Pine Garden Bonsai -- New Bonsai Care Guide

Pine Garden Bonsai Co.

20331 S. R. 530 NE
Arlington, WA 98223
phone (800) 746-3281, (360) 435-5995; fax (360) 435-4865
bonsai@premier1.net

Three Week Intensive Care Program

A Guide for the Care of Newly Created Bonsai

by Kate Bowditch

Copyright Š1996 Pine Garden Bonsai

Remember: Your Bonsai tree has just been through "open heart surgery." Please do not ask it to show off for friends and family until it has had a chance to recover. Place it where the plant gets no direct sun, no wind and no direct heat.

For all newly created Bonsai:

1. Water only just enough to keep soil moist, not wet. Damaged roots can not pull water from the soil, but do need moisture in which to grow. DO NOT FERTILIZE.

2. Mist your Bonsai as often as possible -- 4-6 times a day if you can. Misting keeps the leaves/needles plump with moisture while the roots are healing.

3. Use Superthrive in your mister. This will give your Bonsai support during the healing process -- like chicken soup when you're feeling burdened.

After about three weeks, your Bonsai should perk up. You will see new growth and/or a general "awake" look to its leaves or needles. This means the roots are growing again. Now you can show it off.

Place your Bonsai in its growing spot and begin regular care (see our Bonsai Care Guide for details). Display your Bonsai on special occasions. They look wonderful as dinner table center pieces, or on a special table for themselves. Be sure to put them back in their growing spot after a day or so. This growing spot should be a place you enjoy being near, too: a patio railing, a table near a tree or back wall, or near a pond in your yard are all fine. Your Bonsai should be easy to water and easy to visit. Bonsai is for pleasure; make the most of it.

Go to our best in tools, containers, and stock.