Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees
Bonsai plants are extremely attractive specimens of age old practice. Bonsais are highly attractive, so many people proudly display them in their houses. However, indoor bonsai plants require some extra maintenance. 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 certain types of bonsai are quite picky in their water and light requirements.
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. You also need to keep an eye on the frequency of watering. Bonsai plants will also be benefited if they are placed in a well ventilated area. The variety of bonsai plant that you possess will dictate how how often it requires watering. 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.
Misting your plant might be a necessity. Your bonsai will thrive with the extra humidity and the rainforest environment this creates. 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. It is important to repot indoor and outdoor bonsai plants anywhere from once yearly to every three years depending upon what kind of plant or tree it is. Another important consideration is maintenance of the branches so it retains its shape.
Cutting back on the amount of fertilizer during the cold months is usually recommended, depending on the bonsai variety. This is due to the fact that there are certain species of bonsai that hibernate during the season. This means that they don’t need as much nutritional supplementation as they do in spring and summer. Because of the artificial environment in which they are kept, indoor bonsais don’t experience the complete cycle of seasons.
It is also important to check indoor bonsai trees for pests and other anomalies. Spiders, mites and various other pests are very happy to make a home in your indoor bonsai. It’s best to gently and carefully clean the branches and leaves using either a damp, soft cloth or a soft brush.
By following these tips for bonsai care, your tree is sure to be an attractive feature of your home for years to come.
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