How to Care for a Bonsai Tree

The art of growing bonsai trees originated in China and later grew to Japan. These trees are cultivated to look like miniatures of giant trees. If you don't follow a careful maintenance routine, your bonsai tree will grow into a large tree. Follow some simple steps to care for your bonsai tree.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place your bonsai in a position where it will thrive. Both indoor and outdoor types of bonsai have special care and light requirements. Be sure you know what they are before purchasing your bonsai.

2. Water your bonsai tree according to its needs. Some types need more water than others and maintenance differs according to natural elements, such as cold, heat, rain or wind. You may want to use a mister in dry climates.

3. Prune your bonsai tree, using scissors that will easily cut through the branches and leaves. Pruning will keep the branches and leaves small. Prune with your fingers if the leaves are small and the scissors leave an unnatural look. Pruning maintenance differs according to the size and species of the tree.

4. Remove small weeds at the bonsai tree's base with tweezers. Leave any moss growing there intact.

5. Feed your bonsai with commercial fertilizer year around. Use fertilizer with a low nitrogen content during the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, use fertilizer with little or no nitrogen so the bonsai can slow its growth and store energy for the winter.

6. Repot small bonsai trees every two to three years and larger bonsais less often. This repotting will allow the tree to obtain nutrients from new soil, and you can prune the roots, which keep the bonsai small. Repot during the winter because the bonsai is most dormant then and repotting will cause less stress.