Understanding how to care for bonsai can be quite a challenge. Especially when you are coming into contact with the plant for the first time, at home, and don’t have much experience.
Even so, it is completely possible to learn how to cultivate, handle and maintain this impeccable natural adornment — the way you always dreamed of.
Just define a good care routine and seek the most assertive information during the process.
To help you on this new journey, the Fashion Bubbles team developed this complete article, with everything you need to know about how to care for bonsai. Come with us!
What is a Bonsai?
Bonsai, in its literal translation from Japanese, means “planted in a pot”. This information, in itself, already says a lot about the technique, which tends to represent miniaturized trees.
Contrary to what many think, bonsai is not a genetically modified tree, much less a dwarf plant. Another very common confusion is thinking that this is a species of tree.
The truth is that practically any species of plant can be grown as a bonsai using appropriate techniques. To achieve this, the development and growth of the tree must be controlled.
As taking care of bonsai is something meticulous, cultivation is done in a shallow pot or container, which does not give the roots space to spread.
The styling of the tree is done cautiously, with great care and respect for the vegetation — following Japanese ethics and principles.
The main objective of the practice is to bring a very realistic representation of trees present in nature into your home.
In this sense, the smaller the tree formed, the more abstract and subjective the message passed. In it, it is important that no traits or characteristics of the artist are present.
What are the best types of Bonsai to grow at home?
The best types of trees to transform are those with small, tiny leaves and woody trunks.
These features will make the styling process simpler and more natural, making your journey easier when learning how to care for bonsai.
Under these conditions, you can choose the species you prefer, whether fruit-bearing, flowering, or just foliage.
Some suggestions for the most commonly used species are: juniper, pine or cypress. Once you have made your choice, select a seedling to plant.
It is possible to start with the seed, but the process would be a little longer and more complex, considering the preparation and cultivation time.
How to plant a Bonsai?
The method is so delicate and thorough that it is considered an art. This Japanese technique has existed for millennia, but it can be adapted to your reality.
To do this, there is a complete step-by-step guide that involves everything from choosing the appropriate pot to controlling pruning and irrigation.
The most important thing is that you develop patience and resilience to begin your journey and remain attached to it until the end.
How to care for a bonsai?
Learning how to care for bonsai requires knowledge of the most commonly used techniques in the field. To do this, we selected 6 essential steps for development and structuring. Check out!
1. Choose a suitable vase
It all starts with choosing the pot, which needs to be shallow and spacious, proportional to the size of the plant you want to grow. If you want a super small bonsai, opt for a smaller pot.
It is essential that, in the first months of your plant’s life, it is placed in a wider pot to allow the roots to grow.
Also pay attention to the openings of the vase — if it has holes in the bottom to drain the water and if there is a “little plate” underneath, to avoid dirt.
Immediately after purchase, it is possible to create a good water drainage system and configure the holes, so that soil does not leak. Buy a piece of Bidim blanket, cut it, and install it at the bottom of the container.
2. Prepare the soil and choose the species
With the pot in hand, prepare the soil and select the ideal proportions of soil, nutrients and components.
The essential thing is that you mix pyrobituminous shale, popularly known as Schist, Akadama, which is a Japanese clay, pumice and a little organic fertilizer.
Once the mixture is made, simply select the species you want to grow, whether juniper, cypress or any other tree.
3. Keep pruning up to date
Even before planting, it is important to briefly prune the thickest and most prominent roots, so that they do not hinder general development.
When you understand how to care for bonsai, you will realize that, as the plant grows, you need to keep pruning the branches, foliage and roots up to date. Your pruning will depend on the style and aesthetics of the plant you want to grow.
4. Take care of fertilization and watering
Invest in monthly, or even fortnightly, fertilization in low quantities. Keep it healthy and disease-free with the right fertilizers.
Watering must be done with caution, a maximum of 3 times a week in low quantities, so that the soil does not become waterlogged and end up being harmed.
5. Let it sunbathe
The sun is essential for the development of your plant. Just be careful about excessive exposure, which should not occur.
Avoid exposing your bonsai to the strongest sunlight, between 10 am and 2 pm.
6. Beware of pests and diseases
Keeping your crop healthy can be a challenge, especially if aphids and mites are common in your area.
To avoid diseases and declines in the plant’s resistance, avoid excessive watering and let it bask in mild sunlight. Also, avoid growing it in a humid or poorly ventilated place.
How to use Bonsai in decoration?
In decoration, bonsai are an excellent ally. Its beauty is indescribable and can match any room and aesthetic.
From the cleanest to the most robust decor, you can use it as a decorative item.
The vase, in this case, will make a big difference — if it is made of porcelain, decorated, or with high relief details, the adornment will be even more beautiful.
It is interesting that this modality can even be used in the bathroom and office, whether in residential, business or corporate aesthetics.
Learn more about basic bonsai care in this video:
Conclusion
Did you realize how simple taking care of bonsai is? It is an excellent ally in home decoration and in the well-being of those who cultivate.
After all, this practice can be therapeutic and extremely pleasurable, even more so when the item is displayed in the rooms of the home.
If you like decoration, what do you think about discovering other interesting topics about this universe right here, on the Fashion Bubbles Portal?
Learn about hanging gardens, organic vegetable gardens, how to make a coffee table yourself and much more. It is worth checking!
Alane Dias, Davi Brito and Giovanna Lima are in the 18th Paredão! On Sunday, another one of them says goodbye to the house; Which brother do you think will leave the program? Participate in the vote in the Fashion Bubbles poll and check partial results in real time!
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