Indoor gardening is fast becoming a popular concept, as it not only lends to great home decor, but can also be healing for the person taking care of the indoor garden. You have a fascination with Japanese miniature tree art, but you're afraid to kill the plants, so you don't buy the shrubs. You can once and for all throw your fears out with the bathwater, as this article will tell you how to care for an indoor bonsai plant.
Learn your bonsai plant’s water needs. Thirst and low humidity are the primary cause of bonsai death. Determine that the bonsai’s soil is dry then weigh the plant, water and reweigh. Make note of the results and use the weights to accurately measure when your tree requires water. Place your bonsai on rocks in a dish full of water to ensure a healthy humidity for your plant.
2
Fertilize your bonsai plant once or twice monthly during the growing season. Use a water-soluble product and apply immediately after watering.
3
Ensure your indoor bonsai plant gets enough light. Position your tree so it receives two to four hours of sunlight daily. A full spectrum florescent bulb makes an excellent substitute for natural light; however, there should be less than 18 inches between your tree and the light source.
4
Prune your plant to train and maintain its design. Pinch leaves to encourage branch growth and remove branches that clutter the design. Pruning directs your bonsai’s growth and shape. Go slow; if in doubt, do not cut. You can prune a little more in a day or two, but you cannot replace what was cut in haste.
5
Re-pot your indoor bonsai plant every two to three years. Trim the root ball by a third to maintain the balance between roots and tree before introducing it to fresh soil. Gently tap the soil down around the root base.
Tips & Warnings
Bonsai plants require a porous soil for proper drainage; use soil specially formulated for bonsai when re-potting to ensure your tree remains healthy.
With proper care, lighting conditions and temperature control, tropical, subtropical and temperate trees can flourish indoors, in miniaturized bonzai form. The best...
