Facts You Should Know in Growing an Azalea Bonsai

Do you want to grow and own a miniature tree? Azalea bonsai should be on top of your list. Azalea bonsai is a very beautiful miniature tree. It produces flowers which have five lobes, and they bloom during the late part of spring season. The flowers have brilliant colors, and will surely satisfy your eyes.

Sunlight

Azalea bonsai should get bright sunlight, and that is best acquired during morning because morning sunlight is not that intense for them. You should see to it that your azalea bonsai is transferred to a shaded place during midday and afternoon. Direct sunlight during midday and afternoon is not good for them because it can cause burning of its leaves. During summer season, you must also protect your azalea bonsai because the sun shines strongly at this period of the year.

Soil

A good soil mixture should be able to hold enough moisture and drain extra amounts of water because this will provide the required water to your little tree. It is recommended that you use a soil that is composed of 60 percent inorganic material and 40 percent organic material. Inorganic materials that you can use for your bonsai include gravel, Turface, sharp sand, scoria, perlite, Terra green, and decomposed granite. Organic materials that you can include in the soil mixture are fir bark, oak leaf mold, coarse peat moss, and pine bark. You can purchase a good soil mixture from garden centers and nurseries. But you can also make your own soil mixture based from the recommended soil components.

Bonsai Pot

Azalea bonsai should be planted in a container for miniature tree that has drainage holes underneath. This will facilitate draining out of excess water inside the pot that the soil cannot hold. Another reason is that this can also prevent water congestion because too much water can drown your miniature tree. Drowning can further lead to root rotting and is commonly manifested by weakening of your azalea bonsai.

Water

You have to give just enough water for your azalea bonsai. You don't have to give too much or too less water because both of them are bad for your growing miniature tree. Too much water will lead to root rotting, and too less water can lead to dehydration. You must check the soil on a regular basis because a dry soil will be your sign if you need to water your little tree.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer will assist the growth and development of your azalea bonsai. You should use a fertilizer that is made up of good quality materials. A fertilizer that is composed of equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied during the springtime. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks until the flowers have sprouted. After the flowering is over, you should apply the fertilizer once a month.

Repotting and Root Pruning

You should repot your azalea bonsai after the flowering is over, or when the roots have filled the pot. When you do pruning, make sure that you do it carefully because this may damage the roots. However, azalea bonsai respond well to hard pruning, but you should prune much harder at the bottom and sides, and carefully untangle the roots located on the top portion.


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Preston Blackmore is a Bonsai enthusiast. He has worked with local masters to learn everything there is to know about Bonsai. Now these years of research and development are at your fingertips. For more information on Azalea Bonsai, visit http://www.beginnerbonsaiguide.com.