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 Acquiring and caring for bonsai
Most bonsai trees sold at garden centers and shops, and at specialist nurseries, are of excellent quality, but there are a few points to bear in mind when buying. Besides the age and shape of the tree, its general health is of the utmost importance. The soil should be damp but not sodden unless it has just been watered; it should certainly not be rock-hard and dry. The leaves should look bright and healthy, not burnt around the edges or spotted. If buying a deciduous tree in winter, the last year's growth should be smooth and plump, with no sign of the bark wrinkling.
The tree should be steady in its container - which ought to have at least one drainage hole. Moss growing on the surface could mean that the tree has been in its pot for months or years - or that the dealer has taken trouble in potting it. A white fungus in and around the drainage hole is natural and harmless.
General Bonsai care
When buying a tree from a shop during the summer, be sure to give it at least two weeks outside, avoiding heavy rain and high winds, before displaying it indoors. However, if a tree is bought from an indoor centre in winter, do not allow it to be exposed to frost for the rest of the season as it will probably have begun to shoot. This is most important with deciduous trees, and while varieties of junipers are very hardy, it is as well not to take any chances. They will, of course, benefit from fresh air during milder weather, or can be kept in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.
Bonsai trees are not permanent house-plants; even semi-tropical trees should be stood outside when the weather permits. Most bonsai are hardy trees and shrubs whose natural habitat is the open air. Even with the most exacting care it is wrong to assume that they can be made to live indoors for more than a few days at a time; extending this can only damage the tree. During the summer the plant must be able to carry out the process of photosynthesis, and during the winter it is resting and building up its strength for the coming spring. Too long in a warm room will persuade it that spring has arrived early and it will start budding. If this happens more than once, the tree will simply die of exhaustion.
When trees are occasionally brought indoors, their position should be chosen with care. The ideal spot is light, but away from sources of high temperature such as a fire, radiator or even the top of a television. The whole tree should be sprayed once or twice a day, more often in centrally heated houses. Check the tree daily for dryness, and water when necessary. Trees in shallow pots will need spraying and watering more often than those in deep pots. Do not leave the trees standing in a bowl of water as this may rot the roots. In winter it is a good idea to put the tree in a cold room overnight. When replacing the tree outdoors be sure not to allow it to freeze for at least two weeks.
Regular and continuous care - a few minutes of attention each day - will keep a collection of bonsai trees alive and well.
Bonsai care:
Bonsai Watering
In summer, trees may need watering twice a day) in winter, perhaps only once every few weeks. The amount of watering needed depends on the dryness of the soil. Rainwater is best but tap water that has stood for a few hours is adequate. Use a watering can with a fine rose. In summer, trees should be watered in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. In winter, water early to permit any excess to drain before the night frost. Plunging the pot into a bowl to soak is ideal for recently potted trees, small collections and for trees that have dried out.
Bonsai Feeding
Trees should be fed with a weak liquid organic fertilizer at intervals of 10 to 12 days during spring and summer. Solid organic fertilizers can be used, but they sometimes form moulds or produce smells. During wet weather cut down on the feeding or weak, sappy growth will result.
Mildew
If air circulation is good, spraying the leaves with cold water will help inhibit mildew. But if necessary
treat with a proprietary brand of fungicide.
Pests
Any insect pest likely to attack a tree growing wild wilt also attack a bonsai specimen. Aphids are particularly troublesome, but a heavily diluted insecticide will control insect pests. Ants and worms disturb the soil surface, and the former encourage their 'herds' of aphids. Both can be removed by plunging the whole tree into water for 24 hours. Wood lice hide under pots, so lift them regularly for inspection. Regular spraying with cold water will discourage insect attack.
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