Indoor Bonsai Trees



Indoor bonsai trees are a misnomer in the true sense of the word, because trees used for bonsai are actually those which grow in the wilderness. It is just the training that keeps them small.

It is generally the house plants on which the methods and techniques of bonsai are applied to make them grow as indoor trees. Some of the major challenges faced when growing bonsai trees indoors are

  • Proper sunlight to aide in the photosynthesis process of the plant must be ensured. When growing tropical trees as Indoor bonsai, it is important that you allow sufficient amount of light for them.

    During the winter season you must keep the tree at a place which receives sunlight for the longest period of the day. Inadequate sunlight will lead to discoloration of the leaves.

  • Indoor conditions are generally suitable for plants which can survive in low humidity. For other plants proper watering becomes very important indoors. You may consider watering your trees almost every day, but take proper care so as not to over water the plant as that would result in root decay.

  • When kept indoors the bonsai tree becomes vulnerable to normal household insects and pests. Hence it would be advisable to use good quality household insecticides for your bonsai trees placed inside the house.

  • Indoor temperature is generally not suitable for the proper growth of the plant; hence it must be kept outside in the sun for some time to assist in the normal growth cycle of the indoor bonsai trees. You may keep the bonsai tree out in the sunlight during the day for at least 3 to 5 hours and then bring them indoors.

Pruning of bonsai trees is very important to ensure that the tree remains in proper shape and size. For Indoor trees it becomes even more important as an ugly looking plant would spoil the aesthetics of any room.

It is generally advisable that you allow any new branch to grow a few sets of leaves, then cut back around 2/3 rd of the growth, this ensures proper branching and growth of the bonsai.

The best period for repotting of bonsai trees is during their dormancy. Ideally an indoor bonsai tree would need to be repotted in 2 to 3 years, but that would again depend on the age of the tree and the species. If you decide to re pot your tree the ideal months would be around the early winter seasons of December and January. You should also consider carrying out some root trimming exercises for your bonsai plant during this time. Add some organic fertilizers and micronutrients to the soil to aid the growth of the Indoor Bonsai tree.

Some of the plant species best suited for Indoors are

  • Fig
  • Boxwood
  • Olive
  • Desert Rose
  • Chinese Elm
  • Fukien Tea

Indoor bonsai is a viable option for people staying in apartments where they do not enjoy the luxury of open spaces. With limited space inside the home bonsai trees can be grown with a lot of love and care.




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