Can Bonsai Survive Winter

Tropical bonsai expect warm or temperate weather year round. Bonsai trees are not houseplants but rather trees that should be grown outdoors in all seasons. However as the saying goes knowledge is power and a simple understanding of some basic principles of horticulture can save you the heartache of losing a plant over the winter period.

how to prune a juniper bonsai how to take care of a money tree bonsai how to start bonsai tree how to take care of bonsai ficus ginseng how to prune juniper bonsai tree how to shape a bonsai tree video how to repot a bonsai tree how to start bonsai

Benefits Of Growing Bonsai Plants In Your Home Bonsai Plants

White Pine In The Snow Bonsai Tree Pine Bonsai Bonsai

Bonsai Medium Rock Juniper Bonsai Tree From Easternleaf Com The

Five Species That Make Great Indoor Bonsai Indoor Bonsai Bonsai

Sierra Junipers In The Snow Bonsai Juniper Bonsai Alpine Tree

My Winter Hazel Corylopsis Spicata In Full Bloom It S Getting

When it s cold the snow will cover your bonsai and protect a layer of insulation to the roots.

Can bonsai survive winter. Use snow to your advantage. By following the proper procedures most cold climate bonsai can survive the harsh elements quite successfully. More important is that bonsai trees from temperate climates need their period of winter dormancy but most species need some protection from frost and strong winds during that time. Without experiencing the winter temperatures bonsai trees will live only a few years.

The main reason is that bonsai trees are planted in small pots and therefore have limited storage for nutrients and water. On the days where the temperature rises above 32 degrees fahrenheit the snow will melt and provide water to the roots. If you have a tropical subtropical bonsai and expect a cold winter with plenty of freezing temperatures snow and ice it will need to be moved indoors for protection. To keep trees dormant throughout the winter open up greenhouses when these warm up during sunny winter days.

It s quite possible that your bonsai can overwinter with almost no care whatsoever. Bonsai however have their entire rootsystem above ground level in an often shallow pot where the soil is easily affected by prevailing air temperatures. Once a tree starts to grow it is very vulnerable to freezing temperatures buds easily die which significantly impacts the health of your bonsai. If you have the space a basement set up under lights will work.

Most hobbyists living in less than tropical climates grow tropical trees outdoors in late spring through the summer and bring them indoors for the winter. For your conifers and hardy deciduous bonsai snow can be your best friend in winter. During the warm part of the year from about may to mid november your bonsai should be kept outdoors in conditions specific to your species. The top growth of trees in nature however is subject to the full force of winter and is able to withstand temperatures far lower than the rootsystem ever could.

Specific care of outdoor bonsai species. They are therefore the most at risk of damage or death during cold weather as they re simply not built for it. Subtropical bonsai trees can withstand somewhat lower temperatures and generally thrive when they enjoy a winter season with temperatures well below that of the standard room temperature. See the page on growing bonsai trees indoors.

To summarize make sure to select the right tree species and take into account the specific care guidelines for indoor trees and you will do just fine. A beautiful japanese zelkova bonsai tree in winter the ramification is incredible. A small greenhouse may be ideal.