Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees
Bonsai plants, the result of an age old tradition, are an attractive addition to any home. 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. The reason for this is that they aren’t getting the advantages that come from exposure to outdoor weather conditions and natural sunlight. 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. Monitoring how frequently it is watered is also important. Your bonsai plant will also thrive if kept in a well ventilated area. The water requirements of your bonsai plant will depend on what type it is. The soil is also another important factor. Some bonsai plants or trees require damp soil, whilst others survive well in a drought. Your plant might need to be misted. 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. 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.
May 23 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »