Assignment 20 - Erin

How To: The Care and Keeping of a Bonsai Tree

Cultivating and caring for a bonsai tree is traditionally a zen practice, meant to better the mind and body. Taking time to garden allows for discipline and meditation for the mind; and being in the company of nature allows for bodily health benefits such as cleaner oxygen. If you are considering taking up bonsai gardening as a hobby, I strongly urge you to evaluate your self-discipline skills. If anything, caring for the tree will improve them. Bonsai trees thrive when kept in a routine.

1. Placement: Your bonsai’s proper home will depend on the exact species of tree, but the most common trees require several hours of direct sunlight daily. My tree (Hiroki) sits on a stool in front of a large window in my bedroom which receives direct light pretty much consecutively on any given day.
   
   
2. Watering: Again, exact specifications for your tree’s watering schedule will vary from breed to breed, but most need watering every 2 to 3 days. In order to water your tree properly, it must be kept in the right type of pot. The pot must have drainage on the bottom, this allows for excess water to escape and makes the watering process quite simple. To begin, fill a baking tray with 1-2 inches of water. Place the tree’s pot in the tray of water. The openings in the bottom of the pot will allow water to be absorbed up through the soil for the tree. Allow the tree to rest in the water tray for around one hour or until the soil is a dark chocolate color and damp to the touch.
   
   
3. Pruning: The key to maintaining the classic look of the bonsai tree is the pruning. Every tree has its own shape, but in order to maintain that shape and keep the bushy look, you must prune the tree. You can prune by pinching off the new growths on the tree every 6 weeks or so. While it’s not necessary to prune daily, this step is crucial to keeping your bonsai looking and feeling its best.