December 3, 2024
Tropical Plant Profile: Bonsai
Caring for a bonsai (which translates to “planted in a pot”) can seem daunting, even scary to those unfamiliar to the art and its ancient, almost mystical ways. This specialized form of container gardening takes what should be a giant, ancient tree and shrinks it down to fit inside a tiny pot. Many specimens take decades to reach artistic perfection, some have even been passed down through generations, and they all need daily attention. They require patience, control, and mindfulness – and anyone can do it.
First and foremost, bonsai require daily misting and frequent water checks which means they’re a bit more “high maintenance” than other houseplants. Considering that they can have just a few tablespoons of soil around their roots, it makes sense to add “check bonsai/water if needed” to your to-do list several times a day. Many studies have found that caring for plants can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing so really, every time you check on your bonsai, you’re practicing self-care!
Any plant can be used as a bonsai, though some are better fits than others. Traditional junipers or ficus ‘Ginseng’ are perfect for beginners, or you can go for a small bougainvillea if you’re looking for a long-term challenge. No matter the variety, so long as you offer it the light, water, warmth, and humidity it requires, you will be rewarded for years to come. Bonus: they make amazing gifts for any plant enthusiast on your list!
Those just entering this miniature world will often choose a pre-potted bonsai to take home, and our Orchid & Bonsai greenhouse has a great selection! If you’re looking for a more hands-on project, we also have starter plants and a wide range of ceramic and decorative pots to choose from. Follow these steps to pot up your own bonsai:
- Select your pot and starter plant. Should you need to add any potting soil, we recommend cactus soil for added drainage.
- Place a piece of screening, broken pottery, or small stones over the pot’s drainage hole to prevent the soil from washing out.
- Remove your starter plant from its pot and gently massage the roots to fit into its new home. Use some of the excess potting soil to create a small mound where you’d like your bonsai to sit; this will help reduce the risk of air pockets and provide a stable foundation.
- Place your bonsai trunk on the mound and tuck in the roots, using more of the excess soil from the starter plant and/or your spare Cactus soil to fill in any spaces. Bonsai pots typically have very little soil, so you won’t need much.
- Pack down your soil and water gently around the base of the plant to settle everything in place. A small watering can with a long, narrow spout is perfect for getting into tight spaces.
- Decorating Time! Use decorative pebbles, crystals, figurines, whatever you’d like!
- For the more advanced, you can wrap the branches in copper wire to attain a particular shape or style, though this method can take years before you start to see results.
- Place your pot in bright but indirect light – ideally a bright room but not on the window ledge. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. Bonsai need high humidity, so mist them at least once a day. Check your pots several times a day, and water and mist as needed.
Growing and caring for bonsai is a long process, so you likely won’t be grabbing those fancy bonsai snips for several months after potting up your miniature tree (besides, clean scissors or secateurs works just as well). Once they have a strong root system and healthy new growth, bonsai can be delicately trimmed in a wide range of shapes and styles. You may wish to follow its natural growing habit and simply prune any side branches that do not fit the overall shape. Or you may prefer to train its branches towards a certain look, such as cascading over the pot’s edge or a windswept slant; as stated above in step 7, this method must be done very slowly, typically taking years before noticeable changes can be seen.
No matter the method you choose, be prepared to take the process in slow, small steps. Trimming too hard or cutting off too many branches at one time can cause a lot of stress on your plant. Bonsai are traditionally lightly pruned at regular intervals, including the slow-growing juniper varieties, to promote balanced growth and lush new foliage. Take your time, breathe in deeply, and enjoy the process!
Light: Bright, indirect light. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist – not wet, and (definitely) not dry.
Do not allow roots to sit in water or dehydrate. Check your plants daily and water as needed.
Misting: Daily misting is recommended – bonsai love humidity!
Fertilizer: Use an all-purpose fertilizer once a month.
Pruning: Trim tips regularly to promote new growth and to keep branches full. Be sure to use clean scissors or secateurs.
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