September marks the beginning of spring in South Africa, and bonsai enthusiasts should start noticing considerably more activity among their trees. Buds begin swelling, fresh leaves appear and growth accelerates as temperatures rise.
That makes September an important month for getting your bonsai ready for the growing season.
1. Watch your watering. Increasing temperatures and active growth can cause soil to dry faster. Check your trees regularly rather than relying on the watering routine you used during winter.
2. Start feeding appropriately. Trees entering active growth will gradually require additional nutrients, although feeding requirements differ between species and recently repotted trees.
3. Check new growth. Spring shoots can develop quickly. Monitor branches and begin planning where pruning, pinching or wiring may eventually be required.
4. Consider repotting. Early spring is an important repotting period for many bonsai species, particularly before vigorous new growth becomes established.
5. Watch for pests. Unfortunately, warmer weather encourages more than trees. Aphids and other unwanted visitors may become increasingly active.
Spring is one of the most exciting periods on the bonsai calendar. Spend time observing each tree individually and responding to what it needs rather than treating your entire collection exactly the same.