How to Grow Bonsai Trees Fast

Keeping plants in the house, such as a bonsai tree, can be an inexpensive yet productive and rewarding hobby. House plants generally do not require a lot of maintenance, and can really spice up the atmosphere of your home. If you are aiming for speed in growing your bonsai tree, however, there are certain precautions and maintenance measures you can take in order to get your tree sprouting at the fastest rate it can.

Things You'll Need

• Watering can
• Water
• Fertilizer
• Pesticide

Instructions

1. Place the planted bonsai tree in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least four hours each day. Experts at bonsaigardener.org estimate that bonsai thrives fastest and healthiest when it is kept at a temperature at or higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours.

2. Water the bonsai tree every day, until the soil is most to the touch. Bonsai trees grow fastest in soil that is kept moist at all times.

3. Fertilize the bonsai plant every three weeks during the growing season, from early spring to later fall. Follow product instructions regarding dilution; be sure to dilute the fertilizer properly based on the size of the potting plant you used or else you risk burning the bonsai's roots with too much fertilizer.

4. Re-pot your bonsai plant every two years in the spring, before the growing cycle begins again. Use the same type of soil and planting pot as you did before, so that the bonsai is used to its surroundings. When replanting, trim at least a third of the roots from the end to make sure they are not crushed in the pot and are healthy to absorb nutrients. Depending on the size of the roots, you may need to trim more to fit it into the pot.

5. Check your bonsai tree at each watering for signs of pest infestations. Because of the constant watering the plant needs, it easily attracts insects. Treat any signs of infestation with a small dose of pesticide.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not fertilize the bonsai plant in the winter, as this is the time for the tree to rest and prepare for the next growing season. If you are unsure about what type of fertilizer to use for a bonsai tree, consult an expert at a garden center or nursery.

• If the soil is already moist to the touch when you go to water your bonsai tree, do not water it, as you run the risk of rotting the roots with too much water.

References

• BonsaiGardener.com
• NotSoBoringLife.com: Growing a Healthy Bonsai