| Bonsai Care | | | | Once you have completed this task you need to use |
| Well, you have got the watering and feeding of the | | | | a small paint brush to remove any dirt that is stuck in |
| Bonsai down. Think you're home free. Not a chance. | | | | the roots. Soil tends to collect around the roots and |
| There are still things you need to do successfully to | | | | using a paint brush will help insure that you do not do |
| realize the full beauty of these little Japanese | | | | any root damage. This process helps the trees look |
| wonders. Since the care of the root system is | | | | and feel healthier. The next steps require a Bonsai |
| essential to the survival of the trees you need to | | | | comb. The roots need to be combed out and due to |
| know the how and when of re-potting your bonsai. | | | | the delicate nature of the trees it is doubtful that the |
| This is one of the many steps to proper Bonsai Care. | | | | use of a human comb would be advisable. You need |
| The importance of Re-potting | | | | to comb from the underneath and using scissors |
| The young bonsai trees grow quicker and need to be | | | | prune away up to 1 third of the roots. Once you |
| repotted about once a year. The older trees not so | | | | have done this you need to cut small wedges out, |
| often and eventually get to a point where repotting | | | | around the base of the roots. Sounds radical, but this |
| every 5 years is sufficient. Repotting should be done | | | | allows for fresh soils to collect and will keep your |
| in the late winter or early spring. This is when the | | | | tree healthy. |
| buds begin to swell. First, you should prune your | | | | Well if you haven't run away by now you probably |
| bonsai. Take away any unwanted or long branches. If | | | | won't, time for the last bit of Bonsai Care. Now that |
| your bonsai is kept outside it should be placed | | | | your tree is happily groomed it is time to prepare the |
| undercover for a few weeks before repotting. This | | | | pot. You should put a layer of grit on the bottom of |
| will help dry the soil. You need to carefully remove | | | | the pot and then what ever compost you have |
| the tree from its original pot. Check the root | | | | chosen to use. Now that its pot has been prepared, |
| carefully. If they are bound then it is definitely time | | | | our little friend needs to be positioned. Once you |
| to transfer it to another pot. If the roots still have | | | | have him sorted out begin putting in the soil. You |
| some space to grow (a few inches is sufficient) then | | | | have most likely figured this out by now but place |
| it does not need repotting. | | | | the soil in gently. Why? You guessed it, to avoid root |
| Remember, repotting at the correct time is essential | | | | damage. Hopefully the information that you have |
| for Bonsai Care. Place it back into its original pot. Now | | | | learned hasn't sent you running and your Bonsai trees |
| the fun parts. You don't simply stick the tree straight | | | | to the compost heap. There is a lot to learn and a lot |
| into a larger pot. Your tree has to be almost | | | | to do correctly to insure your tree makes it to adult |
| groomed before it moves into its new home. First, | | | | hood. It maybe easier just to have kids. Bonsai Care |
| the original surface soil must be removed from the | | | | is an art and it has been said that the care and |
| roots of the tree. This can be done by hand or by | | | | maintenance of these trees is an art form in and of |
| using a nylon scrubbing brush. Be careful not to | | | | itself. However, the rewards can be grand. The trees |
| damage the root system while doing this. This is a | | | | are beautiful when cultivated properly and you will |
| sure fire way to kill your tree and make all of your | | | | have the satisfaction of knowing that you have |
| previous Bonsai Care skills worthless. | | | | mastered the art of Bonsai Care. |
| Preparing the roots | | | | |