Bonsai is an art that needs total commitment and lots of care. Before you start out on your first bonsai you need to be aware about the basic rules of horticulture. When you are growing a bonsai, you have to keep in mind that you are dealing with a living tree that would grow and thus needs proper caring. The first thing that you need to do is get a tree. Plant it in a pot and for a year your focus should be on keeping the tree alive and healthy.

The Art Of Bonsai

One might ask what the big deal is in growing a bonsai- all one needs to do is water it and give it enough sunlight. If you are approaching the art of creating bonsai with this view it is better if you do not take up bonsai cultivation. A healthy bonsai requires proper temperature, light, water, fertilizers, and repotting. Overdoing or under doing any of it will eventually kill your bonsai.

Learning the basics about bonsai consists of the following guidelines-
1. If you are growing a tropical or subtropical plant as bonsai, you need to protect it from cold weather during the winters. You can bring it indoors. If your bonsai is grown outside, make sure it is protected from wintry conditions. You also need to protect your bonsai from humidity, which can cause dehydration. So when the weather is a little warm you can put your bonsai outdoors.
2. Watering depends on the type of plant you are growing. Water the plant thoroughly to ensure that the roots get an adequate amount. Also make sure that you have proper drainage as there should be no accumulation of excess water.
3. You should make sure that your bonsai gets enough light. It is best to keep your bonsai away from direct sunlight between 11 Am to 2 PM, when the sun is at its brightest. Indoor tropical bonsai need at least 12-16 hours of light a day.
4. You need to provide appropriate nutrients to your bonsai. For this purpose you can use mild fertilizers that contain trace elements. Feed your bonsai during the growing season and not during the dormant period.
5. In the beginning you should not fiddle with your bonsai. Avoid pruning it unnecessarily. Just look after watering and make sure that all sides get enough light.
6. Repotting is important as bonsais that are not repotted will eventually lose their health and might die out. Repotting needs to be done annually and maybe bi-annually in Spring.

Once you have mastered the basics about bonsai you will see your confidence grow. With each passing year, your bonsai will take a beautiful shape in its container and give you immense pride and satisfaction.