December 23, 2011 
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December 19, 2011 0 Comments
December 19, 2011 0 Comments
December 18, 2011 0 Comments
This article is all about how to water your Bonsai tree and what soil to use.
The Substrate
The substrate used for growing bonsai is generally composed of:
25% sand
25% of small rocks
25% black earth
25% clay.
Personally, I buy my substrate for bonsai. If you want to make your own substrate, just look in the books on bonsai, each author has his own recipe!
Tips
It is good to addMycorise to the substrate for bonsai. What’sMycorise?
TheMycorise (Mysillium mushroom) promotes the uptake of fertilizer per tree. It is generally bought in the form of granules. It can be found in stores specializing in horticulture.
Check expiry date before buying.
Watering
Excessive watering of a bonsai can kill as much as insufficient watering!
There are two main sources: tap water and rainwater.
Tap water
If you use tap water, it must have rested at least 24 hours prior to watering.
This time allows the evaporation of chlorine and fluorine present in water. It can also adjust the temperature of water at room temperature.
Rainwater
This is the ideal source. It does not contain chlorine or fluorine. Water should be at room temperature when spraying to avoid a shock.
How often to water
It depends on the ambient temperature, the humidity and the requirements of the tree.
The humidity of the substrate should be checked daily.
Some species require to be moist at all times, while others prefer the substrate to dry betweenwaterings.
Warning:
We must never let the substrate dry completely.
Look in a specialist book on bonsai to find out what is best for each species.
During the period of growth, a tree needs a larger quantity of water. As opposed to the rest period, when the tree is in less demand.
It is best to irrigate early in the morning. You can also do it in the evening. You should never water a bonsai in full sun, that may burn the foliage.
It is also suggested to spray the leaves betweenwaterings, especially in winter. Indeed, inside the houses, the moisture can be very low. Heat and low humidity are perfect for the proliferation of insects. That is why it is good to spray the leaves morning and evening in winter.
How to water
Submerge the pot into water or just with a watering can or hose. Ensure that the substrate is fully saturated with water at each watering. When watering is completed, it is advisable to tilt the pot slightly to get rid of the water remaining on the surface. The substrate should be moist but not soaked. I heard that 80% of the success of a bonsai is connected to the watering. So extreme care should not be taken.
There are lots more articles on all aspects of growing and maintaining your bonsai here at the authors site bonsai pictures
December 17, 2011 0 Comments
Proper bonsai tree care is important if your goal is to grow a beautiful healthy tree that can be enjoyed for a very long time. There are many aspects to maintaining the health and beauty of your bonsai tree. Obviously, proper watering and feeding is a priority and is an obvious choice in your bonsai tree care plan.
However, the soil you choose is also important. Like all living things, plants grow and stay healthy by taking in and processing nutrients. Simple enough right. But the obvious difference is that plants can’t go get them. The water and nutrients has to come to the plant via their root system. This is where the soil comes in. If you have the proper soil then the plant can get all of the water and nutrients it needs more easily. So as you can see your soil choice is essential to proper bonsai tree care.
The good news is that finding the proper soil is not too hard really.
You can buy soil mixes at gardening stores or nurseries or even chain stores like Wal-mart. Ready made mixes are perfect for the beginner bonsai artist. The downside to these mixes is that they tend to be a little more expensive.
Important things to consider when choosing your soil is that the soil must be able to retain water well. As to all living things water is essential to life in itself. Everything needs water in order to survive. With plants, however, water also acts as a vehicle to deliver nutrients through the roots. Now, you know that the soil needs to be able to retain the water properly, but it also needs to drain excess water too.
Too much water can be bad for your plant. There is a perfect balance that your soil will be able to maintain if you select the appropriate soil.
If you are a beginner it is usually best to purchase the ready made mixes to ensure that you are providing your plant proper bonsai tree care. As you become more experienced you will be able to move into making your own soil mixes.
So now you know just how important soil choice is to bonsai tree care. Solid choice is right up there with the appropriate water and feeding of your wonderful bonsai tree. Caring for your bonsai tree is not so difficult. Taking the few necessary steps and learning what you need to know are both necessary steps in growing a healthy tree.
T Holfelder
Mother of 5 and a Bonsai enthusiast.
Hoping to make it easier for bonsai beginners to master their bonsai tree care plan.
December 16, 2011 0 Comments
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January 17, 2011 0 Comments
Pumice is a good additive to your soil mix for bonsai, cactus and succulents. Pumice helps to make the mixture hold more air (best for root health) and retains an appropreiate amount of water as well as drainage needed for all three types of potted plants. I have pumice available in one quart and one gallon size. You can combine this with other purchases to save on shipping, just e-mail me with your zip for your particular needs and I will calcuate shipping costs for you. This listing is for
Price:
January 16, 2011 0 Comments
Lava Rock is a naturally occurring volcanic cinder that has a porous structure which makes the material lightweight and highly moisture retentive. Incorporate into your bonsai soil mix to increase drainage (aeration). It will absorb up to 40% of its weight in water. Small lava rock (1/4 to 3/8 inch) is the best “sand” component around because it is “sharp” and has very irregular surfaces.
Price: $ 12.95
January 15, 2011 0 Comments
Used for all kinds of bonsai trees. Mix with other bonsai soils or use by itself. Flashed fired soft volcanic clay.
Price:
