BASIC CARE - The everyday needs of a Bonsai are exactly the same as those of any other plant.It must never be allowed to dry out; it needs nourishment and a good growing mixture for the roots to develop. It needs air and light.No Bonsai should ever be kept permanently indoors. Indoor display of Bonsai is generally done for special occasions and should not exceed two or three days per month. Most Bonsai should be placed at a location where it receives morning sun and not hot afternoon sun. Bonsai need trimming, repotting, insect and disease control.
TRAINING - Wiring is the most important training technique and is used to bend the trunk and branches to the required shape. Gentle bending of a branch before wiring will increase it’s flexibility and indicate the correct wire to be used .Tender barked trees should be wired with paper wrapped wire to protect the bark. Deciduous trees should be wired after their leaves have matured in early summer, and wires removed in autumn to avoid wounding the bark.
FEEDING - Plants are to be fed with a weak liquid organic fertiliser at intervals of two weeks during Spring and Summer. Solid organic fertilisers may also be used.
PRUNING & TRIMMING - Pruning creates and preserves the desired shape of the plant and also helps to keep the leaves small and encourages the growth of flower buds. Heavy pruning should be carried out in Autumn,winter or early Spring, and is the major way of shaping a Bonsai. General pruning is to be done throughout the growing season by cutting back new shoots.
REPOTTING -Bonsai generally should be repotted every two to three years, during late winter or early spring, prior to the appearance of new growth. A pot the same size, or slightly larger, should be used. . At the same time,the root ball should be pruned and any dead growth removed.
WATERING - In Summer Bonsai may need watering once a day,in Winter, perhaps only once a week. The amount of watering needed depends on the dryness of the soil.Avoid watering in the heat of the day.Use a watering can with a fine rose.
PESTS - Any insect pest likely to attack a tree growing wild will also attack a Bonsai specimen.Aphids are particularly troublesome, but heavily diluted insecticide will control insect pests. Ants and worms disturb the soil surface and the former encourage herds of aphids.Both can be removed by plunging the whole tree into water for 24 hours. Wood lice hide under pots so lift them regularly for inspection.Regular spraying with cold water will discourage insect attack.
Bonsai Calendar
What you can do to maintain and improve your bonsai and when
December - Water and feed regularly,trim and watch the bugs
January - Check and remove wires,water and feed regularly
February - keep watering but stop feeding, reduce trimming
March - Growth at a standstill, only nitrogen-free fertiliser
April - Deciduous trees lose leaves,water if necessary
May - Remove wiring carefully, check all plants for pests
June - Water only if necessary, do not feed.
July - Dormant period for most trees and shrubs.
August - Prune hardy deciduous trees, prepare for repotting
September - Wire deciduous trees and repot most trees.
October - Prune most trees, end repotting and watch insects
November - Start feeding and light trimming, water regularly.
Remember - The most important factor in keeping your bonsai alive is to never let it dry out. Keep it moist!

Training Bonsai More information and picture to be included soon.
Shaping Coming soon	Pruning Coming soon	Bonsai home

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