7 Effective tips to take care of bonsai plant in the fall season
Bonsai plant requires specific adjustments during fall season to prepare it for the coming winter months. Here are some effective tips to ensure your bonsai stays healthy and strong through the fall:
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Limit Watering: As temperatures cool down, bonsai trees require less water. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
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Adjusting Location: If your bonsai is outdoors, start thinking about moving it to a sheltered location as frost approaches. However, don’t bring it indoors too early, as it still needs exposure to cooler temperatures to prepare for dormancy.
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Pruning of Dead or Excess Growth: Fall is a good time to prune any dead branches or excess growth to shape the tree.
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Limiting Fertilization: Stop or reduce fertilizing during the fall. Bonsai trees naturally slow down their growth as they enter dormancy, and extra nutrients are not needed during this time.
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Look for Pests: Fall is a time when pests may plague your plant, so regularly inspect your bonsai for insects and diseases. Use organic or chemical treatments according to need.
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Protection against Frost: Depending on your climate, you may need to protect your bonsai from the frost. Use mulch around the roots or move the plant indoors if it is a tropical or subtropical species.
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Prepare for Winter Dormancy: Deciduous bonsai, like maples and elms, will shed their leaves and enter dormancy in the fall. Ensure they are kept in a cool place and not exposed to extreme temperatures.