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During the ongoing pandemic, Bonsai trees have been growing in popularity. It seems like more people than ever before are bringing Bonsai trees into their homes.

Unlike other plants, you can fit a Bonsai tree into any space. They look great inside a house, apartment, or in a small office. Although you will have to spend time taking care of these plants, they will naturally adapt to their surroundings. Many believe that Bonsai trees bring energy into a home. Maintaining a Bonsai tree can help you avoid feeling bored during these unprecedented times.

If you are thinking about buying a Bonsai tree, or you already have one, it is of vital importance that you know how to grow and care for it.

What species should I get?

If you are in the market for a new Bonsai tree, make sure that you buy the right tree species. If the species you choose isn’t suited for the climate in your current location, it might struggle to grow.

Most species require plenty of light, and they need to be protected from frost. Here are some popular Bonsai tree species that you might be thinking about getting:

  • Ulmus Parvifolia: This popular Chinese Elm Bonsai needs lots of light, but people should avoid putting it in direct sunlight.
  • Carmona Microphylla: If you live in a cold area, you should probably avoid getting this Oriental Tea Bonsai tree. It needs to be stored in a warm room for it to grow.

Don’t assume that all Bonsai tree species are the same. If this is your first attempt at growing and taking care of one of these trees, try to find a species that doesn’t require a lot of work to survive. Although the Thousand Start Bonsai tree looks incredible when maintained properly, it requires a lot of time, effort, and know-how.

Invest in a healthy Bonsai tree

You will want to avoid investing in an unhealthy Bonsai tree at all costs. Before spending your hard-earned cash on a new Bonsai tree, make sure you examine it first.

Don’t buy a tree that looks off-color. Carefully examine the tree’s leaves. A healthy Bonsai tree will have bright leaves.

You should see the roots of the tree above the soil. However, you shouldn’t be able to remove the tree from the pot easily.

Examine the tree’s branches carefully. Check to see if the branches cross, and if they do, consider investing in a different Bonsai tree. The branches should be distributed evenly throughout the entire tree.

Water the tree regularly

Although not all Bonsai trees need a lot of water, most of them do. People who own these trees are advised to check on the tree each day to ensure the soil isn’t dry. If you notice that the soil is damp and off-color, make sure you pour some water on it immediately.

However, you don’t want to feed it too much water either. Overwatering a Bonsai tree can have a devastating impact on the tree’s health, but at the same time, you don’t want to leave the soil dry for a long period.

It might be tempting to add watering your Bonsai tree into your daily routine, but experts advise people to keep an eye on the tree instead, so they can determine how much water the tree needs. During the early stages, trying to figure out how much water your tree needs can prove challenging, but over time you should be able to figure it out. When the soil appears slightly dry, or if you notice that the soil is a light-brown color, add some water.

Also, make sure you use the correct bonsai soil. There are lots of traditional gardening stores and online marketplaces that sell a variety of Bonsai soil, so try to find one that suits your species.

Pruning

Home gardeners will have to learn how to prune their Bonsai trees. The tree needs pruning on a regular basis, so if you lead a busy life and you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands, you might want to avoid getting a Bonsai tree.

Regular pruning will help keep the tree healthy, help it grow taller, and it will help control the unique tree’s natural tendency.

You can prune almost all indoor-grown Bonsai trees at any stage throughout the year. If you want the tree to keep its shape, maintenance pruning should be done regularly. If you fail to provide the tree with regular maintenance pruning, you can expect excess growth.

However, if you are growing your Bonsai tree outdoors, you should wait until the growing season to carry out maintenance pruning. In most countries, the Bonsai growing season takes place between March and September.

You will need a pair of Bonsai shears to prune the plant. Before you begin the pruning process, make sure that the shears you use have been sanitized, to avoid spreading disease.

Some folks prefer to use a scissor instead, but if your plant is soft, then you should only use a pair of shears. Using a scissor on a soft plant can damage the tree’s leaves and cause the plant to die.

Light

If your Bonsai tree doesn’t get enough light, it is bound to die. Bonsai owners need to provide plenty of light to keep their tree healthy. Although some indoor-trees can survive with minimal light, others require plenty of sunlight.

Place your tree in a well lit area. If you don’t have space in your home, or you don’t have a lot of windows, consider investing in an indoor grow light.

During the colder months, most Bonsai trees need direct sunlight. If you don’t, your tree will struggle to survive during the wintertime. Although caring for an indoor Bonsai tree is easier during the cold months in comparison to an outdoor tree, it can still prove challenging. If you think your plant isn’t getting enough light, then you can use a grow light as a substitute.

If you have placed your tree on your window sill, make sure there isn’t a cold draft making its way in through the window. At the same time, the plants need to be placed in an area with good airflow. If the plant is in a room with stuffy air, don’t be surprised if you notice pests on your plant. Pests can ruin your Bonsai tree’s health. Also, make sure that you clean the room where the tree is stored regularly. Dust and dirt can harm your tree.

Conclusion

Before introducing a Bonsai tree into your home, make sure you have the right type of pot, a decent pair of shears, soil, a water canister, and a grow light if you live in a house that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight.

Find out information about the different species available, and only choose one that is suited to the environment in your home. To avoid pest infestations, know what to look for, and find out how to deal with these nasty creatures. Keep an eye out for microscopic toxic spores, as these can damage your plant’s health.

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