A Detailed Guide to Bonsai Planting Techniques and Care Methods

For bonsai planting, you first need to choose a tree species; to be safe, you can choose a native variety. Then decide whether to start growing from seed. Before pruning and shaping, trees need a stage of rooting and growing, and the time required varies depending on the tree species. Pay attention to doing a good job of the four-season care and pruning of the bonsai.

1. Choosing a Tree Species

If you want to grow it outdoors, you only need to make sure that this bonsai can grow well in the planting area. Deciduous plants such as Chinese or Japanese elm, magnolia, oak, and crabapple are all good choices. If you want to grow it indoors, you can grow tropical varieties such as jade, ficus, and olive tree.

2. Growing from Seed

Before planting, soak the seeds in water overnight. The planting soil must ensure good drainage and nutrients suitable for bonsai growth. Plant the tree in a growing container. Note that you need to provide the bonsai with an appropriate amount of light, water, and a constant temperature according to the variety.

3. Four-Season Care

In winter, trees hibernate, do not grow leaves or grow, so they do not need too many nutrients; just water them on time. Since they do not need to use new leaves to replace the nutrient-poor old leaves before spring, pruning is also not needed. In spring, trees use the nutrients stored in winter to grow new leaves. During this period, the trees are in a transitional phase, which is a good opportunity for repotting and pruning. In summer, trees use stored nutrients to continue growing and need to be watered on time. In autumn, trees grow slowly and nutrients begin to accumulate again, so pruning and repotting can be done at this time.