The following is a basic overview of the needs of your bonsai.

In all areas of Australia except the coldest climates most bonsai should be kept in an outdoor setting, as in nature trees grow outside with natural sunlight, good air circulation and exposure to the elements, so to will your bonsai feel most "at home" outside.  

There are 3 primary elements required for your bonsai to thrive.  Sunlight, water and food.  Depending on your climate and the species of tree, your bonsai will require varying levels of direct sunlight through the day, this will range anywhere from a couple of hours of morning sunlight up to full sun for the entire day, but all trees do require a period of direct sunlight each day and good
ambient light for the rest of the day to flourish.  Of course the size of your tree will also affect the amount of sunlight it will need.  Smaller trees will obviously dry out faster than larger trees, and as such should not be placed in direct sunlight for extended periods.

In Japan apprentices to the bonsai masters can often spend several years learning to water bonsai at the optimal rate.  While it can be a little tricky, and again will vary with each species, a good general rule to use is to water only when the top 2cm of soil is dry.  We have had many bonsai brought to us in a poor state due to over watering.  As many bonsai are killed by being "loved to death" and over watered, as are killed by a lack of water.  If the roots of your tree are not
allowed to dry out a little between waterings you will make your bonsai susceptible to root rot, which as the name suggests is rotting of the roots.  Trees in larger pots would need to be watered less often than those in smaller pots.  Of course this will depend a lot on the climate you live in.

As your tree is grown in a pot with limited space for the roots to absorb natural nutrients, you will need to "feed" your tree on a regular basis.  I recommend using a quality slow release fertilizer such as osmocote or green jacket at the recommended rate, both during potting and also at the
recommended intervals between potting.  Also during the growing season an application of liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength is desirable.  I like to alternate between several different liquid fertilizers such as fish and kelp and thrive.  These should be applied about every 2 weeks between the start of spring and the end of summer.

Potting Instructions

-         Start by removing your tree from the growing pot it is in.

-         Using your root rake, begin loosening the soil from around the roots. To do this, start at the bottom, and rake in an outward direction from the centre, underside of the root ball. Leave as much soil around the base of your tree as possible at this time. Also the fewer roots that are damaged or removed, the greater the success rate for your bonsai.

-         Once you have removed enough of the soil for your tree to fit comfortably into its new bonsai pot, (you may need to remove any overly large roots at this time) you can now begin to position your bonsai.

-         Place a layer of the soil provided into the bottom of your pot. Then place your tree in its desired position in the pot, ensuring that the soil level will be the same as it was when your tree was still in its training pot.

-         You may wish to pass some thin wire through the drainage holes and use it to secure the tree in its desired position. (This is not always necessary but may be if you do not have an advanced root ball).

-         You can then proceed to place the remaining soil around and over the roots, ensuring that there are no pockets of air.

-         Water your bonsai well using a very fine mist or rose, or alternatively we recommend a watering ball. (As available at our website www.rockypeakbonsai.com)

-         Sit back and enjoy your creation, which, with the right care and attention could well last for centuries.

Wiring Instructions

-         Begin by carefully studying your tree material and picturing what you would like your finished bonsai to look like.

-         Select your desired front of the tree (remembering that, to allow for the movement in the trunk to be seen, and also to give the feeling of ‘openness ‘, you should not have a branch extending straight out at the viewer until 2/3 of the full height of the tree).

-         Remove any unwanted branches

-         Trim branches back to the desired length

-         You can now begin to apply the wire. Starting a little under the branch to be wired, (so as to get at least two loops around the trunk to anchor the wire) and wrapping the wire at a 45-degree angle, continue to wire the branch to the very end.

-         Repeat this process with all the branches to be wired – if the branch is already in the position you want it, do not apply the wire.

-         You should now pot your tree. (If required)

-         At this point you are able to position your branches to complete the shape you have envisioned for your tree.

-         If you wish to bend a branch more than a few degrees, you will have to do this in small steps over a period of time, or you risk breaking the branch.

-         In conclusion, whilst wiring a bonsai for the first time can be a daunting and tricky, if you take your time and are as careful as possible you should have a large percentage of success.

*** Remember to remove the wire before it becomes too tight and cuts into the bark of the tree.

**** If you have any specific questions we are only to happy to help, drop us an email at admin@rockypeakbonsai.com, we will respond promptly and endeavour to assist you.