Have you even seen Bonsai Trees? It’s a really nice technique to grow – and cut – plants that you can have at home. This art was originated in the Asian countries. Also, if you’re wondering about the possibility of using this technique to grow any tree, the answer is yes.
You’ve probably seen it already and wondered how you can grow it. So, we separated some tips for you to grow your own small, big trees!
First, it’s important to think about which type you want to grow and the space you have. Some plants grow better on the outside or the inside, so it will depend on the species. Some types of Bonsai Trees are: Thuja occidentalis (also known as northern white-cedar), raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry. But you also can try with any other trees you’d like to have at home.
1) Understand Your House
The first step is to understand your house layout and position to choose which type of plant will grow better. Analyze the amount of sunlight you have at home. Some plants grow better with a lot of light, some get happy with just partial.
For example, the northern white-cedar likes both types of illumination, while the others require more sun. So in case you have a lack of it, this plant is a good option to grow inside.
You can also observe how the leaves are. If they’re too yellow, it’s a sign that they’re receiving too much light. If they’re getting dark, it’s because they’re missing sunlight.
2) What Time Should You Water It
Researching about the climate of where you live is fundamental. To determinate how much water and when you are going to water your Bonsai Trees, depends on the temperature and air condition.
In cold days, the recommendation is to water it once a day, in the morning or in the afternoon. This moments are better for it to absorb nutrients. But if the day has less humidity, the tip is to water it twice a day. Another important part is to be careful with the amount of water you put. If it’s too much, the roots can putrefy.
And how can you know if the soil is humid or not? You can stick a toothpick near the tree and see if it’s wet or dry.
3) When To Cut
To grow dense leaves and stems, at some point you’ll need to cut it. Therefore, it can take between 3 to 6 months depending on the species. Using regular scissors, cut some branches that exceeded the size and format you’re looking for.
To think about the format is important to remember you can use a metal wire to create the shape. Plants will always grow in the sun direction, so if you want yours diagonally, it’s possible to put it inside your house and near the light.
4) Fertilize and Choose The Right Pot
The Bonsai Tree located on the inside of the house can be fertilized all year. On the other hand, if the plant is on the outside, it needs to be fertilized between the beginning of spring and middle of autumn.
Just like the water, if you exceed the amount of fertilizer, your bonsai roots can also die. This type of tree requires attention and care more than usual, so it’s a good idea to use your quarantine observing and understanding your plants.
Last but not least, the right pot for your plant needs to be proportional. In other words, the width needs to be 2-3 times the size of your bonsai tree. But be sure to watch if the soil is taking longer to absorb the water because it may be a sign for you to change pots.
If you want to know more about how to take care of this beautiful plant, check out this book for beginners available on Amazon! You can also find more techniques to use in your house here.
