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Over Winter Video Sample
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BONSAI CARE - Over Wintering

Type of Protection
  • Tropical and Subtropical species definitely need additional protection during the winter. The cold temperature will kill their small branches or roots if the appropriate care is not applied. In general, these species have shallow or no dormancy requirements and can be brought indoor if a suitable environment can be introduced in the house; i.e., if the light, humidity, and temperature are sufficient.
  • Temperate or cold hardy trees must go through a peroid of dormancy in order to survive. Trees in area colder than zone 8 must be winter protected. First let your plants experience the full brunt of cold to trigger their cold hardiness mechanisms; then begin by burying your plants in the ground up to their heel. Cover the pots and lower stems with mulch. After the first snowfall, cover the plants with snow and let them stay covered with snow all winter.
  • In case you do not receive much snowfall, the substitute plan is to build a cold frame to house your plants over winter. The cold frame should prevent the temperature from falling below 10F to 15F and should not rise above 40F-50F for any appreciable period of time. In very cold areas, heating cables can be installed in the floor of the cold frame.
  • Another method of freeze protection is to house your plants in an unheated garage, basement or any other structure for the winter.
The Need of Light
  • Dormant deciduous trees do not have leaves and do not need light until they begin to grow again.
  • Dormant evergreens do not need light as long as the temperature does not rise above 40F-50F for very long. Evergreens stored in the dark at temperatures around or below freezing (32F) will survive the winter nicely.
The Need of Water
  • When the temperature rises above freezing, one should take the opportunity to uncover the plants and check for dryness. Make sure that the bonsai is receiving water. Note that mulch has a way of shedding water so you plants may not get as much as it should.
The End of Dormancy
  • When the temperature consistently stays above 40F-50F, plants from temperate climates will begin to grow. It is time to introduce the dormant plants to sunlight. In some areas, Spring weather can fluctuate wildly and the plants must be prepared for sudden freezes.
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