate Trees!

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The care and training of trees have a very long history.

The training of the shape of bonsai originated about the eleventh century in China and was called p'en tsai. It was in the 1800's that tree growers in Japan coined the name, "Bonsai". The Emperor Meiji became a patron and by the twentieth century bonsai became a Japanese national art and for a long time was considered a skill or art exclusive to Japan. That thinking has completely changed. Today, there are many established bonsai societies and clubs.

bonsai trees care and maintenance

Control The Growth of Your Bonsai Trees!

• Controlling the growth of bonsai Trees varies according to the species of the plant. In spring trees normally grow shoots, and some species of Trees grow continuously throughout the growing season. To control growth follow these rules.


• Pinch off the shoots early and continuously from evergreen bonsai Trees to force them to produce new growth throughout the growing season.


• Pinch off new growth early and once from bonsai Trees which produce new shoots only once.


• Do the same as above to deciduous bonsai Trees which produce new growth throughout the growing season.


• In general, pinch off new shoots throughout the growing season as they develop.


• To establish good balance, pinch off the weakest looking growths first and proceed to the most vigorous new sprigs last.

Exercise good judgment as to whether you pinch off or not pinch off a new shoot which is growing where there seems to be a need for balance.

When guiding the growth of your bonsai Trees, be cautious and very observant, so that you will maintain its shape and balance. For excellent guides to maintaining healthy bonsai trees, click here to view books recommended by Bonsai Boy, a business operated by a highly successful family experienced with Bonsai.

Bonsai Trees - bonsai trees care and maintenance - Watering!

Water is exceedingly important to the growth and life of Trees. Through transpiration water feeds the plant and keeps its stem sturdy and firm to the touch. Different sizes of bonsai Trees require different amounts of water. Consequently, large bonsai Trees may require 1.28 liters (2 quarts) of water each per day during summer.

Guidelines for watering;

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Ask your nursery attendant for a watering schedule for your bonsai Trees because;

(i) different species of trees would require different amounts of water,

(ii) trees require different amounts of water in different seasons.

• In winter, soil is cooler and retains moisture for a longer period of time than warm soil, so less watering is required.


• In spring, water moderately because too much water results in too fast a growth of stems and leaves.


• In summer, water more than once a day, as most bonsai trees require more water then. Remember, get a schedule from your nursery attendant!


• In summer, mist your bonsai in the morning and in the evening to reduce the amount of moisture lost through transpiration. Do not mist during winter because of freezing.


• Do not allow the soil mix of your bonsai Trees to dry out completely.


• Always water from the top of the pot.


• Do not keep the base of the pot in water for more than thirty minutes because it will hinder the circulation of air through the root mass.


• Use rain water, when possible; if not, boil tap water and allow it to stand for twenty-four hours before using. This is done to remove added chemicals.


• Use a humidity tray in dry rooms, but make sure that the base of the pot stands on the marbles or pebbles in the tray and does not touch the surface of the water.