Bonsai trees are a great way to introduce some outdoor living into your inside space. Their aesthetic appearance has taken over the gardening world and their ability to be an ‘indoor tree' has been hugely appealing to those with restricted or no outdoor space.
So, what is a bonsai? When translated, bonsai means ‘planted in a container'. After the 1800s in Japan, bonsai became a widely popular form of hobby whereas before it had been reserved for only a few who specialised in the art. Bonsai has long been associated with the Japanese culture, but bonsai actually first originated in China.
This blog will guide you through the dos and don'ts of looking after your bonsai in order to keep it healthy for as long as possible so that you can reap the benefits of Eastern Asia's culture from the comfort of your own home.
How to look after a bonsai tree
Humidity trays:
Looking after your bonsai correctly is vital to ensure that you get the most out of your indoor tree. Bonsai trees require humidity trays to catch the water which has drained out of the tree's pot, and in turn, creates a humid environment that aids the tree's nourishment and growth. Be careful to make sure that your trays don't overflow, or simply become too full, as your bonsai may become fragile if it's sat in the excess water for too long.
Watering your bonsai:
Watering your tree is vital when looking after your bonsai. To check whether or not your bonsai requires water, you can simply feel the soil. If it's light brown and damp, then water your tree thoroughly until the soil becomes darker and wet. It's important to note that you should never allow your bonsai to become too dry, otherwise, this can negatively impact the health of your tree.
Where to buy a bonsai tree
You can buy bonsai trees right here at Gardener's Dream! We offer an extensive range of bonsai trees so that you can enjoy the pleasures of the outdoors inside your home.
How long do bonsai trees take to grow?
Bonsai trees grow at roughly the same rate as full-sized trees. They take, on average, 20-30 years to grow if you plant them as seedlings. If you buy your bonsai already grown, then keeping it in a small pot will stunt its growth, meaning that it won't grow too big for the inside of your home. Trimming and pruning your bonsai's leaves and branches is another great way to ensure that your bonsai remains a small, inside tree.
How long do bonsai trees live?
Bonsai trees usually live the same length of time as trees that have grown naturally in the wild. They can be hundreds of years old!
How to care for a bonsai tree
Taking the correct steps to care for your bonsai tree is essential if you want to keep it alive for as long as possible. Pruning is a necessity with bonsai trees, so be sure to remove any dead leaves or branches that may occur. To keep the distinctive aesthetics of the bonsai tree it's important to prune, however, be careful not to over-trim as this can have a negative impact on the tree. If you're growing your bonsai from a seedling, you'll want to ‘train' it to ensure that it grows with its distinctive bend. For this, you can wrap some wire around the trunk to hold it in your desired position. Bonsai, however, don't have to be in the distinctive slanted style; they can be trained into a multitude of different positions, so why not explore and see what style will suit your home?
So, there you have it! You should now be an expert at all things bonsai! Here at Gardeners Dream, we provide a select range of house plants including indoor bonsais that make the perfect in-house ornament. Be sure to be attentive and care for your bonsai to make the most out of your newly bought tree.
