Caring for Your Bonsai Season by Season

Bonsai trees need a considerable amount care and attention. You need to regularly water, fertilize, repot, and prune (both branches and roots). Some of these tasks are carried out seasonally. For instance, you should repot and prune the roots either at the start of spring or the very end of the winter months. Here's a look at what's involved in caring for your bonsai, season by season.

Winter: In the wintertime, your bonsai needs to be protected from icy winds and cold temperature. Many people bring their outdoor bonsai inside for these months. If your winter isn't that severe, you might be able to leave it outside, but you will need to protect it carefully from wind and frost. If your bonsai inadvertently receives frost damage, wait until new buds appear before you trim or prune it again. Don't fertilizer your bonsai in winter. Remember to keep watering it, though.

Spring: Spring is the season when your bonsai will start to show new growth. This is when you'll want to do your repotting and styling. You'll prune the roots and repot towards the very end of the dormant season. As well, this is when you will fertilize it. Snip off all flowers that have finished blooming. Keep an eye on new buds and snip them off if they are distorting the shape of your tree. Check the requirements of your particular species to make sure you're trimming it properly.

Summer: Shelter your bonsai from too much sun exposure in the summertime. When you repot in the spring, put the bonsai in a larger pot so they have room to grow through the summer. Many people like to arrange their bonsai in a grouping. Just be sure to leave enough room between the plants for proper air circulation. Excessive growth at the top should be pruned frequently. Flowering bonsai will require high phosphate fertilizer during the summer months to keep them in bloom.

Fall: Prune your bonsai according to the requirements of your species. You can continue to give flower bonsai high phosphate fertilizer. Some species should be wired in the fall.

Your level of commitment and effort that goes into caring for your bonsai will be reflected in a healthy, attractive plant. The satisfaction you'll receive from a successful bonsai tree will be worth it all and more.