Bonsai General Care and Maintenance
A well cared for bonsai can become a very rare and valuable friend. Some become, like fine works of art,
priceless commodities. And, of course, these trees must be properly cared for. Such care should include
the correct soil mixture, watering, fertilizing and repotting when needed.
Bonsai Watering
Probably more trees die as a result of improper watering than any other single cause.
The best way to determine when to water your tree is to stick your finger through the moss into the soil.
If the soil is damp and cold, do not water the tree that day.
Only water the tree when your finger stays dry and the top of the soil is starting to dry.
The lower roots will still be moist but this is a good signal to water your tree. When the soil becomes
watered properly, water will just begin to drip through the drainage holes.
A garden hose with a sprayer attachment or a water container with a similar attachment are the
most effective and expedient methods for watering Bonsai. Always water through the foliage.
The spray in any case should be fine enough so the surrounding soil is not eroded away.
Fertilizing Bonsai
Use a good fertilizer designed for bonsai. Eve's Garden has designed Bonsai Master Fertilizer for your bonsai. This
is a mild 7-8-6 formula with everything you need to make your bonsai thrive.
Where to Keep Bonsai
Bonsai should be kept in a well-lighted area shaded from the direct sun. Some excellent locations include a
covered patio or porch which has filtered sunlight, outside under a big, shade tree or in a specially designed
nursery shade-house. Bonsai may be brought inside for short periods, three or four days, and then placed outside
for an equal period of time.
Even though most bonsai can withstand temperatures down to freezing and colder, we recommend that they be
brought inside during severely cold weather and kept in a room near a window without the drying effects of a heater.
In northern climates a well-lighted garage or a room in the house that is not heated are acceptable locations for the
severe winter months as this will force your tree to go into a dormant state.
Please remember that bonsai is not a house plant and needs a balanced diet of fresh air, natural light and
water to remain healthy.
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