Going on Vacation??
Care on Vacation
Bonsai is both a soothing, stress-relieving hobby, as well as a commitment to the horticultural care needed to keep your tree alive. When going on vacation there are a few things to consider to ensure proper care of your tree while you are away.
Weekend Away
If you are only going to be away for 2-3 days your bonsai should be more than fine staying home alone during the Fall to early Spring. If you are leaving for a few days during the Spring to Summer months (growing season) water your Dwarf Jade thoroughly before you leave and sit the tree in a container with approximately one inch of water. As you are gone, the tree will still be able to draw water from the bottom, and you should return to a happy tree.
Depending on the time of year, it is important to plan for the possibility of temperature changes inside or outside while you are away that can have a negative effect on your tree.
If you are going away in the winter, you may keep your house cool to save energy; try to place your tree in a warmer spot with bright window light. If your tree is outside during summer months, make sure your tree is protected from intense heat, wind, or rain that may negatively affect your bonsai. Bring your bonsai indoors to a bright window, or move it to a shadier spot.
Also make sure any free roaming pets and woodland critters are not able nibble on your tree while you are away.
Longer than a Weekend
If you are going for a vacation longer than a few days you may want to consider some of the following options to make sure your tree is alive and well when you return:
The first is to bring it with you. Part of what makes bonsai fun is the ability to hold a tree in your hands making it mobile. If you are driving to your vacation destination and can safely transport your tree with you, not only will it become a fun ‘mascot’ for your journey, it will also ensure you can seamlessly provide the best care for your tree while on vacation.
A second option, when leaving for a week or more, is to think about leaving it with a responsible caretaker or hire a plant sitter. If employing this option make sure to refer your responsible sitter to the care information provided here: https://bonsaibar.com/blogs/tree-care. Some local plant or bonsai stores/nurseries may even provide this service.
If both of the above options do not seem feasible, results can not be guaranteed when considering the life and health of your plant. Remember that your tree loves all the light you can give it, especially in the Spring and Summer months. During those Spring/Summer growing months it will gladly drink water every day and during the more dormant late Fall/Winter months it enjoys water every 2-3 days.
Leaving your tree in a warmer/sunnier place sitting in, but not submerged in, water may help your tree draw up the water it needs when you are away. If not receiving the care it needs typical responses include: large internodal spaces between new leaves, leaves growing larger to try and gather more sunlight, loss of leaves and branches and eventually the tree may die.
Vacations can be amazing and rejuvenating, but ensuring your tree is happy is the key to continued growth and development. If you have any questions regarding what may be best for your situation, please feel free to contact us.
Happy Trails and Bonsai on!
