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The Bonsai Tree
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Take care of your bonsai treeOne of the easiest ways to learn, is through a book or instructional video that has pictures and easy to read instructions. Each plant will be slightly different and depending on what type of environment you have it in, will also help determine what will be right for you. Shears, bonsai tool kits, scissors, rakes, fountains, display tables are all needed to properly care for your bonsai tree. Bonsai soil mixes saves plants from waiting to make many life-process complexes, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. 50 vitamins and hormones in one for immediate use by plants, Add one drop to each gallon of fertilizer mixture and apply when watering. A cheap grow light may suffice, but there are also ones that are computer-operated timer that turns the lamp on and off, simulating the length of day in cycle with the seasons. Along with that, the soil moisture sensor lets you know whether it needs watering or not. The stem of the lamp adjusts in height to accommodate taller plants. The features are well worth the few extra dollars on this one. Traditional dressing used to seal tree wounds against insects, disease, and weather to speed healing and minimize the shock of wounds when styling or repairing branches. Quick drying sealant containing insecticide sand fungicides that forms a smooth, dark cover that remains quite flexible. Elements you need to be aware of for proper care
Two very popular books on bonsai tree careBooks to display on your coffee table. With 288 color pages it is one of the best books ever written on the subject of bonsai and includes a breathtaking photo gallery of bonsai, basic styles, group plantings, plant physiology, cultivation, propagation, transplanting and repotting and training and dwarfing -- in other words, everything the bonsai grower needs to know. Bonsai tree book for beginners for growing bonsai trees - By Christian Pessey and Remy Samson. Very popular beginner book since its introduction in 1993. Easy-to-follow training techniques for pruning and wiring. Expert advice on repotting, watering and feeding. Over 200 color photographs with numerous line drawings. "The Indoor Bonsai" by Paul Lesneiwicz is highly recommended because it offers ideas and instruction that is thorough and easy to understand, so is good for beginners. You will receive bonsai care instructions with each purchase of the plant as well. In all cases be sure that you buy a plant from a bonsai nursery that specializes in shipping these types of trees. With proper care, your bonsai will remain healthy, beautiful and miniature for many years to come. Since your bonsai is a living miniature tree, it will increase in beauty as it matures through the years. The instructions below are just the basics and, therefore, I recommend that you purchase one of the many fine books available on the subject. PLACEMENT SUMMER When nightly lows do not dip below 40 degrees, your bonsai should be placed outside, such as on a patio, balcony, terrace or in a garden. Once outside, your bonsai should be positioned where it will receive sufficient sun -- morning sun and afternoon shade is best. A bonsai can be viewed best when it is placed approximately three to four feet high (eye level), such as on a table, wall or bench. PLACEMENT WINTER Once nightly lows begin approaching the 40 degree mark, it is time to bring your indoor bonsai inside. This should be done gradually over a period of several weeks. Bring it in for a few hours the first time, slowly increasing the time it spends indoors until it becomes acclimated to its new environment. The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing south. An east or west exposure is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will necessitate the use of "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice. If you can provide more, so much the better. Watering and humidity Apply water to your bonsai tree when the soil appears dry, never allow the soil to become completely dry. If your tree is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day in the very dry season. This schedule may vary with the size pot, type of soil and type of bonsai tree you own. Evaluate each tree's water requirements and adjust your watering schedule to accommodate it. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree. Watering should be done with a watering can or hose attachment which should dispense the water in a soft enough manner as not to disturb the soil. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. A good rain is usually a sufficient watering. During the cold months, when your bonsai is inside, we recommend placing it in a shallow tray filled with a layer of gravel with water added. This provides extra moisture around the tree as the water evaporates and reduces the amount of moisture lost to modern heating systems. Fertilizing is necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthySince your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter. Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray. For information on general house plant care and maintenance go here.
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