Your First Bonsai
A majority of peoples first Bonsai are Indoor Trees. These are most likely tropical trees from Asia or the South America’s. The following points are for guidance, if you require more details see the book reviews.
Temperature
These trees should have a minimum temperature of between 6 – 10 C in the winter and summer temperatures of between 18 – 22 C. You can place these trees outdoor on a warm summers day.
Location
The ideal location to place your tree is on a east facing window sill or a bright north is second best. It’s best not too place your tree on a southern or western facing window as this will cause rapid drying of the soil with the heat of the afternoon sun, so be vigilant during the summer months if you have to place your trees there.
Misting and Humidity
Indoor trees should be misted at least once daily to compensate for the low humidity in homes. This is particularly important with winter heating. Avoid placing your Bonsai near a radiator, fire or hot air duct as no amount of misting will save your tree.
You can use a humidity tray to help your Bonsai stay moist. This is best done by placing some small pebbles (Aquarium gravel) on a tray and adding some water. Rest your Bonsai on the stones making sure its not sitting on the water. As the water evaporates, it will provide a more humid environment for your tree. Also remember that misting and humidity tray will not replace proper watering techniques.
Watering
Before you water your tree it is best to leave the water standing in a container to reach room temperature. I tend to collect rain water or use filtered water. If you have a high lime content in your water don’t use tap water on Azalea’s.
How do you know when to water?
Scratch or rub the surface of the soil. If the soil is wet leave it. if the soil is damp you can give some slight watering or soil misting and if it is dry, well it needs watering.
How to water?
The best method is to use a fine ‘rose spray watering can’ as you would use for watering seedlings. You can submerse your tree about once a month.
Do not over water your tree as you could drown the roots.
I purchased a Bonsai recently and the instruction make the point in bold letters ” DO NOT MIST SPRAY IT”
That’s very strange. The idea behind misting is to recreate the tropical humid environment and this can also clean the tiny leaves. Can I ask where you bought it?
Hi, I’m looking to get a Tea Tree Bonsai for my bathroom to help deter mould growth. Where is the best place to get one in Ireland?
Hi Louise
Tea tree bonsai, also known as the Fukien tree can be bought from one of the following:
In Dublin –
Bonsai Shop, Powerscourt shopping center of South William street, Available in stock: rect. pot size 15cm. 27cm. high, inc.drip tray €28. Rect . pot size 20cm. 34cm. high, inc. drip tray €38 to €44. Oval, pot size 24cm. 40cm. high. inc.drip tray,€48 to €57. Oval pot size 29cm. 45cm. high approx. Inc. drip tray €78 to €98 depending on thickness of trunk and shape. Rect. pot size 30cm. 50cm high, inc. drip tray €125. Also have specimen trees up to €250. They dont have a website.
Johnstown Garden Center, Naas road. Tree range in price from €25. These are not Bonsai specialists, so it would not be my first preference. They are online.
Suppliers in Ireland are very limited. I tend to import trees from Holland or England.
We added a new page for a Bonsai grower in Holland, who is also a Bonsai artists. Check out the following page. Jerry Norbury Shohin Bonsai
or any of the following shops in the UK.
Got Bonsai
Bonsai UK
Hope this help
Regards
Paul