Indoor Bonsai Plant Care

Provide indoor bonsai trees with care so they'll last for years.

Bonsai trees are works of art. When maintained properly, they adorn a home with elegant Asian-inspired beauty. The art of bonsai has been perfected over the centuries in Japan and China. Bonsai trees are potted trees, which wholly rely upon caregivers for their existence and beauty. The Bonsai Boy website assures enthusiasts that bonsai trees will grace a home with healthy beauty for years with proper care.

Seasonal Placement

Place bonsai trees outside in the summer.

While growers want to view their bonsai trees indoors, Bonsai Boy recommends placing the trees outside when temperatures remain stable and above 40 degrees F. Leave the trees outside on a table with sunlight punctuated by morning and afternoon shade. Leave bonsai trees indoors in the summer as long as they have access to the same kind of light conditions. Once temperatures dip below 40 degrees F, bring them indoors for the cold season. Acclimate the trees to indoor conditions by bringing them inside for a few hours at a time over a period of several weeks. Increase the amount of time bonsais are indoors as the weeks pass. Bonsai Boy advises placing bonsai trees on a table at a window with southern exposure. Only set bonsai trees in northern light with backup grow lights. Trees require at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Watering

Water bonsai gently with a watering can.

Providing bonsai trees with sufficient water is crucial to their health. When soil looks dry, water the plants. When plants are in full sun, they may require daily watering. Administer water gently with a watering can to protect the topsoil. When water runs out of the bottom of the pot, the plant has enough water.

Pruning and Cleaning

Bonsai trees need regular cleaning using a small soft brush to wipe the trunk and leaves. After pruning bonsai trees, remove all debris from the soil to prevent moss or fungus from developing. Remove debris with tweezers, advises the Bonsai Gardener website. Keep the soil free from all growth other than the tree to provide bonsai with all of the soil nutrients. Prune new growth, leaving only enough to keep the tree healthy.

Repotting

Bonsai Gardener recommends repotting bonsai trees every two years in the spring. Prune the roots before placing in new soil by removing one third to two thirds of the root ends. Use the same-size pot each time. Use pots with drainage holes.

References

• Bonsai Boy: How to Take Proper Care of Your Indoor Bonsai Tree
• Bonsai Gardener: Caring for Indoor Bonsai; Erik A. Olsen