Tips To Help You Grow A Bonsai Tree In Your Home

Bonsai trees are a wonder of both nature and human creativity. These miniature giants can live well over one thousand years and still manage to fit on a small coffee table. Bonsai mastery takes a lifetime, and it is the life mission of several Japanese bonsai masters. The good news is that even if you aren’t a bonsai master, you can still successfully grow a bonsai tree in your home if you know what you are doing.

To successfully grow a bonsai tree indoors, buy a tree that is already established. Choose a species that thrives in lower light conditions, or a type that is known to do well indoors. Pay attention to your plant's water and fertilizer needs. You should also learn the basics of bonsai care and maintenance, or even join a bonsai community group before attempting to grow a bonsai in your home.

If you want to grow a bonsai tree in your home but are nervous you will kill it, this article is for you. Bonsai can be very intimidating, even to a seasoned gardener. These plants live longer than us, and they have different needs than most plants. The good news is, as long as you follow the tips below, then you should have no problem growing a beautiful bonsai tree in your home.

Are Bonsai Trees Hard To Grow Inside The Home?

There are tons of different types of bonsai trees. Just about any tree can be altered into a bonsai form. Therefore, there is not a universal growing condition that bonsais enjoy. There are, however, a few challenges to growing bonsai indoors.

Trees need light. The outdoors provides significantly more light than indoors. Lack of light is the number one reason why a bonsai would struggle indoors. Other factors include temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. The good news is that with thorough planning, research, and care, there are several species of bonsai tree you can successfully grow in your home for many years.

10 Tips To Successfully Grow A Bonsai Tree In Your Home

1. Buy An Already-Established Tree

One way to keep a bonsai tree alive in your home is to purchase a tree that is already thriving and well-established. You can find bonsai trees at nurseries, and many states have one or two places that specialize in bonsai trees.

You can often buy trees that are five, 10, or even one hundred years old. Naturally, the older the tree is, the more it is going to cost. If you buy an established tree that has slowly been trained to live indoors, then the hard part is over. You will still need to stick to a strict maintenance regime, but you may find it easier to grow your tree indoors.

2. Keep The Bonsai Fertilized

One of the most important tips for successful bonsai maintenance both indoors and outdoors is consistent fertilization. Bonsais are kept in very small pots. This is intentional and helps keep these trees tiny. The downside to these small vessels is that nutrients are absorbed more quickly.

Make sure you give your bonsai the right nutrients, and at a consistent schedule. Ask an expert if you aren’t sure how to fertilize your bonsai. Once you find the right fertilization schedule, stick to it. This will keep your indoor bonsai very happy.

3. Choose A Tree Type That Is Resilient And Easy To Grow

You can turn most tree species into a bonsai. This doesn’t mean that it is a good idea to try growing a redwood or oak tree in your living room. When you are planning to buy a bonsai tree to grow in your home, choose wisely.

Some species of tree grow well indoors, while others are almost certain to shrivel up and die a slow death if kept inside. Ficus, Brazilian Rain Trees, and Ponytail Palms are just three of many bonsai species that grow well indoors. Ask local experts to see what type of trees grow well indoors in your region.

4. Select A Tree That Doesn't Need Full Sun

In addition to choosing a tree that is naturally resilient and well-established, you should choose a tree that enjoys a bit of shade. Regardless of where you put your bonsai, it is almost certainly going to get less sun than it would if you grow it outdoors.

Choose a species of tree that tolerates and enjoys a bit of shade. Trees that require full sun for more than six hours a day may struggle to thrive inside your home.

5. Pay Attention To Humidity

When you grow a bonsai tree indoors, it's important to pay attention to moisture levels, and not just the moisture in the soil. Homes normally have different humidity levels than the outdoors thanks to the use of dehumidifiers and HVAC systems.

You don’t need to keep your home as humid as a swamp or rainforest, but it should not be bone dry either. Generally, most indoor bonsai trees like home humidity levels that are between 40 and 50 percent.

6. Learn The Basics Of Bonsai Maintenance

It’s important to note that growing a bonsai is a unique experience. Just because you have success in your garden doesn't mean you will naturally keep a bonsai tree alive. You need to understand all the basics of bonsai maintenance.

Learn how to prune your bonsai. Figure out all the warning signs that your tree needs help, or when it is time to repot the plant. You can learn more and more as you continue to cultivate the plant, but make sure you have the basics down before you invest in an indoor bonsai. You can even look for a local bonsai club or society, as these groups are great resources.

7. Pick The Perfect Location For Your Bonsai

When you plan to grow a bonsai indoors, remember it is all about location. The location of your indoor bonsai will dictate the temperature and light the bonsai receives. The sunniest window is the best option for most bonsai.

As the seasons change, you may want to shift the location of your bonsai. Keep it outside throughout the summer months to help it grow and get lots of natural light.

8. Choose The Right Pot And Repot When Necessary

One of the most distinguishing attributes of a bonsai is the tiny vessel that these miniature trees grow in. Small pots help keep these trees small, and they also look cool. From time to time, however, you need to place your bonsai in a new pot, especially as it grows. Make sure you don’t neglect this process. Always keep your bonsai in the right-sized pot.

9. Understand Your Bonsai’s Water Needs

Just like with growing any other indoor plant, you need to pay attention to the watering needs of your indoor bonsai tree. This is particularly important for a bonsai, as it is in such a small and shallow container, the water is bound to get depleted quickly.

One of the best ways to keep your indoor bonsai alive is to water it at a reliable schedule, giving it plenty of moisture but not too much that it floods the roots.

10. Keep Your Home At An Ideal Temperature

When you grow a bonsai tree indoors, in addition to factoring in its light and water needs, you should also consider the plant’s temperature requirements. Trees are strong and resilient, but they usually have optimal temperature needs.

Colder temperatures are usually more dangerous than hot temperatures, but anything extreme is a bad idea. Bonsais should never be put in weather below 45 degrees, or in extreme heat above 90. If you are setting your thermostat to vacation mode, consider leaving your bonsai with a friend who is capable of caring for your precious tree while you are gone.

Summing Up Tips For Growing A Bonsai Tree In Your Home

Bonsai is an ancient art form that has been practised in Japan for more than a thousand years. While the art form is complex and complicated, don’t let this intimidate you. It is perfectly possible to grow your bonsai, and you can even keep a bonsai indoors. To successfully grow a bonsai indoors make sure you choose a spot with plenty of light and the right temperature for your tree. Buy a bonsai species that is known to do well indoors, and consider purchasing a plant that is already well-established and thriving to make your job a bit easier.

Related Guides:

• How Often Do I Need To Water An Indoor Tree?
• Limited Space? How To Incorporate A Christmas Tree
• How Long Does It Take To Grow A Bonsai Tree