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Bonsai S.O.S.

© David J. Bockman

"Hi, I just bought a bonsai, and I want to know how to take care of it. I have no idea what type it is. How should I water it? I'm going to put it underneath my televison where I can see it all the time..."

So begins (or words thereabouts) about 5-10 emails or phone calls I receive per week. I must admit my enthusiasm for such questions has diminished over time-- perhaps cynicism has crept in, but I often wonder: What person would buy a living thing without at least a little prior knowledge on what that thing is and how to care for it?

No matter, I will into the breach once more, dear friends, or else close up our walls with bonsai dead. Step One: Determine what species and variety of bonsai you have. Do this by going to the nursery from which you purchased it and asking them-- but beware: Any nursery that does not tag their trees with clear ID and care instructions might not be worth returning to. Barring a return trip, contact your local bonsai club, society, or other reputable bonsai nursery. You can find many North American bonsai club listings on the American Bonsai Society's website.

After identifying your bonsai's species, read through my article here titled Understanding Your Bonsai's Needs. While you're at it, there are many other good basics articles here as well, please read them!

Should you wish, you mail email me a scanned photograph of your bonsai and I will do my best to tell you its type and basic care guidelines. You may also avail yourself of the archived message database of the Bonsai Listserv. Simply typing into the 'Subject' search field with your tree's type should elicit dozens of messages discussing its care and maintenance. Consider where you will keep your bonsai-- all bonsai do best outdoors-- tropicals may overwinter inside but they thrive in North American summers outside.

Next time: The Ubiquitous Juniper as Bonsai.

The copyright of the article Bonsai S.O.S. in Bonsai is owned by David J. Bockman. Permission to republish Bonsai S.O.S. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.