A Bonsai needs great care in a lot of ways. Watering, feeding and pruning a Bonsai are unlike any plant you will ever take care of. Many consider Bonsai a work of art and there are some basic care rules to follow.
Bonsai trees use a "free draining" type of soil. Bonsai roots can't survive with too much setting water. Bonsai are grown with a lot less soil than other plants and so they require more watering. Regular plants have soil that holds the moisture of water so that the plant can use it as it needs it, the Bonsai don't have that luxury. The Bonsai location, the temperature of the air that is within its environment and lighting all determine how much your Bonsai will need watering. There are several ways to tell if your Bonsai needs water. You can pick the Bonsai up, the lighter it is the more of a chance it needs water. You can put a finger just below the surface of your soil, however the problem with using this method is that there isn't a lot of soil, chances are that when using this method it may seem like your plant always needs water. Finally, watch your leaves. Bonsai get really dry leaves when they need water. A good example of this is a jade tree. The normally rounded leaves will look withered and dry. And speaking of watering, Bonsai do best when they are exposed to humidity. Most Bonsai thrive better when they are in a humid environment, however if you live in an area that is not naturally humid this can be an issue when trying to grow a Bonsai. There is something you can do though.
Many people mist their Bonsai and this will work for a small period of time however it starts to "burn" the leaves. "Burning occurs when leaves are wet in small amounts and then dried quickly. What ends up happening is the creation of brown spots.
In winter, watering is still a very important part of your Bonsai day. Your soil needs moisture year round to keep your Bonsai healthy. But you must be care full not to overwater as during the cold seasons this will cause the formation of root rot and mould to develop.
How to display
Filtered sunloight is preferable, under a tree, a patio or shade cloth. If indoors, it needs to be in a light north facing room in the Southern hemispher with good ventilation. Never place your Bonsai on the ground,but on a table or stand, displays well at eye level.
Watering
Use a small watering can or spray bottle, saturate the soil until the water drains through the holes in the bottom of the container. For moss sets preferably use a fine spray and soak well daily.
Dependant on the container size water once or twice daily in summer and every second day in winter, moss sets still need to be sprayed daily. Spray the leaves with water to keep foliage in good condition and to discourage pests.
Feeding
Frequent watering leaches out the nutrients from the soil, it is very important to feed Bonsai with a fertilizer during the growing season when in full leaf. It promotes flower and fruiting. Always use a Bonsai fertilizer containing trace elements and apply exactly as the manufacturer prescribes. Natural fertilizers such as Seagrow is always best for Bonsai.
Pest Control
Frequently check for pests on your Bonsai. Use a solution of G-cide and water, Jeyes Fluid will also do, spray Bonsai thoroughly, trunk,branches and leafs best to rather prune all over. you can also use Garden Gun as instucted.
Note
Both Seagrow and Garden Gun is available commercially. (Pick & Pay, Checkers)
