An increasingly popular hobby is the cultivation of bonsai trees. An affordable pastime for many, it is both relaxing and rewarding. It is also not too tricky to achieve some wonderful results, with some beautiful looking types available, perfectly easy to tend to from home.

There are a host of types of tree to choose from. Some of the most popular include the Bald Cypress or the Chinese Elm. Junipers and other fruit trees are also popular. While many of these require one or two special things to help them along, the basics are the same across the board, as this guide will hopefully explain.

The first thing to consider is where to position your bonsai. They like to be located in warm areas as a rule, though too much direct sunlight will not be good. They can be susceptible to burning if given too much direct sunlight, much like many other indoor plants. It is always good to have a couple of locations where you display them, to optimize the amount and the way in which they get appropriate levels of light.

The single most important thing is to get the watering right. They should never be allowed to dry out completely, so checking on a regular basis is always good. The soil they are in should be moist to the touch, but not sodden. Once a day is generally good enough, though in hotter periods it won't hurt to check a little more often.

It is best not to stick to a regular schedule with watering, as this most certainly runs the risk of over watering. A great tip in this regard is to pick up the tree. A light tree will need watering, whereas a heavier tree will most likely not need so much. Having a water mister to hand is always good to give them a little pick up if you are not sure.

Another way to decide whether watering is needed is through a water meter. These work by taking a measure of the water content in the soil, and are a quick and effective way to determine whether watering is needed. This is most certainly a good idea if you go on holiday, and you have a friend or family member looking after your bonsai trees for a few days.

As important as correct watering is, there are other concerns to be mindful of. One of the most important in this regard is the type of soil used. Potting soil and top soils used in regular household plants is not suitable for the majority of bonsai trees. Specially formulated bonsai soil is lighter, and allows for far superior draining and moisture retention; essential for a healthy root system.

As important as the right soil is the right fertilizer. In this regard though, standard products used for general plants is usually fine. When buying whichever is your preferred choice, however, it is necessary to ensure that potash, phosphorous and nitrogen are included in the mix.

Pruning is fun and necessary. The major task associated with looking after bonsai trees is in their pruning. This helps to get those wonderful shapes synonymous with them of course, but will also help boost the strength of the root system, and the overall health and vitality.

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