Table of Contents
A lot of people think Bonsai trees belong indoors.Indoor Bonsai tree care has a lot of myths floating around. One big one? People think Bonsai trees belong indoors.
Most Bonsai should actually be outside. They need to experience all four seasons, just like regular trees.
Here’s the exception:
- Tropical Bonsai trees
- Subtropical Bonsai trees
Which Indoor Bonsai Tree is Best?
When it comes to indoor Bonsai trees, the Ficus Bonsai stands out. It’s the easiest to care for, especially for beginners. This tropical tree handles low humidity well and is incredibly resilient.
Other popular indoor Bonsai species include:
- Dwarf jade
- Fukien tea (Carmona)
- Hawaiian umbrella (Schefflera)
- Sweet plum (Sageretia)
Choose any of these trees, care for them properly, and your Bonsai will thrive indoors.
Indoor Bonsai Trees
- Ficus
- Carmona
- Chinese elm
Why Can’t I Keep Temperate, Nontropical Bonsai Indoors?
Indoor Bonsai tree care can be tricky, especially with temperate species. Temperate trees need a winter dormancy period. This dormancy is crucial for their annual growth cycle, wrapping up in winter and restarting in early spring.
Temperate trees go dormant when temperatures and light intensity gradually drop over several weeks. Indoor Bonsai species don’t get this shift indoors, so they can’t go dormant properly.
On the other hand, tropical and subtropical Bonsai trees don’t need this dormancy. They thrive in stable indoor conditions, unlike their temperate counterparts.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Bonsai tree light requirements: Gradual decrease needed for dormancy.
- Bonsai temperature requirements: Cooler temps to trigger dormancy.
- Bonsai humidity needs: Consistent indoor levels for tropical/subtropical types.
Remember, keeping a temperate Indoor Bonsai tree indoors skips the natural dormancy they need.
Indoor Bonsai Tree Care
Caring for an indoor Bonsai tree isn’t the same as looking after regular houseplants. Why?
Indoor Bonsai species, like tropical and subtropical Bonsai trees, are planted in small pots. This limits their nutrient and water storage.
These trees need a lot of light and high humidity, something hard to mimic indoors.
Light Requirements
The main challenge with keeping a tropical Bonsai tree indoors is the lower light intensity compared to outdoors.
Trees won’t die right away from low light, but over time, poor growth weakens them.
Place your Indoor Bonsai tree in a bright spot. Ideally, right in front of a south-facing window.
Even with a south-facing window, the light might still be too weak.
Boost the light with artificial lighting:
- Use fluorescent lights with growth-friendly spectra.
- Or, use LED lights for about 10 hours a day.
Humidity
Indoor Bonsai trees need high humidity, much higher than what you’ll find in your home, especially if you’ve got the heating or air conditioning on.
How to Increase Humidity for Indoor Bonsai Trees
- Humidity Tray: Place your Bonsai on a tray filled with water.
- Misting: Mist your Bonsai a few times a day.
- Circulate Air: Open a window during the day to let in some fresh air.
Watering and Fertilizing
Forget the schedule. Never water your Indoor Bonsai tree on a routine.
Ditch the label that says “water every X days.” The best approach? Watch your tree and its soil.
Only water when it needs it.
Keep it simple:
- Check the soil moisture regularly.
- Water only when the soil feels dry.
Indoor Bonsai care isn’t about routines, it’s about understanding your tree.
Temperature
Tropical Bonsai trees need warmth all year, like the average temperature in your living room.
Subtropical Bonsai trees are a bit more flexible. They can handle cooler temperatures and do well with a winter season that’s colder than your living room.
Key points to remember:
- Choose the right Indoor Bonsai species.
- Follow the specific care guidelines for your tree type.
By keeping these tips in mind, your bonsai will thrive.
▶Click Here to download this article as PDF
