What Are the Best Indoor Bonsai Plants?
With proper care, lighting conditions and temperature control, tropical, subtropical and temperate trees can flourish indoors, in miniaturized bonzai form. The best indoor bonsai plants feature small leaves with young, supple branches for easier training, according to Paul Lesniewicz, author of "Indoor Bonsai." Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Tropical
-
The many varieties of the fast-growing ficus or fig tree are native to the southeast Asian jungle. These evergreens are very versatile and adaptable to many bonsai styles, including growing over rock. They need to be kept moist during the growing season and watered thoroughly, though less frequently when temperatures drop. Keep ficus plants at 59 degrees Fahrenheit or more throughout the year. The evergreen umbrella tree hails from tropical Australia and needs water only when it feels dry. Overwatering can cause root rot so let it drain thoroughly. Keep the umbrella tree in bright light at 55 to 75 degrees. With origins in the Far East, the hemp palm is an easy bonsai plant for beginners requiring no wiring. As long as it is kept moist with a light misting a few times a week at 50 degrees or more and away from drafts, you will be able to enjoy your hemp palm for many years.
Subtropical
-
The South African jade plant or money tree has thick, green, succulent leaves and pink or white flowers that bloom mid-winter. It is a hardy plant capable of surviving with little water but take care not to let it dry out completely. In the winter, watering once a month is often sufficient. Jades tolerate temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees. Brazil plays home to the bougainvillea or paper flower. This semi-deciduous tree will drop its leaves in the winter if kept in the cold. Keep moist but do not soak in the summer and spring while it is flowering and as dry as possible in the winter; 45 to 54 degrees will keep it happy in the winter with warmer temperatures in the summer. The citrus family of evergreen shrubs and small trees, such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit need only moderate misting every few days to keep them moist. Maintain the trees at 46 to 55 degrees in the winter but move them outside in full sunlight in the summer.
-
Tender Temperate
-
The Chinese elm is an easy-care tree that tolerates missteps in watering and a wide temperature range. Ideally, thoroughly soak these trees in the summer, let them dry slightly and water again. You can use less water in the winter if kept in a cool location. Chinese elms will tolerate temperatures in the 43 to 72 degree range. Fuchsias come from South America, Central America and New Zealand. John Ainsworth, author of "The Art of Indoor Bonsai," recommends choosing "the more tender varieties with smaller, less showy, flowers." Fuchsias need to be kept moist, watering them by setting the pot in a tub of water and letting the roots soak up moisture. Fuchsias prefer bright light.
Buying Tips
-
When considering plant specimens for indoor bonsai, a well-established root structure that spreads out evenly without crossing is a sign of a healthy tree. The main point of maintaining bonsai is the plant's beauty, so look for an attractive tree that has a well-balanced shape and a healthy appearance. Additional signs of bonsai beauty include an evenly tapered trunk and branches that get finer toward the top of the tree.
-
