How do I care for my bonsai?
Q I have grown these bonsai from seeds. They are 4in (10cm) tall. Could you advise me which compost to use and what size pot to transplant them into? When should I transplant them and when should I feed them? Also, how much watering do they require?
G Boldero, Pontypridd, Wales
Well done! Your seedlings appear to be those of European larch (Larix decidua). Ideally, in April, transfer them to specially fired shallow bonsai pots, 6in/15cm in diameter, setting them in a compost mix, by volume, of 3 parts Akadama (hard-baked Japanese clay granules), 3 parts pumice and 3 parts lava rock. Porous compost and good‘feeders’. Then repot your plants in fresh compost. Additionally, feedthemwith half-strength liquid fertiliser every three weeks from April to September.
