FoBBS - Bonsai Care

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Bonsai Care

Introduction

Growing bonsai is as straightforward as growing any containerised plant indeed that is the translation of bonsai; 'bon' a tree or plant, 'sai' a pot.

Bonsai are merely ordinary trees grown in a container to look like a fully-grown tree in miniature. As such their needs are the same as any plant principally the provision of air, water, light and nutrients.

The care advice given here has been condensed to keep your tree healthy throughout the growing season and over the winter. Should you be inspired to learn more, and we sincerely hope you will be, we can direct you to a number of sources of information.

Of course we would always advise you to attend your local bonsai society who have access to a range of experts and usually have an extensive lending library of bonsai publications. Furthermore, there can be no substitute for first hand practical experience that is often available during club meetings. Alternatively, FoBBS recommends any quality gardening book that describes the care of pot plants.

Otherwise, there are many good bonsai books on the market today that will help you until you gain in experience. Read the sections on watering and plant nutrition first.

Bonsai care can be considered under five headings:

Routine Care
Maintenance Pruning
Styling
Repotting
Winter Care

As is often the case in plant care, it is timing that is important to the application of a technique.

If you have any questions that arent covered in the above sections please view our FAQ or access our forum and post a question

Satsuki Azalea

Satsuki azalea are a species of rhododendron (R. indicum) used within a specialised area of bonsai that not only can produce some impressive tree shapes but has the additional seasonal interest of a spectactular flower display during the months of May/June. Flowering is so prolific that quite often the foliage is lost beneath the floral canopy but the most curious effect that is characteristic to Satsuki flowers is the mixture of flower colours and forms. There can be a single colour as well as flowers that are variegated coupled with various flower forms all on one plant. It can be quite striking when first noticed.

They attract such great favour in Japan that they have also inspired growers and bonsai artists here too. More detailed information can be obtained from the Satsuki Society

Meanwhile an article provided by the Chairman of the Satzuki Society can be read here to stimulate further interest.