Proper watering is critical. _ Feel the soil every morning. If the surface is dry or only slightly moist it is time to water. Water from above until the tree is thoroughly soaked. During hot dry weather your tree will need frequent watering. Direct sunlight and wind can cause the soil to dry out rapidly. Very small bonsai in small pots can sometimes dry out in a day or even hours, Be alert to changing conditions. Misting can be helpful when the air is dry. Misting should not be considered a substitute for watering. ALLOW THE SOIL OF YOUR BONSAI TO DRY DOWN BETWEEN WATERINGS, BUT NEVER ALLOW THE SOIL TO BECOME BONE DRY. TEMPERATURE Subtropical bonsai can tolerate summer heat with adequate watering. Most do best with winter temperatures between 45°F and 65°F. Freezing or near freezing temperatures should always be avoided. Most bonsai need to be grown in very g subtropical bonsai outdoors in the late spring sun, or morning sun is best for more varieties ones) can thrive in full sun. When indoors kee or very close to one. If you cannot provide suggest supplementing with grow lights. SUBTROPICAL AND OTHER INDOOR BONSAIT Subtropicals are plants native to climates with hot summers and mild winters. Many subtropicals make excellent indoor bonsai. These include: Serissas, Brush Cherries, Okinawan Hollies, New Zealand Tea Trees, Catlin Elms and many others. There is another group of plants which are native to temperate climates but which behave like subtropicals when grown indoors. The most notable of these are Kingsville and other dwarf Boxwoods and dwarf Hollics like the pagoda and Green Dragon. WATERING Air circulation is very important, so open the window on warm days. When you cannot open windows, we suggest using a fan for several hours a day. Keep your bonsai away from heat sources. Clean you bonsai once a week by removing dead or unhealthy foliage. Wash each time you water by running the water through the foliage. Misting is useful when the air is dry, as it provides extra moisture and helps keep the foliage clean. If you detect pests treat with insecticidal soap every three days until the infestation is cleared up. For serious infestations consult a professional. Your subtropical does best with frequent feeding during the growing season (spring, summer, and fall). We recommend organic rather than chemical fertilizer. We use Green King pellets. Scatter them on the surface or gently push them into the soil. Apply about one pellet per square inch of soil surface. Pellets last about two months. For a richer mix, supplement with Sea Mix or Squantos Secret every two weeks. Most bonsai need to be repotted every two or three years. Occasional trimming will also be necessary to keep your bonsai looking good. We recommend consulting a good book or a bonsai professional (or competent enthusiast) for advice. Thank you, enjoy your bonsai and don‘t forget to water. Many Subtreopical plants can make excellent indoor bonzai BRONTE VILLAGE MALL Lakeshore Rd. & Bronte Rd. Submitted by Clargreen Gardens REGAL AQUAVELVET ~â€"â€" Latex Eggshell Flat Enamel # Luxurious eggshell finish ® Applies easily s# Enamel durability ® Soap and water cleanâ€"up BRONTE PAINT & WALLPAPER Eroanchk aTSs â€"~><â€""<_"P « 4 aS ;gg\\‘ FGGSHELL to be grown in very good light. If you can, put your doors in the late spring summer and early fall. Filtered best for more varieties, though some (especially larger sun. 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