Care guide

Indoor
Bonsai
A common misconception about Bonsai trees is that they should be kept indoors. Most Bonsai
should be placed outdoors, where they are exposed to the four natural seasons just like normal
trees are. Only tropical and subtropical plants can survive indoors where temperatures are high
and stable throughout the year.

Which Bonsai is best for indoors?

There are several trees that you can grow indoor, but the most common, and the easiest to care
for, is the Ficus Bonsai. The Ficus is tolerant of low humidity and is very resilient, making it an
excellent choice for beginners.

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

Indoor Bonsai trees; a Ficus, Carmona, and Chinese elm.

 Why can’t I keep temperate,
nontropical, Bonsai indoor?
As stated above, temperate trees need a period of dormancy in the winter. In this period of dormancy, the yearly
growth cycle ends, and the tree prepares for the next cycle which will start again in early spring. A tree becomes
dormant when temperatures and light intensity gradually decrease over several weeks, which does not happen when
you keep your trees indoors.

Indoor Bonsai tree care

Caring for an indoor Bonsai 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 importantly, tropical trees
are accustomed to receiving a lot of light and high humidity, climates that are challenging to replicate indoors.

Specific care of indoor

Bonsai species:

Light
The main problem with keeping a tropical Bonsai tree indoors is that the
intensity of light is much lower than outdoors. Trees won’t die
immediately if they don’t get enough light, but growth will decrease and
weaken the plant over time. That’s why placing your Bonsai in a bright
location, preferably directly in front of a window facing the south is highly
recommended when growing Bonsai indoors.

Even when you have a south-facing window, the light intensity may still
be too low. You can supplement this deficit of light with artificial lighting
to help your tree. For example, you can use fluorescent lighting with
radiating growth-friendly spectra, or light-emitting diode lighting for
about 10 hours a day.
 Humidity
Another issue with keeping a Bonsai tree indoors is that the
tree needs relatively high humidity, much higher than the
conditions of your house, especially with heating or air
conditioning. You can increase the humidity near your Bonsai
tree by placing it on a humidity tray filled with water and by
misting your tree a few times a day. You can also circulate air
from outside, by opening a window during the day.

Watering and fertilizing

The most important rule is, never water on a routine. Ignore the label
attached to your Bonsai tree which states you need to water every x
amount of days. The best practice is to monitor your tree and its soil,
and only water when it’s needed.

Temperature
Tropical tree species need relatively high temperatures throughout the year, similar to the standard room
temperature of your living room.

Subtropical Bonsai trees can withstand somewhat lower temperatures, and generally thrive when they enjoy a winter
season with temperatures well below that of the standard room temperature.

Summary
To summarize, make sure to select the right tree species and take into account the
specific care guidelines for indoor trees and your bonsai will do just fine!

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