Zelkova serrata (Bonsai)

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Bonsai tree fertiliser

Feed this plant with a specialist bonsai fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed bonsai

Bonsai require careful feeding, depending on the variety. Follow advice from a Bonsai expert and the manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water spring-autumn when compost is dry, sparingly in winter

Water when the compost is dry, allowing the compost to dry between waterings. Water the plant sparingly in winter, dribble a little water onto the compost every now and again, so that it stops growing and has a "rest period".

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Make compost moist with rainwater

Water until rainwater comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging, a cause of "root rot".)

Indoor temperature · Planting

Varieties vary but avoid sudden temperature changes

The temperature required for Bonsai depends upon the variety of tree, some are from tropical regions, while others are from temperate climates. For both types, avoid temperature changes and cool roots. Check your variety for the correct regime.

Compost · Planting

Bonsai soil mixture

Bonsai trees need to be grown in a specialist soil mixture. You can buy Bonsai compost, or mix your own according to a Bonsai soil recipe from an online Bonsai specialist site.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).