How to Care for an Indoor Bonsai

A bonsai plant is a striking reminder of a longstanding art. Because bonsai trees are so attractive, many people love to display them in their houses. You need to give your indoor bonsai some special attention since it's not able to benefit from direct sunshine and the effects of outdoor weather. In spite of their hardy appearance, some bonsai plants may be fragile when it comes to light and water.

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. Your plant will also benefit if it is placed in a well ventilated area. 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. A humidity tray may be used but make sure that the pot is not exposed to the water but is instead on some pebbles or a stand.

Pruning and Cutting

The indoor bonsai tree will still need to be regularly pruned and cut to maintain its appearance. A bonsai tree might appear to be frozen in time, but that doesn't mean it's not growing. A bonsai tree needs to be repotted somewhere between one to three years, depending on the type, whether it's an outdoor or indoor plant. As well, you'll need to give proper maintenance to the branches in order to preserve its distinctive style.

In the wintertime, you'll likely have to reduce fertilization, depending on the type of bonsai you have. This is because some tree species hibernate during the season and do not need as much nutrients as in warmer months. It's harder for an indoor bonsai to truly experience the seasonal cycles due to its simulated surroundings.

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.