Where should you keep your bonsai tree?

The answer to this question will vary depending on what variety of bonsai you have, however, it is recommended no matter what the species, keep it out of direct sunlight.

Ideally, your bonsai should be kept outside in an area that has shade through parts of the day. You can bring your plant inside if you want to display it, but only leave the plant inside for 7 consecutive days at the most.

Your bonsai needs to be brought outside in order for it to grow properly.

When indoors, I keep my bonsais in my kitchen, although not directly on the window sill. One of them is the centerpiece for the family's kitchen table. My kitchen is well-lit but not overpowered by the sun, so this tends to work well.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine if your bonsai is reacting well to the amount of light you give it. If within a day you notice it's wilting, move it to a room or position that receives less natural light.

Air circulation is important too. This is another reason I keep my bonsai in the kitchen. If it gets too stuffy, I can easily open a window. Additionally, my front door sends a breeze though the house in the direction of my bonsai tree.

How often should you water your bonsai tree?

Because you're a FANTASTIC bonsai owner, you know that you'll need to keep your bonsai tree outside more often than not.

Because of this, your watering routine will change with the weather. In long stints of heat, you'll obviously need to water your bonsai tree more often. A good indicator is to always check the soil for moisture. If the soil is dry, add water. conversely, if it is moist, hold off for a day.

I know, I know...it sounds like commonplace advice. The thing is, so many plantowners make the same mistake. They look at the plant to decide when water is needed rather than checking the soil.

That's the main factor that separates said "green thumbs" with plantowners that continuously lose their plants

Wintertime is the only season where you won't need to water your bonsai at all.

I'm fortunate in that I have a sprinkler system in my backyard and I keep my bonsai alongside a row of plants that gets watered automatically (just a bit) every fourth day.

If you're not quite so lucky, know that you rarely have to water a bonsai so long as you have some kind of precipitation and rainfall in your area. Watering in fact the least of bonsai maintenance. The real special care comes with grooming your bonsai plant - it's also the FUN part!

Do I need to use plant feed for my bonsai?

Although it's not required, your bonsai will grow best if you feed it fertilizer from the beginning of spring until the end of summer as the fertilizer is slowly washed away with continuous watering.

Oh my goodness, I said fertilizer! We must be getting into heavy plant care territory, huh? -- Definitely Not!

Don't let the word fertilizer freak you out. I'm not going to turn you into "Old McDonald" here. You can pick up a small plastic container filled with pellet-form fertilizer (called Osmocote) at any store that sells plants.

I recommend the one above because it's time release and you won't have to worry about putting too much in the soil by accident.

Why do I need to prune my bonsai?

Pruning or shaping the bonsai is the fun part. It's where you decide which direction and form your bonsai tree will take.

This is done by using pruning scissors and bonsai specific wires (bought at any plant nursery).

It's recommended that you prune or cut the green of the bonsai during the growing season between spring and fall.

The shaping and pruning of the wooded bark should be done during the plants dormant season in late autumn.

The first year you have your bonsai will seem like a rollercoaster of excitement as you get past all these phases, you'll be second guessing your watering and pruning techniques with reluctance and then newfound confidence.

When mid spring hits and you see the flowers on your bonsai tree blossom, it's like the little fella' is telling you you did a great job and you can feel good knowing you've nurtured your plant to awe-inspiring bloom.