by Justin Lee
In the world of the Bonsai tree, there are two basic distinctions. The Bonsai is either an indoor or outdoor Bonsai. Outdoor Bonsai, which are known as temperate Bonsai, will prosper in the colder climates of the world while indoor or tropical Bonsai, as they are known, cannot survive the cold. If you elect to grow an indoor Bonsai tree there are some special considerations you should keep in mind.
Indoor Bonsai are like all other trees, in that they need adequate light to grow. The lack of proper lighting is one of the main reasons for the failure of indoor Bonsai to grow. Your indoor Bonsai should be placed near a window. One recommendation is that you regularly rotate your Bonsai tree, since it is a natural inclination of the tree to seek the source of the light. Rotation is important even if you seek to have the tree grow in a particular direction. Lack of equal light over the entire tree can hinder its growth. Depending on the local temperature and humidity levels, your indoor Bonsai should be placed outside during the summer months, but keep an eye on them and return them to the house or place them in a shaded location if the temperatures become extreme.
If you do not have a window that you can place the indoor Bonsai near, you can simulate the natural sunlight with special fluorescent lamps. These lamps are known as Grow-Lux bulbs. These lamps should be placed within 6 inches of your plant. The Grow-Lux bulbs can be installed in almost any fluorescent fixture. During the winter months it is advisable to use these lights for at least 12 hours per day.
As with most plants, water is a critical element for the plants to survive. The soil of the Bonsai tree should be kept moist at all times, except when you are planning to prune or wire the tree. At these two times, the soil should be dry. Once you have completed the wiring or pruning, then the Bonsai should be watered and allowed to bounce back. Other then these special times, check the moisture level of the soil by either scratching the surface with your finger, or by inserting a stick into the soil. When you water the Bonsai, remember to water the Bonsai from above, not at the roots.
The final thing to understand is that the Bonsai needs to be fertilized. Follow the recommended schedule from the manufacturer. Over fertilization is almost worst then under fertilization.
Follow these simple tips, and enjoy your indoor Bonsai.
Justin Lee is a bonsai enthusiast who purchased his first bonsai over 20 years ago. Justin’s eBook, The Art of Bonsai will provide all the information you will need to grow a healthy bonsai tree. For a source of all of the pots, tools, soil and supplies you will need to care for your bonsai, Click Here.
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