Page 34 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Indoor Bonsai

A common misconception about Bonsai trees is that they

should be kept indoors. In fact, most Bonsai trees should be

placed outside, where they are exposed to the four seasons
just like normal trees are. Only tropical and subtropical plants

can survive in the indoor climate of your house; where
temperatures are high and stable throughout the year.

Alright, so I need a tropical Bonsai tree.

Which one?

There are several trees that you can grow indoor, but the most common
(and the easiest to care for) is the Ficus. The Ficus is tolerant to low
humidity and can withstand quite a lot; a good choice for beginners.

Other popular indoor Bonsai trees include the Crassula (Jade), the
Ligustrum (Privet), the Carmona (Fukien Tea), the Schefflera Arboricola
(Hawaiian Umbrella) and the Sageretia (Sweet Plum).

Indoor Bonsai tree care

Caring for an indoor Bonsai tree is different from that of normal potted
house plants. The main reason is that Bonsai trees are planted in small
pots and therefore have limited storage for nutrients and water. More
important is that tropical trees are used to much light and high humidity;
circumstances that are quite difficult to create indoors.

Specific care of indoor Bonsai species

Light

The main problem with keeping a tropical indoor Bonsai tree is that the

intensity of light indoors is much lower than outside. Trees won’t die
immediately when light intensity is too low, but growth will decrease,
eventually weakening the plant. Therefore, make sure to place your
Bonsai at a bright spot, preferably directly in front of a window facing the