How To Kill Your Bonsai

Posted by: TinyRoots / Admin in MyBlog on Jul 19, 2009

Tagged in: Bonsai Trees

Here are some surefire ways to kill your BONSAI or houseplant:

  1. Over Watering:
    The #1 killer of houseplants and BONSAI is over watering, which leads to root rot. Don't let your plants sit in water and don't automatically water all your houseplants on a schedule. Learn to know your bonsai and water when needed!

     

  2. Improper Watering & Salt Buildup:
    Giving your bonsai just enough water so the soil gets wet but is never allowed to drain, can lead to salt buildup which can inhibit the growth of your houseplants. You may not notice it until you start to see whitish crust on the soil or sides of the pot. It is best to SOAK your trees rather than water from them top!
  3. Low Humidity:
    Lack of humidity does in a great many indoor bonsai especially during the winter. You may first notice this as browing leaf tips. Humidity trays are a MUST. AND PLEASE DON'T TRY TO KEEP YOUR JUNIPER INDOORS!!
  4. Insufficient Light:
    Bonsai that are not getting as much light as they need will tend look pale, rather than a healthy green and new growth is spindly, as it reaches for the sun. Find a good window and make sure your trees get a MINUMIM of 4 hours of sun.
  5. Exposure to Drafts:
    Placing an indoor bonsai especially a tropical or blooming plant, near a frequently opened door to the outside or too close to a window with limited insulation will have the same effect as leaving the plant unprotected outside.
  6. Exposure to Direct Heat:
    Placing your houseplant near a direct source of heat ,like a radiator or duct, will not only fry your plant, but also speed up dehydration. See also number 3!!
  7. Ignoring Pest Problems:
    Indoor pests multiply quickly. There are no natural predators to keep them in check, so you have to be very diligent about checking for symptoms. Spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs and scale can cover a plant in days. If severe enough, the plant may never recover. Keep an organic pesticide such as NEEM available. Better to be safe rather than sorry.
  8. Allow it to Become Pot Bound:
    When a bonsai outgrows its pot, the roots circle around inside the pot and start to restrict themselves. Pot bound plants often seem to dry out more quickly than normal, because the ratio of roots to soil is too large. Check to see if your bonsai trees roots need to be trimmed once a year.