Tips and Ideas for Outdoor Bonsai Trees
Far from being the exception, outdoor bonsai trees are actually the rule. Because of their size (and one misleading scene in the Karate Kid), many of us in the West are under the misapprehension that the art of the Bonsai tree is an indoor art. Traditionally, however, Japanese gardeners keep bonsai trees in outdoor gardens.
This does not mean, of course, that there are no indoor bonsai trees. Some savvy businesspeople in the in gardening trade have developed newer forms of bonsai trees for the indoor market. However, most of these works of art best suited to be outdoor bonsai trees.
Choosing the Right Bonsai Tree for You
The first step in taking care of outdoor bonsai trees is finding the right tree for you and your climate. If you call around, you will find that your local nursery probably has one or two varieties of bonsai tree. The best choice for beginners is the Dwarf Juniper; it is the hardiest and the most amenable to an unsure hand. Maples, ficus, elms, and cedars are also popular with beginners.
Some people make the mistake of buying bonsai seeds. Because you are dealing with actual trees for the most part, and not shrubs or regular garden plants, you will find that growing your own bonsai tree can take a long… long… long… time. In addition, the chances something will grow wrong in this early stage where the bonsai is most vulnerable are much higher. So rather than put in the time without any assurance that there will be any reward awaiting you, you should get a semi-mature bonsai at your local nursery.
Look to find a healthy looking plant, whose leaves are bright green and in no way damaged. Damaged leaves may be a sign of poor care or pests. Similarly, if you see any caterpillars or small insects on the tree, this could be a bad sign. Most reputable nurseries will have well cared for bonsai trees or will tell you if they have detected any signs of trouble.
Just as important, however, is to get a bonsai that matches your climate zone. Most traditional bonsai trees like a moderate environment with warm summers and moderately cold winters (Florida is too warm; Wisconsin, too cold). You will find some that are even more sensitive because they are meant for the indoors, although typically traditional outdoor bonsai trees don’t do well without natural sunlight.
Caring for Your Outdoor Bonsai
Once you get your bonsai back to your home, you will want to take good care of it. This doesn’t just include trimming it gently, but also taking other steps to ensure it thrives. The main one is watering it properly. One of the central reasons bonsai trees die while in the care of novices is because they water them improperly. Although you want to water your bonsai daily, you should avoid letting water pool in the container. You should pack the soil in your bonsai’s pot loosely enough that it drains well. Letting water pool will lead to root rot. For this same reason, you may want to bring your bonsai indoors or at least under a covering during the rainy periods.
On the other hand, you also want to make sure that you give it extra water on especially hot, dry days.
If you live in region with harsh winter months, you may need to bring your bonsai inside to keep the freezing temperatures from dealing it a fatal blow. The bonsai tree’s natural tendency to hibernate during the winter months will aid you in this process. However, you should be sure to keep your bonsai near a window so that it continues to get at least some sun.
Then you just need to remember to fertilize regularly and you should find that your outdoor bonsai trees do quite well!