BONSAIAfter a tree or shrub has been chosen, it is pruned and wired for shape and design. Before planting it is given a final pruningon top, and the roots are also trimmed at this time. Wires mayalso be removed at the time of planting, depending on theamount of growth and the type of tree or shrub that is to beplanted. The BONSAI is then planted in a shallow dish or potwith proper drainageholes in the bottom.BONSAI prefer a bottomlayer of soil that is quitesandy in nature. The toplayer of soil should begood, clean earth, such asa good potting soilmixture. Then, if the fewbasic guidelines thatare printed here arefollowed, your BONSAIshould live for many years!

WATERING—Watering aBONSAI is very differentand extremely important!Watering must happenfrom the bottom up. Placeyour BONSAI in a tray ofwater to a depth half wayup the outside of theBONSAI dish. Let it soakuntil water appears on the top surface of the soil. Remember thatconditions for watering vary with the degree of dryness orhumidity, temperature, and the time of year. This rule should actonly as a basic guideline, as you may find the need to watermore or less as your conditions demand! BONSAI preferhumidity and a gentle, daily misting is good for them.

GROWING INSIDE—Growing a BONSAI indoors is difficultat best. They do not survive well in a house. They can however, begrown all year round in a greenhouse. Remember that BONSAIare almost always created from outside trees or shrubs.

GROWING OUTSIDE—Coastal regions or mild winter areas(zones where the winter temperature averages above32°F/0°C), can safely keep their BONSAI outside all winter.Colder, interior regions (zones with a winter temperatureaverage below 32°F/0°C), should carefully remove the BONSAIfrom its dish and plant it directly into the ground. This willprevent the plant or roots from freezing and your dishfrom freezing and possibly cracking! In the spring, once all

danger of frost haspassed, you can replantyour BONSAI.

SUMMER GROWINGMorning sun is alright,but try to avoid hot,afternoon sun. A shady,cool area is best in theafternoon. Remember towatch your wateringand mist daily.

WINTER GROWINGConditions in the winterare just the opposite.Some afternoon sun isfine, but morning sun isnot. Snow cover will notharm a BONSAI, soextra protection is notrequired.

FERTILIZING—From April thru to September, feed yourBONSAI with a weak dilution of water soluble plant fertilizer(i.e.: 20-20-20 in a mild solution.)

ROOT PRUNING—Further root pruning may be required after3 to 5 years. This will depend on the type of tree or shrub, theamount of growth and the amount of top pruning and growth.

*By following these simple guidelines your BONSAI should livewell and provide you with much happiness!

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