How to Plant a Mini Bonsai Tree
An ancient Asian art form, bonsai translates to "dwarf tree in pot." Bonsai trees are miniature replicas of their full-grown counterparts, from the trunk, branches and leaves to the flowers and shape. Trees such as juniper, Japanese maple, Austrian pine, ficus and the willow oak make attractive miniature bonsai plants. The roots are trained to maintain the dwarf nature, and the tree is planted in a shallow pot that encourages proper growth. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shallow container
- Dish soap
- Kitchen towel
- Pea gravel
- Pruning shears
- Gardening shovel
- Bonsai soil
Instructions
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1
Clean a container in warm, sudsy water and rinse thoroughly with water. Bonsai are sensitive plants, so be sure there are no chemical residues remaining in or on the pot. Dry it thoroughly with a towel.
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2
Fill the bottom of the container with a shallow layer of gravel, which will assist in adequate drainage.
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3
Remove the bonsai from its original container gently.
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4
Prune the existing roots to within ¼-inch of the root ball.
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5
Position the miniature tree slightly off center in its new container. Unless the pot is round or square, the tree should not be planted in the middle of the container because an off-center plant is easier to train in the bonsai style.
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6
Shovel enough bonsai soil over the gravel and around the tree until a mound surrounds the trunk, training it to stand upright. Bonsai soil is formulated to nourish the truncated roots. It typically includes a mixture of organic material, sand and loam that encourages drainage and special care of the shallow root system.
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7
Water the tree to settle the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your tree is away from strong winds and direct sun for the first few months after potting.
Fertilize the bonsai monthly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stephen Schauer/Lifesize/Getty Images
