Caring for Your Indoor Bonsai

Bonsai plants are the stunning result of an ancient 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 bonsais. This is largely due to the fact that they don’t get the full range of benefits that sunlight and normal weather conditions provide. They may look to be quite hardy. 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. You will also need to monitor how often it is watered. Well ventilated surroundings will also keep your bonsai plant at its best. The variety of bonsai plant that you possess will dictate how how often it requires watering. Another key factor is the soil. Some bonsai plants or trees require damp soil, whilst others survive well in a drought.

Misting your plant might be a necessity. This creates a humid environment similar to a rainforest, which your bonsai will love. If you use a humidity tray, be certain that the pot isn’t placed directly in the water; instead it should be sitting on a stand or some stones.

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. Indoor and outdoor bonsai plants need to be repotted somewhere between every year to three years, depending on the variety. It is also important to maintain the branches to keep its style intact.

Depending on the type of bonsai, it’s important to reduce the amount of fertilizer you use during the winter. This is because some species of bonsai hibernate during this season. So they don’t require as many nutrients as in the warmer months. Because of the artificial environment in which they are kept, indoor bonsais don’t experience the complete cycle of seasons.

You also need to keep an eye on your indoor bonsai for pests and other irregularities. Spiders, mites and various other pests are very happy to make a home in your indoor bonsai. 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.

Popularity: 2% [?]