What to do after pruning a bonsai?

Remove crossing shoots which cover and clutter the main branches & trunk. Once pruned the main branches should be well defined with an open structure. The basic shape of your bonsai will now be clear and easy to see. New foliage buds will begin to emerge.

What do you do when you first get a bonsai tree?

Do leave your bonsai out in the cold of winter* Deciduous trees, like maples and elms, will drop their leaves and may look dead, but if kept properly, will sprout out with a beautiful new flush of leaves in the spring. Conifers, like juniper and pine, also need this cold rest.

How do I get my bonsai to grow more branches?

To style your bonsai or promote growth, you’ll need to trim away dead leaves or overgrown branches and stems. More specifically, maintenance pruning increases the growth of lateral branches and refines the shape of a bonsai.

Do bonsai trees take a lot of looking after?

To maintain the artistic grace and beauty of your bonsai it will need to be pruned regularly. Once new shoots have grown to about 2-3cm, using a sharp pair bonsai scissors carefully cut back to the first pair of new leaves.

Should I mist my bonsai tree?

Yes, an indoor Bonsai can benefit from misting because heating and air conditioning lowers the humidity levels to surface-of-the-moon conditions in your home. Misting brings the ambient humidity level up briefly and that’s really all the benefit you get.

How long will a bonsai tree live?

Most people have asked this question, since bonsai trees are not easy to look after. Some bonsai trees live for 100 years. Furthermore, the oldest bonsai tree is over 1000 years old! Your tree can only leave this long if you provide continuous maintenance and care.

Can you trim a bonsai tree with scissors?

Juniper and ficus are 2 of the most popular types of trees for use in bonsai, but there are dozens more that can be adapted as well. Major branches should be trimmed with pruners or sharp scissors, but very small growths can be pinched cleanly away with your fingers.

Where should I place my bonsai tree at home?

In most houses the only place where a Bonsai will do well is right at a South facing window, as lots of light is crucial for the health of your tree. When placed even just a few feet away from a window the light intensity will drop significantly, slowing down growth and ultimately killing your Bonsai.

Can you water bonsai trees with tap water?

In most cases, the answer is yes. If you can drink your tap water, you can use it to water your bonsai. If you have hard tap water (leaving white salt deposits around the pot or trunk), you may want to occasionally use collected rain water, but this is not essential.

How do you keep a bonsai tree alive indoors?

Just place it on a humidity tray that is filled with water. You can also mist your bonsai a few times a day. Open the window during the day to increase air circulation which helps your bonsai meet the humidity it needs to survive indoors.

How do I know if my bonsai tree is healthy?

How to Know If Your Bonsai Tree Is Healthy?

The branches should be well ramified and distribute evenly throughout the tree.
Bonsai have surface roots that spread in all directions.
The leaves should be bright green.
The trunk should have a smooth surface and look strong.

What should I do after pruning a bonsai tree?

Squeeze a small amount of the cream onto a gloved finger and smear a light layer over each cut. You can find bonsai wound paste at gardening centers and online. Water the bonsai immediately after pruning. It’s important to water the bonsai deeply after pruning to encourage new growth.

How many branches should you cut off a bonsai tree?

Pruning thick branches will result in creating ugly scars on the tree, but by using a special concave cutter you will reduce this effect significantly because of the indentation it makes when cutting off the branch. A healthy tree should have no problem coping with pruning up to 1/3 of the trees foliage.

How often should I re pot my bonsai tree?

Some plant species are more prolific root producers than others. Others can go years between re-potting. Young trees or trees in small bonsai pots need more frequent root pruning. Plants in very shallow pots do not have very much depth for roots to expand.

What’s the best way to water a bonsai tree?

Water the bonsai immediately after pruning. It’s important to water the bonsai deeply after pruning to encourage new growth. Make sure to fully saturate the soil the first time you water the tree after pruning. Water the tree lightly once per day. You should only water deeply immediately after pruning. Then, water the tree lightly each day.

When to trim the roots of a bonsai tree?

Ultimately, pruning your bonsai trees roots should be done just before the growing season begins because that is when your cut root ends will begin to repair themselves. Pruning your roots too early in dormancy means the roots will be remain unhealed and open, and therefor susceptible to root rot and diseases.

What do I need to re pot my bonsai tree?

You will also need some basic tools for the re-potting process: A root rake or root hook for combing out the roots. Pruning shears for cutting the roots. A mesh or screen to cover the holes of the pot. That’s it! Now you’re ready to start the re-potting process! How do I re-pot my tree? First, relax and take a deep breath.

What can I use to heal a bonsai cut?

To prevent too much sap from leaking out and to help the cuts heal, apply bonsai wound paste to the bruises. Squeeze a small amount of the cream onto a gloved finger and smear a light layer over each cut. You can find bonsai wound paste at gardening centers and online. Water the bonsai immediately after pruning.

When is the best time to transplant a bonsai tree?

During the growing season, severe root pruning and transplanting can be pretty stressful to your plant. Ultimately, pruning your bonsai trees roots should be done just before the growing season begins because that is when your cut root ends will begin to repair themselves.

Do bonsai need sunlight?

Bonsai need direct sunlight, from which they make their food. They like to receive 5-6 hours of sunlight daily, whether inside or outside. All Bonsai love to be outside in the warmer months (May-September), though there are many species which can be kept indoors year-round.

Can you bring a dead bonsai back to life?

Time, patience and generous attention can help revive your dying bonsai. Wilt, droop and brittle branches are true signs of an ailing bonsai, and it can take some time to revive a dying bonsai tree. Not every bonsai can be saved from a dying state, but with some care and attention, your bonsai may have a chance.

Can I trim my bonsai with scissors?

Bonsai scissors have sharpened blades. They cut, rather than tear. So only if you find scissors that are sharp like blades can you consider it.

Why can’t you use scissors on a bonsai tree?

Another thing about bonsai trees is that they are very fragile, and regular scissors are often not made for sharp cuts. It almost rends the branches apart instead of cleanly cutting it. That could cause the damaged area to develop poorly.