How to grow a bonsai tree: the worst mistakes you can make when growing a bonsai
It is a sad fact, but beginners, when they first try to grow a bonsai, may end up killing their trees. Bonsai is an art, a skill, and a science. These are the worst mistakes you can make when growing a bonsai tree.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 1: CHOOSING THE WRONG TREE IN THE FIRST PLACE
While it is true that almost any tree can become a bonsai tree, you should choose a plant that will thrive in the conditions of your home. Talk to your local garden center or nursery gardener and make sure the tree you choose is suitable for the soil, sun, wind, and humidity conditions in your own garden.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI ERROR 2: EXCESSIVE IRRIGATION
Watering a bonsai may seem like the most basic and easiest part of bonsai training, but watering too much or too much can kill or severely damage many trees. The key advice is to check the water requirements of your bonsai daily, BUT only water if necessary. Look to see if the surface of the compost begins to dry out before watering. It can take 12 hours to 7 days before they need water, depending on temperature, wind, weather, and humidity levels.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 3: OVER PRUNING
Pruning is necessary to regain shape, but don’t start cutting every leaf that seems out of place. To keep your bonsai plant healthy and vigorous, it must be able to grow freely at times. Bonsai trees also need enough leaves for photosynthesis to occur.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 4: RESTART AT THE WRONG TIME OF YEAR
Don’t do major work like transplants or major remodeling at the wrong time of year as this can lead to tree health problems.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 5: DOING TOO MUCH THINGS AT THE SAME TIME
It is important not to cause undue stress on the shaft by performing multiple operations at the same time. Let the tree rest between wiring and replanting, for example. Plants are living beings. Just as a human needs time to recover from surgery, just like a bonsai. A good rule of thumb is to wait one to three months after a transplant before starting work on the tree again. And keep an eye on your bonsai, make sure you see clear signs of vigorous growth and good health before starting your next big job.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI MISTAKE 6: PLAYING THE VIOLET
It is a temptation for beginners and even hardened professionals to continually play with their bonsai creations. Cut chunks and pieces here and there, watering, misting, moving, replanting, etc. Regular checks are needed for water and health problems, but if everything seems fine, resist the temptation to waste time.
HOW TO GROW A BONSAI ERROR 7: IMPATIENCE
Sometimes the hardest part is just allowing your bonsai to grow and ‘do its thing’. Get used to the fact that bonsai plants take time to grow. You are not talking about weeks, but years, even decades.
BONSAI’S GROWING MISTAKES: THE FINAL WORD
Although things may not go as planned, don’t give up. Bonsai trees are generally hardy and can suffer from some overpruning, overwatering, and other bugs. Follow our instructions on how to grow a bonsai and avoid common mistakes newbies often make.
Remember this is a trial and error hobby. With patience and experience, you will grow a beautiful bonsai that you can enjoy with great satisfaction for many years.