Caring for Your Bonsai
Your tree may go through some changes as it gets acclimated to its new home. This is normal and
the bonsai will adjust in a few weeks. You may notice some yellowing and
falling leaves during this adjustment period, but this is no cause for alarm.
Trimming
Trimming is the most important element in keeping your bonsai miniature. To trim excess
growth use sharp trimming shears to cut at an angle above the leaf for
tropical and deciduous trees. Conifers are trimmed by pinching back the excess
growth.
Indoor Bonsai
Indoor bonsai are trees that come from tropical areas and can be displayed in the home year
round. An indoor bonsai can be set outdoors in late spring and when nighttime
temperatures are above 55. Indoor bonsai set outside should not receive direct sunlight, the plant will
sunburn.
Watering & Fertilizing
Water your indoor bonsai each morning with warm water and mist the leaves.
Fertilize indoor bonsai only once a month in late fall and through winter.
Outdoor Bonsai
Outdoor bonsai are trees that fall into two categories; conifers or evergreens
(junipers, pines, etc.) and deciduous or trees that loose their leaves in the
fall and go dormant (maples, gingko, elms, etc.). Outdoor trees do not do well
indoors for more than a few days at a time. When outdoor the tree should be
properly protected in the winter to guard against freezing.
Watering & Fertilizing
It is time to water when the soil is dry below the surface. At times the top soil can
appear dry but the soil below is still moist. During hot weather water
your bonsai each evening. During cooler weather water every 2 – 3 days.
During the winter water once a month when the temperature is above 45.
Outdoor bonsai should not be fertilized in the winter due to being in the dormant stage.