Caring for Your Indoor Bonsai
Bonsai plants are extremely attractive specimens of age old practice. Because of their attractive appearance, lots of people like to have a bonsai plant in their homes. However, indoor bonsai trees require some extra maintenance. This is largely due to the fact that they don’t get the full range of benefits that sunlight and normal weather conditions provide. Perhaps they look like they can withstand anything. However, there are certain bonsais that will become fragile when it comes to light and water.
Watering Your Indoor Bonsai
When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving beforehand. You also need to keep an eye on the frequency of watering. Bonsai plants will also be benefited if they are placed in a well ventilated area. The water requirements of your bonsai plant will depend on what type it is. Soil is another important consideration. There are those bonsai trees and plants that need damp soil, while others do just fine with drought like conditions. Your plant might need to be misted. Your bonsai will thrive with the extra humidity and the rainforest environment this creates. If you decide to use a humidity tray then ensure that the pot is not exposed to the water, but rather placed on some pebbles or a stand.
Bonsai Cutting and Pruning
Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Just because bonsais look ageless and timeless, this doesn’t mean they don’t keep growing. Depending on the variety of your bonsai plant or tree, you will need to repot it every year to three years. Maintaining the branches is also essential if you want it to hold its shape and style. Cutting back on the amount of fertilizer during the cold months is usually recommended, depending on the bonsai variety. This is because some species of bonsai hibernate during this season. So they don’t require as many nutrients as in the warmer months. Bonsais kept inside won’t get the full benefits of seasonal cycles due to their artificial surroundings. You also need to keep an eye on your indoor bonsai for pests and other irregularities. Spiders, mites and various other pests are very happy to make a home in your indoor bonsai. It’s best to gently and carefully clean the branches and leaves using either a damp, soft cloth or a soft brush.
By following these tips for bonsai care, your tree is sure to be an attractive feature of your home for years to come.