Hi all - I am hoping to start a discussion parallel to this thread about the 10 best species for beginners. My hope is that we could start a great generic advice list to aid a beginner in the basic horticultural skills needed to grow, style and keep bonsai alive.
As I stated on the thread linked above I believe there is a basic level of horticultural skills that one needs to possess before venturing in to bonsai. Having these skills would greatly increase the chances of success with the first tree.
Let's try to keep it short and sweet. I know there is a wealth of information out there and available. For example Brent at Evergreen Gardenworks has countless articles that would apply. I'm not trying to bog a newcomer down - just to point out a few pearls of wisdom.
I would like to submit these:
1) If your tree's natural habitat is an under story tree than you will need to provide shade for the tree. The shade could be natural or it could be shade-cloth.
2) Bonsai need to be rotated to expose all sides of the tree to the sun. This will promote even growth and will help prevent weak areas that do not receive adequate sun exposure as well as help promote interior budding. Several full rotations per growing season should be sufficient.
3) Resist the temptation to handle freshly potted trees day after day. Just like a tree planted in the ground those new developing roots need time to grow and get stronger.
4) Proper watering is one of the keys to a healthy bonsai. Watering requirements vary from species to species (just like in ground trees) as well as zone to zone. Small pots dry much faster than larger ones. In some areas watering twice or three times daily may be needed. Automatic timers work well and can take the hassle out of being there several times a day.
5) If the tree will not grow in the ground in your area the chances are strong that it will not grow well in a pot.
As I stated on the thread linked above I believe there is a basic level of horticultural skills that one needs to possess before venturing in to bonsai. Having these skills would greatly increase the chances of success with the first tree.
Let's try to keep it short and sweet. I know there is a wealth of information out there and available. For example Brent at Evergreen Gardenworks has countless articles that would apply. I'm not trying to bog a newcomer down - just to point out a few pearls of wisdom.
I would like to submit these:
1) If your tree's natural habitat is an under story tree than you will need to provide shade for the tree. The shade could be natural or it could be shade-cloth.
2) Bonsai need to be rotated to expose all sides of the tree to the sun. This will promote even growth and will help prevent weak areas that do not receive adequate sun exposure as well as help promote interior budding. Several full rotations per growing season should be sufficient.
3) Resist the temptation to handle freshly potted trees day after day. Just like a tree planted in the ground those new developing roots need time to grow and get stronger.
4) Proper watering is one of the keys to a healthy bonsai. Watering requirements vary from species to species (just like in ground trees) as well as zone to zone. Small pots dry much faster than larger ones. In some areas watering twice or three times daily may be needed. Automatic timers work well and can take the hassle out of being there several times a day.
5) If the tree will not grow in the ground in your area the chances are strong that it will not grow well in a pot.
