Bonsai plants are extremely attractive specimens of age old practice. Because of their attractive appearance, lots of people like to have a bonsai plant in their homes. But some extra attention is required for indoor bonsai trees. This is mostly because they do not receive the full benefits of natural sunlight and natural weather conditions. They may look to be quite hardy. 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 will also need to monitor how often it is watered. Your bonsai plant will also thrive if kept 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. There are those bonsai trees and plants that need damp soil, while others do just fine with drought like conditions.
Your plant might need to be misted. Your bonsai will thrive with the extra humidity and the rainforest environment this creates. If using a humidity tray, be sure to place the pot on some small rocks or a stand so it isn’t directly immersed in the water.
Bonsai Cutting and Pruning
Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Even though bonsais appear to be frozen in time, the reality is that they continue to grow. 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. Maintaining the branches is also essential if you want it to hold its shape and style.
Depending on the type of bonsai, it’s important to reduce the amount of fertilizer you use during the winter. 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 should also watch out for pests and any unusual changes to your indoor bonsai tree. 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.
