WHERE TO POSITION AND DISPLAY

Bonsai prefer to be outdoors with the exception of a few plants and trees e.g. Chinese Elm, most Fig varieties, Black Monkey Thorn and Azaleas. Dappled shade, under a tree or shade cloth is best. Indoors, a well ventilated, sunny, north facing room will keep your plant happy.  Avoid direct sunlight, whether indoors or out. When deciding how to display your plant, remember that a bonsai is best viewed at eye level, so avoid the floor.

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WATERING

Always use a small watering can or jug (not copper) to avoid disturbing the upper layer of soil. When this surface feels and looks dry, saturate the soil until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. In summer water daily and every second or third day in winter. There are few exceptions such as, Baobabs and Kiepersols, which must only be watered when the soil is completely dry. Never stand the pots in water so that the roots become water logged. Roots need to breath. Spraying the foliage with water helps to keep pests at bay and maintain a healthy plant.

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FEEDING

Pokon Bonsai Food, Seagrow or Nitrosol, diluted according to the instructions, should be used to fertilize the damp soil every second week during full leaf growth, usually August to April. Do not fertilize during winter or for two months after root pruning and re-potting.

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PRUNING AND STYLING

The plant should be shaped and styled in early spring with regular pruning and leaf nipping throughout the year to reduce leaf size and maintain the compact growth. Cut back to two leaves from branching point and only nip off the growth point.

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ROOT PRUNING AND RE-POTTING

This is only necessary every two to four years depending on the plant. Once the leaf buds form in early spring the roots can be trimmed by removing the larger roots from the root ball with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife. 25% of the soil should be removed and replaced with new bonsai mix. Plant back into the same pot or a slightly bigger one.

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PESTS AND DISEASE

Malathion and Funginex are recommended for the treatment of pests and disease diluted as per instructions on the container. Do not use aerosol sprays.