Bonsai plants need a lot of care and looking after. Your bonsai needs fertilizing, repotting, pruning, shelter, root-pruning, watering, etc.  Caring and maintenance of your bonsai depends on seasons. For example, you should carry out repotting and root-pruning only at the beginning of spring or just at the end of winter. In this article we are going to discuss various maintenance requirements during different seasons.

Winter

During winter, your bonsais need protection from cold winds and freezing temperature. Before sunset place your bonsais close to the house or under the porch. Place them in a spot where they are protected from wind. If you have a room without a heater, you can place them there. Place the pots on concrete blocks or tables and place a newspaper directly under the pot. This will provide insulation for the bonsai. You can also shield your bonsai from the wind by covering it with a newspaper.

If your bonsai has been damaged by frost, you should wait for the appearance of new buds before you do any trimming or pruning. You should not add fertilizer in winter. Pay close attention to the watering needs of all your bonsai.

Spring

Spring is the time when your bonsai will show growth. This is also the time for repotting and styling. Repotting and root-pruning is done just when the dormant season is about to be over. This is also the time when you fertilize your bonsai. Cut off flowers that have finished blooming. Cut and limit active buds. Junipers and Elms require weekly trimming during this season.

Summer

Protect your bonsai from the sun during summer. It helps to place your bonsais on low tables, which are placed on a lawn. Water the lawn thoroughly in the morning. In springtime you can place your bonsai in big pots. This gives them room to grow in summer. Place your bonsai in a group. Leave enough space for good air circulation. Vigorous top growth should be pruned regularly. Use high phosphate fertilizer during summer for your flowering plants.

Autumn

Prune your bonsai according to requirement. You can add a high phosphate fertilizer for your flowering bonsais plants. Some plants, like Junipers and Pines, should be wired in autumn.

The amount of dedication and hard work that you put into your bonsai is going to be reflected in healthy and beautiful bonsai. As time goes by your bonsai will begin to take the shape as envisioned by you. After some years you can proudly show off your piece of art to your family and friends. You can even exhibit your bonsai at an exhibition. The immense satisfaction that you will get from this cannot be expressed in words.