A Beginner's Guide to Caring for Tropical Bonsai
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Starting your bonsai journey is exciting! Tropical bonsai are a beautiful addition to any indoor space, but proper care is essential for their health. This guide will give you foundational knowledge. Pair it with specific research into your tree’s species for the best results.
Choosing the Right Spot
For Tropical Bonsai:
- Outdoor Placement: Ideal during warm months with temperatures above 40°F. Be mindful of watering as the soil may dry out faster.
- Indoor Placement: A sunny window or LED grow light is best during colder months.
For Conifers & Deciduous Trees:
- They need cold temperatures during winter for health. If you bought your tree from O’Toole’s Garden Center, storing it outside by your house, insulated with mulch, will keep it happy.
Watering and Maintenance
Acclimate First:
Allow your bonsai to adjust to its new environment for a few months before attempting pruning or repotting. In the meantime, focus on:
- Watering: Bottom watering is effective, or ensure overhead watering reaches the rootball.
- Humidity: Many tropical species like higher humidity, but Portulacaria afra (dwarf jade) does best drier. Humidity can be provided with a humidifier or humidity tray.
Feeding Your Bonsai
- Biogold Fertilizer: Biogold is a traditional organic, slow-release fertilizer is perfect for tropical bonsai.
- Reapply regularly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning and Styling
Pruning helps develop your bonsai’s structure and appearance:
- Timing: Best done during active growth, but can be done year round if the tree is healthy.
- Techniques: Trim back to 2 leaves once branches have 8 or more.
Repotting Your Bonsai
- Repotting should not be your first step. Wait until your tree is rootbound or the soil has become water-repellent. Repotting too soon can stress the plant and hinder its growth.
- There are many details to consider when repotting your bonsai, including selecting the right soil and trimming the roots. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of reputable information online to guide you when the time comes. Bonsai Jack provides a good soil for those without the time or resources to prepare a more traditional substrate, just be mindful to use a good drainage layer.
- If you’re located in the Denver metro area, feel free to reach out for a class or repotting services. I can be reached at RanniBonsai@gmail.com