Planting and Caring for Cannabis Bonsai: A Complete Guide

Cannabis bonsai is the practice of training a cannabis plant to look like a traditional bonsai tree. The word bonsai is a Japanese Term literally translated means, “planted in container”. With its smaller size, cannabis bonsai is an excellent alternative for people who want to grow and nurture plants but don’t have much space. Bonsai trees can be grown indoors or outdoors, and it’s one of the easiest plants to train into a traditional looking tree. These plants demand less maintenance than other types of bonsai since they are so hardy. Even beginners who are new to growing bonsai can master this technique with ease. Keep reading for everything you need to know about planting and how to grow a cannabis bonsai!

What You’ll Need

First, you’ll need to choose which type of cannabis plant you want to grow. There are three main types of cannabis plants that can be grown as bonsai: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid plants. Indica varieties tend to grow shorter and bushier. Sativas tend to grow taller and have more leaves. Hybrid plants are a cross of the sativa and indica varieties, so they have a mix of the traits of both plants. After you’ve selected the cannabis plant you want to grow, you’ll need to select the right bonsai pot and grow medium. A basic bonsai pot can be purchased at a garden center where you’ll also find the growing medium, which is usually a mixture of soil and other ingredients like sand or peat. Make sure your chosen bonsai pot has holes in the bottom so excess water can drain away.

Step 1: Choose the Bonsai Location

Next, you’ll need to decide where you want to start growing cannabis bonsai. Indoor growers can create a bonsai anywhere in their homes where there is enough light for the plant to thrive. If you live in a colder region, you can grow your cannabis bonsai indoors year-round. If you live in a warmer climate, you can grow your cannabis bonsai outdoors during the warmer months. Outdoor growers will need to choose a sunny area for their bonsai. Make sure to select a spot that gets plenty of sun but is also safe from strong winds.

Step 2: Preparing the Bonsai Soil

When it comes to cannabis bonsai soil, a good rule of thumb is to select a soil that’s looser than what you would use for regular cannabis cultivation. This is because the soil will need to be able to hold a lot of water, yet still be loose enough to drain out of the bottom when needed. For the best results, you can mix some organic materials into your soil for extra nutrients. You’ll want to thoroughly soak the soil before planting your bonsai tree, to help absorb nutrients.

Step 3: Water Your Cannabis Plant

Watering your cannabis bonsai trees is one of the most important steps in its care. Unlike other plants, you should never let your bonsai dry out completely. Instead, water your cannabis every time the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. If you’re growing your cannabis bonsai outside, be sure to water it during dryer months, even if the soil feels moist.

Step 4: Trim The Leaves And Branches

Trimming the leaves and branches of your cannabis bonsai can help you create the classic bonsai shape you want for your plant. Some growers choose to remove all leaves from their bonsai, while others remove only the bottom leaves. Some growers choose to leave the top leaves on their bonsai cannabis plant because they help protect the plant’s buds when the plant is flowering. Many marijuana bonsai plants are trained to wind around a miniature wooden stake. Gently press the stake into the soil alongside the stem so as to avoid damaging the roots.

Step 5: Flowering And Reaping!

Many growers choose to grow their cannabis bonsai until the flowering stage, which produces buds. This can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on the strain you’re growing. You can tell when your plant is flowering when the leaves on the top of the plant start to grow long and thin. Once your cannabis plant has finished flowering, you can harvest the buds by carefully snipping them off with a pair of scissors. Once you’ve harvested your buds, you can choose to let your cannabis bonsai flower again or you can begin the process of re-growing your cannabis bonsai from seed.

Conclusion

Cannabis bonsai is the practice of growing a cannabis plant in a smaller container that mimics the shape of a traditional bonsai tree. This is a great option for growers who don’t have a lot of room for large plants or for people who want to experience the art of growing bonsai culture without having to spend years cultivating a full-size tree. Cannabis bonsai is the easiest type of bonsai to grow, and it requires minimal maintenance once your plant is established. Plus, it’s hardy and can survive in a variety of environments, making it accessible to growers everywhere. This guide should help you grow your own cannabis bonsai!