How To Grow A Bonsai Tree: The Worst Mistakes You Can Make When Growing Your Bonsai
It is a sad fact, but beginners, when trying to grow bonsai for the first time, may end up killing their trees. Bonsai is an art, a skill and a science. These are the worst mistakes you can make when growing a bonsai tree.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 1: CHOOSING THE WRONG TREE FIRST
While it’s true that almost any tree can be in the form of a bonsai tree, you should choose a plant that will thrive in your home conditions. Talk to your local garden center or nursery gardener and make sure the tree you choose is suitable for the soil, sun, wind and moisture conditions of your own garden.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 2: EXCESSIVE WATERING
Watering a bonsai may seem like the most basic and easy part of bonsai training, but under or over watering can kill or seriously damage many trees. The key tip is to check your bonsai’s water requirements daily, BUT only water if necessary. Watch to see if the compost surface begins to dry out before watering. It can take anywhere from 12 hours to up to 7 days before they need water, depending on temperature, wind, weather, and humidity levels.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 3: EXCESSIVE PRUNING
Pruning back to shape is necessary, but don’t start cutting every leaf that looks out of place. To keep your bonsai plant healthy and vigorous, it must be able to grow freely at times. Bonsai trees also need enough leaf for photosynthesis to occur.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 4: GROWING IN POTS AT THE WRONG TIME OF YEAR
Don’t do big jobs, such as transplants or major stylistic changes, at the wrong time of year, as this can lead to poor tree health.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 5: DOING TOO MANY THINGS AT THE SAME TIME
It is important not to cause undue stress on the tree by performing several operations at the same time. Let the tree rest between wiring and replanting, for example. Plants are living beings. Just like a human being needs time to recover from surgery, just like a bonsai tree. A good rule of thumb is to wait one to three months after a transplant before starting work on the tree again. And keep a close eye on your bonsai, making sure you see clear signs of vigorous growth and good health before you start your next major job.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI ERROR 6: PLAY
It is a great temptation for beginners and even seasoned professionals to continuously tinker with their bonsai creations. Cutting pieces here and there, continually watering, spraying, moving, replanting, etc. Regular water and health checks are necessary, but if everything seems fine, resist the urge to mess around.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 7: IMPATIENCE
Sometimes the hardest part is just letting your bonsai grow and “do its thing”. Get used to the fact that bonsai plants take time to grow. You are not talking about weeks but years, even decades.
MISTAKES IN BONSAI GROWING: THE FINAL WORD
Even if things don’t go as planned, don’t give up. Bonsai trees are generally hardy things and can withstand over-pruning, over-watering, and other bugs. Follow our instructions on how to grow a bonsai and avoid the common pitfalls that novices often commit.
Remember, this is a trial and error hobby. With patience and experience, you will be able to grow a beautiful bonsai that you can enjoy with great satisfaction for years and years.
