Outdoor Bonsai Homepage

Question: Does anyone know how to take care of an outdoor bonsai plant?

(Posted by: CD on 2007-11-27 12:15:44)

I live in New England, and it came with very brief instructions, and I've looked online and got conflicting instructions. Some say it needs to be kept outside all winter, some say to bring it in. I forgot it on my deck and it was cold out and all the leaves fell off, so I hope I didn't kill it already!!! Oh, It is a outdoor grape bonsai if that helps. Any advice would be appreciated!

Posted by: Bill on 2007-11-27, 12:23:16

I also live in New England (Boston) and the answer is leave it outdoors and let it go dormant. Just give it very little water until we get constant temperature below freezing, Put it in a shed or some protected area out of sunlight to prevent it from getting warm and then suddenly cold., doesn't need sun, fertilize or water at this time. It should have gone to sleep for the winter. Keep it out of the weather and in the Spring take it out and let Momma Nature wake her up and bring her back.

Posted by: Beebs LeGieu on 2007-11-27, 12:19:08

I'm not an expert, but a botanist once told me that feeding Bonsai plants a quarter cup of ammonia twice a week is a quick and easy way to keep it alive during the cold season.

Posted by: Diane B on 2007-11-27, 12:23:49

Why don't you call a florist or nursery in your area. They might be able to put you in touch with someone who can offer instructions on maintaining your Bonsai.

Posted by: Mike F on 2007-11-27, 12:33:43

I think you give it very little water, just a drop. I thought you need to have the plant stay indoors.

Posted by: Isadora on 2007-11-27, 17:04:45

Listen to Bill, a grape should be winter hardy and can stay outdoors. It lost its leaves because it is going dormant. Keep it in a protected place, like up against the side of your garage, or in a corner someplace. I cover my outside bonsai pots with a heap of mulch, just to put something between their root systems and the cold, insulate them some. Just the pots, not the tops. Make sure it doesn't dry out, if you have no snow or rain, check it once in a while. It should be fine.