Flower Lavender Rose

It was a dreadful sight. The leaves on my once beautiful dwarf juniper were turning brown and the tree which I had hoped to pass on to my daughter was beginning to die. What was I doing wrong in my care of bonsai trees?

Given proper care, bonsai trees can live for hundreds of years. In fact a properly maintained bonsai should outlive a full sized tree of the same species. Not only that, caring for bonsai trees is supposed to be a relaxing hobby and one that invokes a sense of calm and tranquility. But this was raising my blood pressure. The near demise of this living symbol of endurance was enough to reduce me to tears.

I'm known as quite a gardener and my flower beds are flourishing - so why was my bonsai dying?

Like any plant, the secret in the care of bonsai trees is in providing the right amount of water, air, light and nutrients. However, bonsais come in a huge number of varieties and each species has different requirements in terms of these vital ingredients.

Different trees have different requirements as far as light, water, fertilizer. Mine is a a dwarf juniper and I grow it indoors. I have now discovered it is crucial this tree gets at least two hours of direct sunlight a day. I am also careful not to place it near air-conditioning or a heater and to protect its roots from extremes of heat or cold. These were vital points for me to discover on my path to learning about the care of bonsai trees.

Proper care of bonsai trees involves a careful watch on the soil every day to make sure it hasn't dried out- but overwatering is also a definite no-no and is probably the "root"cause of my problem. Most trees die through dehydration but over-watering can damage plants nearly as quickly. The trick is finding the right balance. The Japanese, who mastered the art of bonsai many centuries ago, have an old adage - water thrice - once each for the pot, the soil and the tree.

Different soils dry out at different rates, different shaped pots also lose water at different rates, and different species of trees have different watering requirements, hence the need for a little specialized help when planning your care of bonsai trees. In order to develop a healthly root system to keep your entire plant strong and flourishing you must provide just the right amount of water. Bonsai can be developed from seeds or cuttings or from naturally occurring stunted trees transplanted into containers. They can range in height from a tiny five centimeters to over a meter tall.

Expert care is needed to pinch off new growth and encourage branches and trunk to grow into the desired shape, usually by wiring them into your chosen style. However this must be done carefully so that the wire does not bite into the flesh of the tree. Bonsai tree wiring is a reasonably advanced skill and it is a crucial element in the care of bonsai trees. It is crucial you don't remove too much of the root system at any one time - thirty percent a year is plenty.

You will also need to know how to prune the branches and roots and how and when to re-pot your bonsai. Pruning is seasonal, with most being done in spring or occasionally autumn. This is where an artistic eye produces the most pleasing results.

Bonsai is more a sculptural art form than straight gardening. The origin of bonsai trees can be traced back over 2000 years. The evocative beauty of a well-shaped tree can inspire feelings of calm and humility and a sense of timeless endurance as well as provide a focal point either inside your home or out on a patio. But who wants visitors to see a disaster?

As you can see, the basic care of bonsai trees, while not particularly difficult, does require some knowledge and skills. I arrogantly assumed I could do it on my own, but learned the hard way - killing off my first attempt. In order to avoid making the same mistakes, I recommend that you seek out some advice on the proper care of bonsai trees.

Good luck - and may you find great joy in your care of bonsai trees.

Stop subjecting your bonsai to a slow death and instead learn the proper care of bonsai trees here: Also, here's another 'must see' article about .