By Patrick Desnoyers
So, you have watered your plant everyday, showered it with love, affection and as much fertilizer as it can handle. But anything alive is susceptible to diseases and attacks from parasites. In the case of your growing bonsai, there are also ounces of prevention to help keep your beloved bonsai in excellent shape. These are just some additional safety measures that will benefit you and your bonsai plant.
There is no denying on the fact that diseases and insect attacks when left untreated can make your bonsai deteriorate and even die, at extremely worst cases. Fortunately, you don't need to spend too much to keep it out of that peril. Armed with your aplomb and determination to keep your growing bonsai, you can proceed to do the following steps.
First thing you can do to keep your bonsai insect and disease-free is to keep it healthy. Like humans who choose to eat healthy, your bonsai must also have the right nutrients in its body. The adage Garbage In, Garbage Out hold true even for rearing your bonsai plant. If you keep your bonsai free from any other elements which are detrimental to its health, it will not be prone to attract insects and disease which will worsen its plight.
There are three elements that are also needed in abundance to keep your bonsai alive and kicking: ventilation, light and air. These three things do not cost a dime, but they will spell the difference between having a growing bonsai and having an insect-infested one. A bonsai plant that thrives with ample supplies of these natural elements becomes stronger and less likely to succumb to any disease or insect which prowls about to devour it.
While you are in the business of pampering your plant, check the soil every once in a while. Look out for fallen leaves, which when left lying on your soil, can attract insects. Keep everything clutter-free as frequently as possible. Soil should give your plant enough space, and it won't have enough space if there are a dozen of leaves accumulated above it. Insects love taking cover on those fallen leaves, and you do not want to be willing party to providing them that luxury.
If you are still not at peace after having done all those natural techniques, chemical intervention may also be employed. Insecticidal soap sprays are usually harmless to humans, and they come quite cheap. However, you must be wise enough to choose the right brand of insecticidal spray, read its instruction sheet or whatever that will aid you in its application and be dedicated to do it regularly on your plant. Applying insecticidal spray isn't a one-time big time thing. If you can commit to being consistent in it, it's better to resort to the previously mentioned natural techniques of keeping your bonsai growing and staying alive.
About the Author: Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com , has been practicing bonsai for over 8 years. Found a distinct interest in propagation, especially seeds. Mishobonsai.com sells tree seed and provides bonsai tree informations.
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