Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees
Bonsai plants are extremely attractive specimens of age old practice. There are many people who choose to have bonsai plants in their homes because of their beautiful appearance. However, extra care is needed for indoor bonsai trees. This is mostly because they do not receive the full benefits of natural sunlight and natural weather conditions. Perhaps they look like they can withstand anything. But there are some bonsais that are quite delicate with regard to water and light.
Watering Your Indoor Bonsai
When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving beforehand. Monitoring how frequently it is watered is also important. Bonsai plants will also be benefited if they are placed in a well ventilated area. The amount of water you give your bonsai hinges on which variety you have. Another key factor is the soil. Very dry soil works well for some species of bonsai, while some others prefer their soil to be quite moist. Your plant might need to be misted. This will help to create a rainforest humidity in which your bonsai plant will thrive. If you decide to use a humidity tray then ensure that the pot is not exposed to the water, but rather placed on some pebbles or a stand.
Bonsai Cutting and Pruning
Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Just because bonsais look ageless and timeless, this doesn’t mean they don’t keep growing. Indoor and outdoor bonsai plants need to be repotted somewhere between every year to three years, depending on the variety. Another important consideration is maintenance of the branches so it retains its shape. It is important, depending on the variety of bonsai, to cut back on the fertilizer during the winter season. The reason for this is that there are some types of bonsai that go into hibernation at this time. So they don’t require as many nutrients as in the warmer months. Bonsais kept inside won’t get the full benefits of seasonal cycles due to their artificial surroundings. You also need to keep an eye on your indoor bonsai for pests and other irregularities. An indoor bonsai is very attractive to mites, spiders and other pests. Carefully cleaning the branches and leaves with a soft brush or moistened cloth is the best approach.
By following these tips for bonsai care, your tree is sure to be an attractive feature of your home for years to come.