What's the best way to take care of a Bonzi Trees?

Question

I got a Banzai Tree for my birthday and I'm not sure exactly how to take care of it. I know I need to water it but how much? and how often? Should it be in direct sunlight or only a little? Is there anything else I should do?

Answer 1

The most important thing to keep in mind when caring for a bonsai tree is watering. It is imperative that adequate water is provided to your bonsai tree. This is especially important if your bonsai tree is kept indoors most of the time. The amount of water you will need to give will depend on two main things, the type of soil and the species of bonsai tree.

As a rule of thumb, about 75 per cent of water is taken up by the root system of the bonsai, but you should also remember to water the leaves. To help the bonsai take up water through the leaves you should ensure that you keep the leaves clean by wiping away dust and dirt at regular intervals.

Use gentle water pressure when watering your bonsai. If you use too strong a water pressure, you might wash away the topsoil and expose the roots. Use a misting hose or a spray hose with an adjustable spray nozzle and be careful of the water temperature. Good tap water is fine, just take care that the water that comes out of the hose isn't too cold or too warm.

Soil choice is also critical to the health and longevity of your bonsai tree. You should match the soil type to the tree species. A rough and ready guide is that 30 per cent humus and 70 per cent grit should be used for needled evergreen bonsai trees and 70 per cent humus mixed with 30 per cent grit for deciduous trees. You will need to ask advice or get a good book to help you with soil choice for the rarer species.

Pruning - Pruning involves leaves, branches and roots. Bonsai lovers know that what you do to the bottom, you do to the top. Remember that less foliage means less for the roots to support. But where to start and what to cut?

First, consider the style you've chosen for a particular bonsai. Draw an imaginary line over your bonsai and cut the branches that protrude, obstruct or deviate from that line. Second, prune to redirect growth to one area. If you prune the left side heavily, you will redirect growth to the right side.

Prune leaves or buds with care. Pruning buds will encourage back-budding and cutting leaves will 'discipline' the growth of the bonsai. It is also necessary to manage the nutrients that the roots draw up from the soil. Remember that you are trying to grow a tiny tree and letting it grow on its own will result in uncontrolled size.

You're going to have to exert a lot of loving care if you're going to achieve your objective of a beautiful bonsai tree. It's going to involve a lot of work over a long period of time, but if your heart's in it, I think you'll find it well worthwhile.