HOW TO WATER A BONSAI TREE
A bonsai isn't exactly one of the best low maintenance indoor plants, as it can't be watered with a strict routine in mind. Instead, you need to be watchful of your particular bonsai's needs.
The general rule of thumb is to water a bonsai approximately once a week or so, when the topsoil is a pale color, and feels completely dry and firm to the touch. To do this, either try: – Top watering with a fine spray for around 30 seconds. Soak the whole plant, the foliage as well as soil. It's probably best to do this outdoors. – The immersion watering method is a popular choice for bonsai trees. Fill a basin with water to the level of the bonsai tree's soil, and place the bonsai directly inside. You'll see the soil color change as water is absorbed through the drainage holes. At a minimum, you should water about every 10 days; any longer and your bonsai will be under-hydrated. You'll know your bonsai is reaching this stage when the leaves are brown, dry or shrivelling up. The tree bark may also appear cracked and dry.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A BONSAI TREE NEED?
Because bonsai are miniature trees, they love natural direct sunlight. Placing your bonsai on a windowsill so it receives a steady stream of south-facing sunshine for 5-6 hours is the optimal amount. Try to avoid the midday sun though, as this can scorch the leaves.
HOW SHOULD YOU PRUNE AND SHAPE A BONSAI TREE?
Pruning a bonsai is relatively easy, and certainly the most peaceful part of their care. You can use regular scissors if they're clean, but we recommend using bonsai-friendly tools, like twig shears. You can prune a bonsai tree throughout the growing season if it's outdoors (a bonsai makes a great addition to any Japanese garden), but an indoor bonsai can handle pruning at any time of year. That said, a bonsai is like any other plant: once pruned, it does need time to recover.
HOW DO I START A BONSAI TREE?
Starting a bonsai tree for your indoor garden is easier than you might expect. 'Trees often set themselves from seed in gardens, and it’s a good idea to lift some of these free saplings to pot up and start as bonsai,' says Anne.
Simply remove some of the old compost from the roots with a chopstick or fork, prune the root system back to create a shallow, circular form, then pop it in a small container with two parts peat-free compost, two parts grit, and one part potting compost.