BONSAI HOUSE

Bonsai House wants you to be successful with your Bonsai. Bonsai means 'miniature landscaping' in Chinese. The art form originated in China over 2000 years ago and was introduced to Japan around 1000 A.D. The following describes a few simple procedures to keep your bonsai healthy and beautiful for your enjoyment and appreciation.

These are general care instruction.

HOW TO WATER
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Proper watering is the key to bonsai maintenance. Over or under watering will kill the plant. It is impossible to prescribe a fixes watering schedule as water requirements vary with temperature, humidity, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

The rule of thumb is to water when the soil turns dry (when it turns beige or brown in colour). The best watering method is to submerge the bonsai in a container fitted with water about 2/3 's of the height of the bonsai pot (see figure to right).

The bonsai soil acts like a sponge and soaks up water through the hole at the bottom of the pot. The bonsai should be left in the container until the surface of the soil is moist (ie. turns dark in colour).

FERTILIZING

Bonsai soil has little nutrients in it. As a result, you should fertilize your bonsai twice a month in the spring and once a month in summer and fall. Fertilizing is not needed in winter.
Consult the Bonsai House expert for the appropriate fertilizer for your plant.

PLANT LOCATION

Here are some hints for you to choose where to place your bonsai:

  1. Bonsai grows best in an outdoor environment. Tropical plants (typically those bearing flowers or fruits) should be left outdoors throughout spring and summer. Hardy plants (typically evergreens such as pine and juniper) should be left outdoor all year (winter protection required).
  2. Most tropical plants need lots of sunlight throughout the year. Therefore it is best to place them near sunny windows in a warm room during the winter.
  3. Keep the bonsai away from heat sources such as heater, register, or TV top and cold window glass.
  4. Do not place your bonsai near an air conditioner or at a very windy spot.