If you like gardening and you like bonsai or want to start growing these small trees, there are certain things you should know to have success in your care assured. Although it is not an easy task to learn the millenary art of caring for these small trees, there are some basic concepts to cultivate an olive tree bonsai correctly so that it develops and stays alive as long as possible.
Simple tips for growing a bonsai with success
Here are 10 simple tips on the cultivation and care of olive bonáis, focusing on the most important aspects of their cultivation. If you follow these guidelines to take care of an olive tree bonsai, you will make your small tree live as long as possible and always look spectacular:
Irrigation: it is the most important factor of all and in which more errors are usually commented. Olive bonsai needs water regularly and it tells you when you need it because it will have dry soil when you need water again, so touch the ground to know if you should water it. Never let the earth be completely dry. Although in winter they do not need so much watering, you should not neglect it.
The fertilizer: it is the bonsai food and therefore it is very important that you give the nutrients you need, so make sure you buy a suitable fertilizer for these small olive tree bonsai trees. In fertilizer there are three key elements: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Make sure these nutrients are not missing from your bonsai when you need them.
The species: as in nature there are different species of bonsai, each of them has different characteristics and, therefore, require very specific care. Advise yourself on the characteristics and needs of the bonsai species before choosing a specific one and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
The time of year: bonsai require much more care in seasons that favor their growth than, for example, in winter. Although this depends on the species of the tree, since there are some such as the tropical ones that require care all year round. In winter you should be more careful with the cultivation of your bonsai and avoid some things that may involve an effort such as transplants.
Location: you must take into account the place where you are going to locate your small tree, since this varies according to the species, for example, the Acer palmatum or Japanese maple requires a lot of protection against the wind.
Temperature: tropical species grow best in hot climates or with high temperatures, while other species require periods of cold. Because of this, it is vital that you inform yourself about the species you acquire.
Pests and diseases: like any plant, they require phyto-sanitary treatments. There are some very common pests that you must know how to identify and eradicate.
Transplant: the transplant must be carried out regularly and is one of the most delicate phases when caring for a bonsai. The frequency with which it is carried out varies according to the bonsai species. As a general rule, when the tree is transplanted, the roots are pruned to ensure health.
Pruning and wire fencing: keep in mind that these are miniature trees and, therefore, should be pruned from time to time, just like large trees. The wiring allows to give shapes and styles to the bonsai and it is a technique that requires a lot of care since the tree can be damaged.
The substrate or soil: like any tree, bonsai depends on its roots to live so we must provide the nutrients and water they need to be healthy. The soil must be porous and well drained to avoid puddles. You can do the substrate yourself or buy it already done.
