VANCOUVER ISLAND BONSAI CLUB

General Bonsai Information

 

What is a bonsai?

A bonsai is a tree is nature in miniture.

 

What is different about Bonsai in Victoria?

We have different plants and a different climate here in Victoria. We teach traditional forms of bonsai but we also experiment with west coast styles of bonsai. These are bonsai styled like our native trees in our local forests. As well Victoria does not experience a winter, but more a long fall season. Our plants require minimal winter protection. We are geographically a rainforest. From October to April we enjoy our trees and rarely have to pick up the watering can.

 

Simple guide to bonsai care

1) Water it. Water your bonsai when the soil has mostly dried out. There are various ways to test when to water your plant. A dry pot is significantly lighter then a wet pot. Lift the plant up. Or dig into the soil with your finger. If the soil is wet, the tree does not need water. Check the soil every day in the beginning, it is easy to learn your plants requirements.

2) Trim it. When you bought the tree, you liked its shape. If anything grows past that shape, cut 2/3 of that new growth out.

3) Feed it. If you are unfamiliar with feeding plants, there are good, simple to use plant foods you can buy at any store with even the smallest plant section. If you are more ambitious, go to the plant nursery and browse their selection. Buy something with a picture of your kind of tree on it. Use either type of product at half the recommended strength.

4)Watch it. Your plant is alive. It will change all the time. But it kinda changes the same each year. Learn what your tree does at different times of the year. Then you will learn how to care for it more successfully.

5) Read a book about it. Learn more about bonsai. A bonsai will grow in beauty and value if kept healthy and properly trimmed.

*Only fig trees and olive trees and other tropical trees can be kept indoors over the winter. All other Bonsai trees need to be outside during the winter. These trees require the dormant period brought on by the cold weather.

*Hit the links for more details.

 

Home, watering, trimming, feeding