How to Care for an Indoor Bonsai

A bonsai plant is a striking reminder of a longstanding art. Bonsai trees are very striking in appearance, so there are many who feature them in the home. You need to give your indoor bonsai trees some special attention since it's not able to benefit from direct sunshine and the effects of outdoor weather. Although they might look quite hardy, a bonsai can be very delicate, requiring precision watering and lighting.

Watering Your Indoor Bonsai

When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require sufficient lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving outdoors. It's important to place your tree in a location with good ventilation. How frequently you water your bonsai will depend on what kind it is and the condition of its soil. Some plants or trees need to have damp soil while others thrive well in spite of a drought.

Your bonsai tree will thrive in high humidity, which can be achieved by regular misting. You can use a humidity tray, but be certain that your pot is placed on some small rocks or a stand, and not sitting directly in the water.

Pruning and Cutting

The indoor bonsai tree will still need to be regularly pruned and cut to maintain its appearance. Bonsais often appear changeless; however, they are definitely a living, growing tree. Both indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai need to be repotted anywhere from once a year up to three years depending on the kind of tree. In addition, the branches must receive proper care so they keep their shape.

Depending on what species your bonsai is, you will need to cut back on the fertilizer when it is winter time. The reason is that some bonsai varieties go dormant at this time and don't require as much nutrition as they do in the warm seasons. Your indoor bonsai might not fully experience the whole cycle of seasons because it is in an artificial environment.

You need to be on the lookout for pests and other irregularities that might appear on your indoor bonsai tree. Because they are inside, they will be quite attractive to spiders, mites and other outdoor insects. It is best to gently clean the leaves and branches of your indoor bonsai plant with a damp cloth or a brush.