SUMMER CARE OF YOUR BONSAI

 By Vijay Chamundeshwari

Summer is here and we cool our systems with coconut water, avoid going out during the hours of maximum heat. We even take a cool shower or stay indoors with our aircon switched on while we rest watching our favourite TV shows. What about our little green bonsais that are fixed to the pot and stay put in which ever place they have been kept. They need our utmost care and do listen to us unlike our kids who despite our warnings run into the open to play in the scorching heat. Let us list out some points to care for our bonsai plants in this scorching summer days.

1.Never repot or style or fertilize your bonsai during these summer months. Exception is succulents like Jade and Adeniums.

2.Cover the soil with brick pieces, mulch, wood chips, gunny bag bits or even old T-shirt.

3.Watering should be done either before 8am or after 4pm. If watering in the morning wet only the soil. If there are any droplets on the leaves the sun might scorch them and cause burn spots. In the evening the entire plant can get a nice cool shower.

4. April is the last month for fertilizing. During summer, just watering will do.

5. Shift plants under the shade of larger trees or balconies. If in the terrace or any open area, shade net of 50% can be used to protect them from direct heat.

6. The tray beneath the pot can have some water in it to maintain humidity. Make sure the pot has blobs underneath to prevent root decay.

7.Keep the plants crowded together to retain coolness and humidity.

8. Segregate plants that need more water from those that need less in comparison. This makes it easier while watering.

9. Keep a close watch on every plant. Watch out for ants under the pot or on the plant. If they are already infested with ants place the pot in a tray of water and they will all drop into it. If you notice them earlier a sprinkle of Gammaxene powder will keep them away.

10. Remember to remove all wires from the plants as they might get heated and lead to die back of branches.

    Remember these little trees are like our babies that need all our care. A little bit of tender talk and touch too does wonders to them. They might not talk but they do listen. Shower them with all your love and watch the magic unfold.