Bonsai trees are basically miniature versions of trees that are grown in containers or pots. The word bonsai means “potted plant”. For those who like to research the history of plants, bonsai trees got their start in China during the Han Dynasty.

If you are looking to add an eclectic mix of plants to your landscaping design, then outdoor bonsai tress are an excellent choice. They are beautiful in their own right and do not involve too much time or care. Read on for the basic steps involved in caring for your outdoor bonsai trees.

First Step

Where you choose to place your outdoor bonsai tree is an important decision for its growth. Bonsai trees are outdoor tress that thrive when the weather is cold, wet and snowing. These trees become dormant for approximately a three month period that starts somewhere around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Take the bonsai tree out of its container, and plant it in the ground. Make sure to take care to plant it where it will be exposed to the elements of cold, rain and snow but still protected from the sun and the wind.

Once spring returns, dig up the tree and put it back in its pot and sit it where it has access to plenty of sunlight. Keep it there throughout the summer and autumn months. If you have a garden, balcony or deck these are all excellent locations for the bonsai tree to sit.

Second Step

Once winter arrives, water your bonsai tree at least once a week, but no more than that. The rest of the year you can water it as often as you feel it is required. Never allow the soil to get extremely dry. Outdoor bonsai trees that are exposed to lots of sunlight during the daytime hours may necessitate that you water them daily. This is largely dependent upon the type of soil you use and the size of the pot that the tree is in.

Third Step

Outdoor bonsai trees require fertilizer at least once a month. This is especially the case when the tree is housed in a pot. Any kind of fertilizer spray is fine but dilute it with water so the potency of it will be approximately half. Use fertilizer all seasons of the year with the exception of the winter months.