Bonsai Care

How to take care of a bonsai plant
Caring for a bonsai tree is a very delicate art as even little mistakes might destroy the beauty of the plant and might even kill it. Looking after a bonsai tree involves the same principles that are associated with looking after any other potted plant. The main thing that has to be looked after well is the fibrous roots of the plant. Healthy fibrous roots are essential for the continued good health of your Bonsai tree .this can be done by regular watering of the plant and using different fertilization techniques.
 

Another essential component that needs to be done regularly is repotting the plant. Repotting is a very important activity and should be performed with utmost care. Repotting is carried out to prevent your plant becoming root bound and starving to death. It helps maintain your tree in a small pot but does not reduce the size of your tree

The following steps helps in a long way in repotting a bonsai plant.

1. The first thing to be done is cleaning the tree by carefully pruning off any unwanted, long branches. Also, make sure the tree has been under cover for a few weeks if it is an outdoor Bonsai, this way the soil will be relatively dry. Once you remove the tree from it's pot you will be able to see whether it really needs repotting If it is root bound then you should repot it, however, if there are another few inches of room so the roots can grow a little longer then you can carefully replace the tree in it's original pot and continue as normal. Trim any damaged or excess roots with a sharp pair of scissors. Don't use your good pruning scissors you will be cutting through dirt and the odd stone. Make sure all your tools are kept sharp and clean

2. Try removing surface soil from the roots either by hand or using a nylon scrubbing brush. Brush away from the trunk and be careful not to damage any of the roots. Removing the loose soil will give the Bonsai tree a healthier look and feel. Once you've removed most of the soil in this way, you can use a small, fine bristled paintbrush to remove the soil stuck in the roots or that has collected in the roots.