Indoor Bonsai Basics
One of the beautiful things about bonsai is that it can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Some will argue that they should be only grown outdoors, that it is part of their history, and that it should be maintained as such.
There are some bonsai though that can only be grown indoors do to the need of closely monitored temperatures, sunlight, and humidity levels.
Tropical and Mediterranean species are a couple of such indoor bonsai.
Even those traditionally grown outdoors can thrive indoors as well with the right climate control.
Wood stemmed or wood trunk based trees require the natural cycle of seasons with the winter season the tree going doormat.
The same effect can take place with an indoor wood-based bonsai by placing it by an open window, seasonal room, or in a north-facing window for a few months during the cold season.
In working with indoor bonsai, it is important that your bonsai get at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
If a southern facing windowsill is not available for your bonsai to get direct sunlight, a plant light can be substituted used 12 inches away from your bonsai for 18 hours a day.
Humidity is necessary for your tropical and sub tropical indoor bonsai.
This can be achieved by placing your bonsai on a large tray that has flat stone in it filled with water.
You do not want the container actually touching the water so make sure the flat rock you place the bonsai container on rises above the water line.
You want the water you put in the tray to totally evaporate daily.
This will prevent unwanted insect problems as well as algae growth.
Water your indoor bonsai as needed, check your bonsai daily as the amount of water needed may vary depending upon the heat in your home, humidity level, amount of foliage, root absorption, and light level.
Paying special attention to the needs of your particular species indoor bonsai, no differently then you would your outside bonsai and with some simple modifications and tender loving care, your bonsai can thrive in the indoors as well as out.
Some will argue that they should be only grown outdoors, that it is part of their history, and that it should be maintained as such.
There are some bonsai though that can only be grown indoors do to the need of closely monitored temperatures, sunlight, and humidity levels.
Tropical and Mediterranean species are a couple of such indoor bonsai.
Even those traditionally grown outdoors can thrive indoors as well with the right climate control.
Wood stemmed or wood trunk based trees require the natural cycle of seasons with the winter season the tree going doormat.
The same effect can take place with an indoor wood-based bonsai by placing it by an open window, seasonal room, or in a north-facing window for a few months during the cold season.
In working with indoor bonsai, it is important that your bonsai get at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
If a southern facing windowsill is not available for your bonsai to get direct sunlight, a plant light can be substituted used 12 inches away from your bonsai for 18 hours a day.
Humidity is necessary for your tropical and sub tropical indoor bonsai.
This can be achieved by placing your bonsai on a large tray that has flat stone in it filled with water.
You do not want the container actually touching the water so make sure the flat rock you place the bonsai container on rises above the water line.
You want the water you put in the tray to totally evaporate daily.
This will prevent unwanted insect problems as well as algae growth.
Water your indoor bonsai as needed, check your bonsai daily as the amount of water needed may vary depending upon the heat in your home, humidity level, amount of foliage, root absorption, and light level.
Paying special attention to the needs of your particular species indoor bonsai, no differently then you would your outside bonsai and with some simple modifications and tender loving care, your bonsai can thrive in the indoors as well as out.
