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Anyone can grow bonsai!

Many of the bonsai grown and sold in malls or garden centers have lived their entire lives in high humidity greenhouse environments. We call these plants "Mallsai." _They are lush green from foliar feedings and have overgrown their containers. Through no fault of the new owner, they cannot adapt easily to their new environment. If you fail the first time, don't give up, but do keep these conditions in mind:

Location - Many newly purchased bonsai are placed indoors without adequate sunlight, or placed on top of a television or in a sunny window without circulation. Bonsai should be placed outdoors in full sun or partial shade depending on the needs of the plant and the climate.
Watered infrequently or erratically. _Bonsai need regular watering and the container should not be allowed to dry out. _Deep waterings are the rule, but do not keep the soil soggy. _Learn more about watering in the ***FAQ***
Over/Underfertilization. Trees manufacture their own food. _They do need trace minerals and nitrogen, but more trees are killed by well-intentioned overfertilization than ever died from lack of fertilizer. Learn more about fertilization in the ***FAQ*** under fertilization.
Overgrowth - A tree's size must be kept in balance with its container. _As the tree grows, the root system, which is constrained by the container will be unable to keep pace. If the tree is not repotted or the top growth pruned, it will eventually succumb. Most often, it will dry out and die. If you find your bonsai is drying out rapidly between watering, it may already be too large for its container.
Lack of repotting - Over time the soil will become compacted by watering and the container will fill with older, inefficient roots. The soil needs to be replaced by transplanting the tree, and the roots pruned slightly to encourage the maintenance of healthy feeder roots.

4-Feb-2002	#2
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,737	BONSAI MYTH#7: My Bonsai died/I can't grow bonsai Anyone can grow bonsai! Many of the bonsai grown and sold in malls or garden centers have lived their entire lives in high humidity greenhouse environments. We call these plants "Mallsai." _They are lush green from foliar feedings and have overgrown their containers. Through no fault of the new owner, they cannot adapt easily to their new environment. If you fail the first time, don't give up, but do keep these conditions in mind: Location - Many newly purchased bonsai are placed indoors without adequate sunlight, or placed on top of a television or in a sunny window without circulation. Bonsai should be placed outdoors in full sun or partial shade depending on the needs of the plant and the climate. Watered infrequently or erratically. _Bonsai need regular watering and the container should not be allowed to dry out. _Deep waterings are the rule, but do not keep the soil soggy. _Learn more about watering in the *FAQ* Over/Underfertilization. Trees manufacture their own food. _They do need trace minerals and nitrogen, but more trees are killed by well-intentioned overfertilization than ever died from lack of fertilizer. Learn more about fertilization in the *FAQ* under fertilization. Overgrowth - A tree's size must be kept in balance with its container. _As the tree grows, the root system, which is constrained by the container will be unable to keep pace. If the tree is not repotted or the top growth pruned, it will eventually succumb. Most often, it will dry out and die. If you find your bonsai is drying out rapidly between watering, it may already be too large for its container. Lack of repotting - Over time the soil will become compacted by watering and the container will fill with older, inefficient roots. The soil needs to be replaced by transplanting the tree, and the roots pruned slightly to encourage the maintenance of healthy feeder roots. __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!