How to care for bonsai

The art of growing miniature trees originated in China, but breeding and maintenance techniques were developed in Japan. The word bonsai means “tree in a tray”. Contrary to what many think, it is not just an adornment object or a miniature plant. Bonsai is an adult tree that needs constant care. To keep her healthy, some care is essential. Check it out below.

Choosing the right location
Morning sun is ideal for your bonsai. Therefore, place it on a window or balcony that receives the first rays of the day. Never place it on household appliances, as the heat emitted by these devices harms the health of the plant.

Air conditioning, then, can be fatal! Avoid moving your bonsai around. The ideal is to rotate it every two months, so that the buds and leaves develop evenly and the plant does not grow disproportionately. Excessive wind and direct rain can also damage the plant. Choose an airy but protected location.

Frequency of watering and humidity
The ideal time to water the plants is early morning or late afternoon. This also applies to bonsai. The important thing is that the nougat is always moist, and never soggy. Water it slowly, until water starts to drain from the bottom holes. Never leave water accumulated in the dish, as the roots rot easily. Remember that wetting the leaves does not mean watering the plant. If you notice that the earth is very dry, in the case of a day or two without water, immerse the clod in a full basin, so that the earth absorbs water evenly. The maximum period between waterings is two days.

The best way to prune
Know the two types of mandatory pruning:

Leaf pruning: this cut serves to control the excessive growth of the branches. Whenever the branch has ten or more pairs of leaves, reduce to four or five pairs. Pruning helps to create empty spaces between the branches, as it is necessary that all branches of the plant receive light.
Root pruning: this cut atrophies the plant, allowing it to reach adulthood without overgrowing. Remove the bonsai from the pot and cut the lower roots – never the sides. Then return it to the vase, filling the free spaces with soil. Plants up to three years old should be pruned every year. After that, pruning should happen every five years.