Maintenance Tips for a Fabulous Indoor Bonsai

Bonsai plants, the result of an age old tradition, are an attractive addition to any home. Because of their attractive appearance, lots of people like to have a bonsai plant in their homes. However, extra care is needed for indoor bonsai plants. The reason for this is that they aren't getting the advantages that come from exposure to outdoor weather conditions and natural sunlight. They might appear to be hardy. 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. Well ventilated surroundings will also keep your bonsai plant at its best. The water requirements of your bonsai plant will depend on what type it is. Soil is another important consideration. Very dry soil works well for some species of bonsai, while some others prefer their soil to be quite moist.

It may be necessary for you to mist your plant. This will help to create a rainforest humidity in which your bonsai plant will thrive. If using a humidity tray, be sure to place the pot on some small rocks or a stand so it isn't directly immersed in the water.

Bonsai Cutting and Pruning

Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Even though bonsais appear to be frozen in time, the reality is that they continue to grow. Indoor and outdoor bonsai plants need to be repotted somewhere between every year to three years, depending on the variety. Maintaining the branches is also essential if you want it to hold its shape and style.

It is important, depending on the variety of bonsai, to cut back on the fertilizer during the winter season. This is due to the fact that there are certain species of bonsai that hibernate during the season. So they don't require as many nutrients as in the warmer months. Indoor bonsais may not fully experience the full cycle of seasons because it is in an artificial environment.

You should also watch out for pests and any unusual changes to your indoor bonsai tree. Spiders, mites and various other pests are very happy to make a home in your indoor bonsai. The best practice is to clean the leaves and branches with great care using a damp cloth or a brush.