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Bonsai trees require the same care as other living plants, with
a just few additional considerations. It's often helpful to remember
that all bonsai grow outdoors in their native environments, so mirroring
their natural conditions will usually produce the best results.
Siting Your Bonsai
As you think about where you'd like to place your bonsai tree keep
in mind the following variables: light, soil, temperature, water
and humidity.
Light
All bonsai trees need light. The amount of natural or artificial
(grow) light required to produce optimum results varies with the
type of tree. Outdoor bonsai care should include a location that
provides six or more hours of sunlight. Indoor bonsai need 2-4 hours
of window or artificial light. Some indoor trees that require only
a few hours of sunlight, and are good choices for many homes and
offices are ficus, jade and fukien tea. See individual bonsai care
sheets for details.
Soil
Bonsai roots need care too, so they can successfully support the
structural and nutritional requirement of your trees. Click
here for information on Bonsai soil.
Temperature
Like people, plants have temperature preferences. These can be addressed
by selecting and placing your tree thoughtfully. Most of our indoor
bonsai trees like common room temperatures, between 65 and 75 degree
Fahrenheit.
Water and Humidity
All plants require water. Making sure that sufficient, but not too
much, water is available to your trees is a key part of bonsai care.
Please consult our online care sheets or one of our many helpful
books for information on specific bonsai trees' water requirements.
Humidity levels in many homes are relatively low and supplemental
moisture is appreciated by most plants. As part of your bonsai care,
we recommend using a tray
with a little water and small rocks to elevate the bonsai pots.
In addition to increasing the humidity around your plants, trays
protect furniture from water spots and plant debris.
Fertilizer
Your bonsai trees spend years in the same soil and eventually deplete
the nutrients available there. Providing supplemental nutrition
is essential for sound bonsai care and good plant health. We've
tested dozens of fertilizers
and now offer only the one our tests have shown to be the best.
Just mix as instructions outline, water as usual and know that your
trees are getting the micronutrients and macronutrients required
for robust growth.
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