Indoor Bonsai

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indoor bonsai

 

Caring For Indoor Bonsai Trees

Most Bonsai trees are outdoor trees, and only certain types of trees can be grown indoors. Indoor bonsai trees are either tropical or subtropical. These trees need consistent, high temperatures all year round and lack a dormancy period commonly found in outdoor trees. The most common types of indoor bonsai trees are Ficuses, Jades, Fukien Teas, Chinese Elms, and Hawaiian Umbrellas. The care requirements for these kinds of trees are a little different from those of outdoor bonsai.

 

Light

Indoor bonsai trees need lots of light all year long. The best way to get as much outdoor light as possible is to place the tree directly in front of a South facing window. Moving the tree even a few feet away from the window will decrease the light intensity significantly, which will weaken and eventually kill the tree.

Even when the tree is in the right spot, the light from the sun may not be enough. Especially if you live in a rather cold, dark place, you may need to get artificial lighting. Using artificial lighting about 10 hours a day will help the tree significantly.

 

Humidity

Tropical trees also need high humidity consistently. The humidity levels in your home are likely not high enough for your plant. To increase the humidity for your tree, you can place a humidity tray under the plant’s pot. Fill the humidity tray with water and put it under the plant, but be careful not to let the roots fall in the water as it will rot the roots.

 

Watering

Watering is crucial to the health of a bonsai tree. One important thing to keep in mind is to never water on a routine, instead, check the soil every day and go from there. Under- and over- watering are some of the leading causes of death in bonsai trees.

To check the bonsai soil, you can use your finger, a chopstick, or a moisture meter. If you are using your finger, stick your finger 1 inch into the soil. If your finger is moist, do not water your bonsai, but if it is dry, water your bonsai. This method is not always accurate, so we recommend using a chopstick or moisture meter. When using a chopstick, place the chopstick and inch or two into the soil and wait 10 minutes. After that time, take out the chopstick and look at it. If the chopstick is discolored, do not water your bonsai, but if the chopstick is dry, water your bonsai. Moisture meters measure the moisture in the soil for you. If the moisture level is under 3, water your bonsai. Any number over 4 means your bonsai soil is moist and does not need to be watered.

The soil only needs to be watered when it gets a little dry.After checking the soil, water generously and let the water drip out of the drainage holes. When the water stops dripping, repeat once more. For more detailed information on watering indoor bonsai, check out our article here.

 

Fertilizing

Indoor bonsai should be fertilized all year round because they do not have a growth season that outdoor bonsai do. Fertilize every three to four weeks. Any fertilizer you use should have Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Nitrogen promotes leaf and stem growth, Phosphorus promotes root growth as well as flowering and fruiting growth, Potassium promotes health of the plant overall.

Solid, organic fertilizer is applied by placing the fertilizer in little cups and placing them in the soil. The cups as used to prevent the fertilizer from being washed away (and for outdoor bonsai, they are also used to prevent birds from eating them, but you don’t usually have that problem indoors). Liquid fertilizer is administered by putting the liquid into your watering can with water and watering the plant the same way you normally do.

 

Caring for an indoor bonsai tree can be a fairly easy, rewarding process that you can enjoy for years. Indoor bonsai trees have different requirements than outdoor bonsai trees because they are different types of trees. Indoor bonsai are tropical or subtropical, which means they need high temperatures all year, rather than be exposed to the four seasons like outdoor bonsai do. These trees need lots of light all year round, which can be achieved by placing the tree in front of a South facing window and using artificial lighting. High humidity is also important and can be achieved by placing a humidity tray underneath the pot. Never water your bonsai on a routine, but check the soil every day, or even twice a day in the hot months. Fertilize every three to four weeks with the fertilizer of your choice. By following these few guidelines, your indoor bonsai tree will thrive.

Fruiting Bonsai

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fruiting bonsai

 

Growing Fruit Trees As Bonsai

Homegrown fruit straight from your yard is by far the best fruit out there. But what if you don’t have enough room in your yard for a tree? The solution is simple: grow a fruiting bonsai tree! Bonsai trees are miniature versions of trees that are found in nature. Growing a bonsai tree is a very rewarding hobby that can be done with special techniques and specific instructions. But this process is not as hard as one may think. With the right care, you will have fruit from your bonsai in no time.

 

Picking Which Tree To Plant

Many fruit trees grow well as bonsai trees. Some popular options are apple, crabapple, Meyer lemon, and calamondin citrus trees. Before planting a tree, you should find out what climate the tree you want to plant grows in.

Apple trees need full sun and a generally cold climate. These trees need cold winters and cool summers.

Crabapples need full sun and well draining soil. They need to be exposed to all four seasons.

Meyer lemons need at least 6 hours of light each day and shade is favorable in very high temperatures. These trees should not be grown in freezing temperatures at any time.

Calamondin citrus trees can tolerate shade but do best when grown in full sun.

 

Preparing For Planting

Once you’ve selected the tree you want to plant, you need to get a bonsai pot to pot the plant in. This pot should be as tall as the tree’s trunk is wide. Pots should also be neutral in color as to not draw attention away from the tree itself.

The soil in which the tree is planted is crucial for the health of the tree. The soil should be Akadama, Pumice, and Lava rock at a ratio of 1/2, 1/4, 1/4. This ensures good aeration and drainage so the soil does not store too much water, which will cause the roots to rot.

 

Planting The Bonsai

Before you plant your tree, check the roots. If there are any decaying or brown roots, cut them off. Be very gentle when dealing with the roots.

At the base of the pot, place a layer of soil down, then place the tree in the pot. Cover the roots with soil until you reach the top of the pot.

Water the tree generously, allowing the water to drain all the way.

 

Caring For The Bonsai

All trees have slightly different care requirements, but have the same general needs. Too much or not enough light can be quite damaging to the plant. Never water on a schedule, instead, check the soil once or twice a day and water as necessary. For more information on watering bonsai trees, check out our article here. Fertilizing is needed for many fruiting trees. All trees have different needs, but in general, use a fertilizwer with low nitrogen in the winter, nitrogen rich fertilizer in the spring, and a balanced fertilizer in the summer.

 

Training The Bonsai

After you first plant your tree, you should wait a little while before pruning or wiring it. Trees need a bit of time, usually a few months, to adjust to its environment.

When pruning your bonsai, focus on the branches and trees that are unhealthy. Unhealthy leaves should be pruned using scissors. Pruning should be done from March to September. Pruning can be used to redirect growth to the lower parts of the tree.

Wiring is used to reposition branches to a more desirable shape. Most bonsai trees can be pruned all year. Copper wire should be used for fruiting trees. Watch the branches carefully while they’re being wired. Wire can cut into the branches quickly, which will scar the tree.

 

Growing a fruiting bonsai tree can be a great experience for anyone. It is just like growing any other bonsai tree. Once you have decided which tree you are going to grow, you can move on to picking the pot and soil. The pot should be shallow and plain looking. The soil should be well draining so that the roots do not rot. Light and fertilizer needs vary from plant to plant, but are vital for the health of the tree. Pruning is crucial for the growth of the tree as well, so do not be afraid to prune! Wiring can be used to bend branches to look more desirable. With all the proper care, your fruiting bonsai will be healthy and will fruit in no time!

What Does Bonsai Mean?

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what does bonsai mean

 

Bonsai Meaning

What does the word “Bonsai” mean? That’s a question that many beginners to the discipline of Bonsai might wonder. In the Oxford dictionary, “Bonsai” is defined as a “shrub or tree meant to be an ornament that is grown in a pot and synthetically prevented from being a normal-sized plant”. It is a discipline that has been around for thousands of years. In order to fully understand the full nature of the Bonsai, here is some extra information you need to know:

 

Bonsai History

Although the word “Bonsai” and the concept has been taken over by Japan, this concept was originally called “Pun-Sai” and it was a Chinese creation. They perfected the art of growing miniature trees in a container by 700 A.D. and they kept the concept to themselves for at least 400 years. However, when this discipline was introduced into Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate period from 1185-1333, they perfected the practice and renamed it “Bonsai”. It has been a well-established Japanese traditional ever since.

 

Bonsai and Spirituality

Of course, a lot of people relate the Bonsai tree to the practice of Zen Buddhism. While this is a worthy idea, the Bonsai can go much deeper than that. For some, this means that the Bonsai helps them become more in tune with the natural world. For others, Bonsai is a reminder that everything is elemental. The trees adapt, survive, and even thrive even within their limited surroundings. They are very resilient indeed.

 

Bonsai and Budo

Naturally, Budo is a martial arts practice. It requires a lot of training in order to do it right and to be able to practice the moves well. Although it may seem surprising to some, many Budo artists find inspiration in the Bonsai plant. This is because much like their training, the Bonsai is being trained as well. As they gaze at the Bonsai, they are made aware that their persistence in training will get them where they need to be as well.

 

Bonsai Trees in China

The earliest known reference to Bonsai trees in China occurs in the tomb of Crown Prince Zhang Huai in 706 A.D. There was a painting of two ladies-in-waiting who were each holding a Bonsai Tree. They were holding small paints in some very small dishes, and these would later become known as the Bonsai trees that we all know and love. Moreover, another Chinese reference to the Bonsai tree was in many Chinese works of literature. Moreover, many artists attempted to include at least one Bonsai tree in their masterpieces simply because this was a symbol of a man of affluence and culture.

 

Bonsai Trees in Japan

Even though the Bonsai tree didn’t become widespread in Japan until medieval times, they were first introduced to Japan some 1200 years as a religious or tourist artifact. They were first portrayed in Japanese art about eight hundred years ago, and archaeologists and historians alike both love everything that has to do with the Bonsai tree in Japan simply because it is a window into their culture. For it was during this time period that the Japanese were fascinated with everything regarding China.

 

So you see, the Bonsai tree is more than just a plant. It incorporates so many different themes that it is definitely an amazing discipline to be involved in. The “meaning” of Bonsai is truly very vast indeed. Bonsai is not just an art form, it is a way of life.

Best Indoor Bonsai Trees

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Best Indoor Bonsai Trees

 

Indoor Bonsai Trees

There are various kinds of bonsai tree available to buy and to display. Some people will have differing opinions as to what makes the best indoor bonsai tree. There follows brief lowdowns on some of the most popular indoor bonsai trees including the Willow leaf, the Jade, and also the Chinese Elm bonsai tree.

 

Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsai Tree

As a type of bonsai tree the Willow leaf ficus offers good features including long light green leaves, and also for having a longer trunk than other types of bonsai. It was given it’s name as gardeners mentioned that it’s leaves meaning that it looked similar to a weeping willow tree.

Depending on how warm it is during the spring and summer months it is best to move the Willow Leaf bonsai outside and being it back inside during fall and winter.

 

Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree

This bonsai tree type originates as it name suggests from Hawaii. It is therefore best in a higher temperature environment and should be protected from low temperatures. Unlike other types of bonsai, it’s leaves grow quite quickly so extra pruning is often required. If you live in warmer climates then this type can be left outside providing there is no risk of frost at night.

 

The Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

Perhaps the most important thing about the Chinese Elm bonsai tree is that this type of tree is the most commonly owned type of indoor bonsai. It is considered to be easy to care for this plant and that helps to explain why many people buy it to be the first indoor bonsai tree within their homes.

The Chinese Elm is quick growing and has small leaves, it is rugged and can last for years of cared for properly. This type is cheap and still looks the part, no wonder people start bonsai collections with it.

 

Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree

The most notable feature of the Fukien Tea type of bonsai tree is that it is a common type of bonsai throughout Asia and also in Australia as well. The Fukien has dark green leaves and it produces berries and sometimes flowers. That feature means that the Fukien Tea is a popular type among people that buy and display indoor bonsai trees within their homes.

 

Jade Bonsai Tree

Now the Jade bonsai tree is a type that originated in Africa. It does not usually flower unless it has been deprived of water. It does produce white flowers, and as it ages the trunk turns from green to red in color. It is best to keep indoors and to water sparingly.

 

After reviewing the popular types of bonsai trees it was decided that the best indoor variety was the Chinese Elm bonsai tree. That decision was reached as this variety had certain advantages when compared to the other trees it was compared with. It is easy to care for this type of bonsai, and it is not time consuming to do so. The Chinese Elm also looks impressive and makes for an attractive indoor plant.

Different Kinds Of Bonsai Trees

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Different Kinds Of Bonsai Trees

 

Bonsai Trees

Contrary to popular belief, bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed. They are just plants that are grown under certain conditions to ensure that they do not become so big. They comprise of a wide variety of trees. Each tree species has its specific requirements for growth, from the cultivation to care. There are different types of bonsai trees: indoor and outdoor.

 

Indoor bonsai trees

Unlike many other house plants, most bonsai species are meant to grow outside. They require ample and direct sunlight to grow and flourish. However, some species can tolerate indoor conditions, which makes them top the list of favorites when you want to get the house or office decorations. These trees are tropical or subtropical, meaning they need consistently high temperatures and high humidity all year round. Getting enough light can be difficult, but can be achieved with artificial light. Examples of suitable indoor bonsai trees are Ficus and Umbrella.

 

Ficus bonsai trees

Despite having very many species, two species are most appropriate to grow as they don’t require much maintenance and care. One of them is the Ficus benjamina, which is a fast-growing and evergreen tree. It also has lush foliage with fascinating roots. With between 800 and 2000 species, this tree is the most popular type of bonsai tree.

The other species is the ficus neriifolia. It is a willow-leafed tree that has thin leaves. They also have a substantial root spread.

 

Umbrella bonsai trees

This is another famous evergreen bonsai tree. It also has other names such as the Parasol plant or the Octopus tree. Its umbrella appearance makes it look great in a bonsai pot.

Also known as Schefflera arboricola, the umbrella bonsai buds back on old and worn out wood. Therefore, they require heavy pruning to achieve the desired shape. However, many people do not prefer them since they do not develop an entire woody trunk.

 

Outdoor bonsai trees

Many are the tree varieties that require to be kept on the outside and experience all four seasons. They, therefore, cannot do very well when place in the house. Outdoor bonsai trees have dormancy periods in the winter and these dormancy periods cannot be achieved indoors. Their care and maintenance are also different from indoor potted plants. This includes frequent watering and fertilizer addition. Some of the most favorite outdoor bonsai include Japanese Maple and Juniper.

 

Japanese maple bonsai trees

They are highly recommended, especially to those people who are just starting to develop bonsai tree hobby. They do not require so much care. They also have delicate leaves with conscious shades of gold, red (during autumn), and orange.

The Japanese maple bonsai tree performs really well when they are grown in sunny environments. That is why they are mostly grown outside. They, however, should be protected from frost or scorching days.

 

Juniper bonsai trees

The juniper bonsai trees are a species within the cypress family. With somewhere between 50 and 70 species, this is another very popular bonsai tree. These coniferous trees are evergreen with their foliage color ranging from light green to dark blue-green colors. The leaves appear needle-like when the tree is young.

 

Flowering bonsai trees

These are the bonsai species that fascinate almost all bonsai lovers. The fact that they are treated and styled using the same techniques as other species of the bonsai trees makes it even easier to grow them. However, they should be pruned on time and allowed to get enough sunlight for them to produce the desired flowers.

 

Fruiting bonsai trees

Anyone who has ever had a fruit right after it had been picked from a tree will tell you that it is by far much better than the ones you get from the store. However, the space to grow such trees might be limited, and that is where the fruiting bonsai trees come in. Even though the plant is smaller, it will still produce full-size fruits. They, therefore, make the perfect solution for you if you want to enjoy fresh fruit but have limited space.

 

Bonsai trees are beautiful. They bring the greater natural trees to the right into your space. Why not go ahead and your desired bonsai tree and enjoy it? It is quite easy.

How Do Bonsai Trees Stay Small

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how do bonsai trees stay small

 

How Bonsai Trees Stay Small

Whereas this is usually a somewhat tricky question to ask, it without a doubt has an answer. What I know is that bonsai trees are generally small because we want them to be small-sized. When I trap the bonsai tree root in a pot, it means it will have a stunted growth hence making it small in size. Furthermore, the bonsai pots do not allow the trees to expand but this depends on the bonsai pot I will be using. Bonsai trees in smaller pots are usually small compared to those in larger containers.

 

Bonsai Wire Training

I use bonsai wire training because it is a vital method best for styling and training bonsai trees. When I wrap the wire around the tree branches am very much able to reposition as well as bend the branch. I usually do wiring in winter when the tree has shaded its leaves, enabling me to work very quickly. It will take a few months for the tree to get the required new shape, so I always pay close attention to remove the wires on time to avoid the creation of ugly scars.

Moreover, I also make use of the appropriate material while wiring, with this typically either annealed copper or anodized aluminum. These two types of material serve different purposes; copper is for pines and conifers, while aluminum is for deciduous. For starters, I would recommend you to use anodized aluminum since it is very easy to find on the market as well as to work with. However, during the use of these wires, I always make sure I protect the branches from being damaged. Therefore, I recommend that you first wrap the branches with raffia that has been soaked in water before commencing to wire the bonsai tree.

 

Kengai Bonsai Training

This type of training is for bonsai trees that are struggling to get enough light for its leaves. It is one of the most challenging methods to understand, so the main agenda for Kengai training is to create branches facing down along with upward-facing leaf pads on a downward trunk. However, most people usually mix things up when implementing it, resulting in not the intended outcome. If you do it properly, you will end up with the best results ever, and this will give an excellent impression from the pot.

 

Seki-joju Bonsai Training

Bonsai trees are forced to look for nutrients either in holes or cracks. Their roots are usually unprotected before reaching the ground; therefore, they need to have some defense mechanism in the sun. Seki-joju training comes along with some benefits, among them, is giving a good impression and image of the landscape and also a sense of age and struggle. On the other hand, it also has some disadvantages; Seki-joju can fail to give the image I want; for example, if I select a rock which is not appropriate chances of it giving me a poor image are very high.

 

Pruning Bonsai Trees

Just like any other tree or flower requires pruning, so does bonsai trees do. I prune bonsai trees to give it a designated size, shape as well as an appropriate style and enable it to provide an excellent impression to the eye. Furthermore, by pruning, I help the plant to keep its aesthetic value and the entire health status plus boosting its longevity. However, pruning varies with the type of bonsai training. For me to do pruning, there are several tools I require, such as:

Bleach
Pruning scissors
Concave cutters

Then I identify the parts of my bonsai tree that needs to be pruned, especially the parts that are crowded to allow enough light to penetrate all the parts of the bonsai tree. Furthermore, annual remove half the new growth to balance and make my bonsai tree sizeable and well-shaped using a pruning scissor. Additionally, when I am doing away with large branches, I use concave cutters since the scissor is for thinning as well as trimming deciduous trees.

 

Based on the above information, I hope you have been able to understand how bonsai trees grow small and the reason why this is the case. Consequently, you are better-placed to understand thanks to this comprehensive guide I have taken you through to know whether this tree is a perfect fit for you.

Bonsai Trees For Beginners Indoors

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Indoor Bonsai Trees For Beginners

Taking care of a bonsai tree is not as hard as one may think. It can be even easier if you grow a low maintenance tree. Low maintenance bonsai tree’s usually don’t need a strict amount of light, don’t need a lot of water, and need only occasional fertilizing and pruning.

 

Ficus Bonsai

The ficus bonsai is by far the most popular tree for beginners. This tree has somewhere between 800 and 2000 different species. Ficus’s are grown in all tropical regions and are best grown indoors.

Ficus bonsai’s like to have lots of light throughout the year. Placing the tree outside in the summer is not necessary, but can be done if temperatures remain above 60 degrees. They like high humidity, but they can survive in low humidity just fine.

Watering your ficus is like watering all other indoor bonsai trees. Do not water on a routine. Instead, check the bonsai’s soil once a day, twice during the summertime, and water if the soil is dry. For more detailed information, please check out our article on watering bonsai tree’s here.

Fertilizing should be done every week or two in the summer, and every two to four weeks in the winter.

Pruning is crucial in keeping up with the shape of the tree. Once 6-8 leaves have grown on a branch, two should be pruned. To reduce the size of the leaves, pruning can be used. To thicken the trunk, simply leave it alone for one or two years.

The easiest, most flexible branches to wire are thin and medium-strong branches. Wires should be regularly checked as they can cut into the branches very quickly, which can scar the tree. Branches that are strong can be wired with guy-wires as they can be left on the tree longer.

 

Jade Bonsai

The Jade bonsai tree has oval green, thick leaves on thin branches with a thick trunk. It’s bark is soft and green at first, when the tree is young, but as it ages it becomes red-brown. White small flowers can appear if the tree goes through a drought during the season.

This tree needs full sun and high temperatures. It can be grown outdoors with full sun, but it is best grown indoors with lots of light. The tips of the leaves will turn red if the tree is getting enough light.

Jade bonsai are able to store lots of water in their leaves. Scarce watering will work well, allow for the plant to dry out between watering. You can water the plant as little as every three weeks in the winter, but only if the tree is very cold. Water as soon as the plant dries in the winter. Over-watering is not a big problem as it is with other plants.

Fertilize once a month during the spring and autumn, it’s growing season.

This plant can be repotted every three years in the spring.

Jade bonsai respond quite well to pruning. This should be done regularly to force the growth of branches lower on the tree. Cutpaste can lead to rot and should be avoided. Wire will cut into the tree very quickly, so you should watch over the branches carefully.

 

Fukien Tea

The Fukien Tea Bonsai, also called the Carmona, has dark green small leaves with little white dots on the top and hairs on the bottom. Sometimes white flowers occur all year and can even produce berries.

The preferred temperature for these trees is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). The tree should be placed in front of a south facing window where it can receive the most light possible. Artificial light may be necessary. This tree also does well with high humidity, which can be achieved with a humidity tray under the pot.

This tree is rather picky when it comes to watering. It does not like to be very wet, but it also doesn’t like being dry. Once the top soil has dried, it should be watered.

The type of fertilizer the Carmona prefers is solid organic. Fertilizer should be applied spring to autumn as often as it’s directions calls for, but less often in winter.

Fukien Tea’s respond well to pruning, which should be done often. Young shoots are easier to train as they are flexible and tender, while mature branches are hard and may need different tools to prune. Use caution when wiring.

 

The easiest bonsai tree’s to care for are the Ficus, Jade, and Carmona. Any of these trees are excellent choices for beginners. They are all relatively low maintenance but still are very rewarding to care for.

How Bonsai Plants Are Made

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how bonsai trees are made

 

What Exactly Is A Bonsai Tree?

Many may think bonsai trees are genetically dwarfed plants, but this is not true. Bonsai trees are miniature versions of trees found in nature. This tradition consists of pruning and wiring branches and leaves and redirecting and limiting growth by restricting fertilizers. To start this journey of growing a bonsai, you must first choose which tree you want to grow.

 

Choosing A Tree

What tree you choose to grow depends on what your climate is like in your area. Bonsai trees are put into two categories: indoor and outdoor. Indoor bonsai trees are tropical or subtropical and need high, stable temperatures all year round. These trees can only survive outdoors if your climate is hot all year round and will not have to endure any frost, but this is not recommended. Outdoor trees, on the other hand, need to be exposed to all four seasons, and they go into dormancy during the winter. For these reasons, they cannot live indoors.

So, if your climate is temperate, you can grow subtropical or Mediterranean trees outdoors if you protect them from frost in a greenhouse. Many outdoor bonsai can survive outdoors in a continental climate if protection from frost can be available along with summer shade. Outdoor bonsai are also suited for moist summers in maritime climates, however, any tree that prefers full sun will not thrive.

Indoor species will thrive indoors only if the temperatures can be high all year. You can grow just about any indoor bonsai indoors no matter your climate if you provide the tree with plenty of artificial light. If the tree does not receive sufficient light or high temperatures, the tree may go into dormancy. Indoor species should not go into dormancy as it is not natural for the tree to do so, and the tree can die.

 

Styling And Shaping Techniques

The biggest part of growing a bonsai is styling and shaping the tree to look like the tree of it’s species found in nature.

Pruning is the most important technique in training bonsai trees. for best results, this should be done in the spring or summer. This is the technique used to make the tree miniature by removing leaves and branches as needed. Cutting of branches should be done with special cutters as to not hurt the tree. There are a few different situations in which you should prune. One being if a branch has unnatural features such as turns and twists. Another reason would be if branches are too thick at the top of the tree, or if, at the top of the tree, two branches occur at the same time.

Another important technique is wiring. Wiring is used to reshape or bend branches. This is typically done with anodized aluminum. This technique can be used all year round, but should be removed before permanent scarring occurs.

 

Caring For Your Bonsai

Of course, a very important aspect of growing a bonsai is maintaining the bonsai’s health. This is done with proper placement, watering, lighting, fertilizing, and repotting.

Placing an indoor tree outdoors or vice versa can and will result in the death of your tree. Indoor trees placed outdoors can result in the tree going into dormancy, which is not natural for the plant. Outdoor trees placed indoors will result in no dormancy period, which is also not natural for this kind of bonsai.

Watering is a major part of caring for bonsai trees. A bonsai tree should never be watered on a routine, but when the soil gets slightly dry. Watering on routine could result in over- or under- watering. Over-watering causes root rot which, if done often, will kill the tree. Under-watering will cause the tree to dry out and eventually die. For more detailed information, please click on our article here.

The amount of sunlight the tree needs varies from tree to tree. No matter the individual needs of the tree, not getting enough or getting too much light can be a problem. Not enough light will cause the tree to wilt and die. Too much light will cause the leaves to burn and the tree to dry out and die. For more detailed information, please click on our article here.

Indoor bonsai trees should be fertilized all year round because they grow rather consistently all year. Outdoor trees, on the other hand, need to be fertilized only in their growth season.

Young bonsai trees should be repotted every one to two years, while mature trees should be repotted every three to five years. Not repotting the plant will cause the tree to become pot-bound, meaning the tree will find it harder to soak up water and store it.

 

Bonsai is an incredibly rewarding tradition. Bonsai trees are created from trees, miniaturized and trained to look like the tree of the same species found in nature. Pruning and wiring the tree are the two ways to shape and style the tree. Besides the training that goes into the bonsai, caring for the tree is also important. Taking care of the placement, watering, lighting, fertilizing, and repotting will ensure your bonsai grows healthy and strong.

How Often Should You Water A Bonsai Tree

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bonsai watering

 

Watering A Bonsai Tree

Watering bonsai trees is one of the most crucial parts of caring for a bonsai. You should water your bonsai when the soil gets slightly dry. Under- and over- watering is a big problem and is one of the leading causes of death in bonsai trees. Knowing how often and how to water your bonsai will be key in growing a healthy, strong bonsai tree.

 

When Should You Water Your Bonsai?

Never water any bonsai on a schedule. Instead, check the bonsai’s soil once a day, or twice in the hot summer months, to see if the tree needs watering. The tree’s watering needs vary from day to day, and not taking into account the tree’s individual needs can result in under- or over-watering which can cause harm to the tree if it is reoccurring.

 

Checking Bonsai Tree’s Soil

Before watering your tree, you should always check the soil for moisture. If the soil is ever wet, not just damp, when you check it, you should not water the tree. This can result in over-watering, which causes roots to rot. Even if you think the soil may be moist, you should check the soil anyway.

The most common way to check bonsai soil is to use your finger. Simply insert your finger one centimeter into the soil. If you feel that the soil is dry, you should water immediately. If the soil is still pretty moist, you should not water yet.

Another very common option used by beginners is to use a moisture meter. Moisture meters determine the moisture levels in the soil automatically. This is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the driest and 10 the wettest. If the levels are from 1-3, you need to water your bonsai immediately. A number from 4 to 10 means your tree is still moist and does not need to be watered. After every use, clean and dry the probe and store in a dry place.

The last option we love using is the chopstick method. This method can be used with a chopstick that has no residue on it. Take your clean, dry chopstick and place it one inch or so into the soil. After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the chopstick and look at it. If you see that the chopstick is discolored, the soil is damp and does not need to be watered. If the chopstick is dry and not discolored, you should water your bonsai immediately. After every use, clean and dry the chopstick and store in a dry place.

 

How To Water Your Bonsai

Now that you’ve checked the soil, if it is time to water your bonsai, this is what you should do:

To ensure the top layer of soil does not get disturbed, use a fine nozzled watering can. When watering your bonsai, water generously and allow for the water to drain out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the plant. Wait for the water to stop draining before you water generously again. This will allow for the roots to be properly soaked while also drained properly to avoid root rot.

 

Bonsai Soil

Over-watering will not be as big of a problem if you have the right kind of soil. Unlike regular potting soil, bonsai soil is made to allow water to drain out of the pot. Bonsai soil should consist of Akadama, Pumice, and lava rock at a 1/2, 1/4, 1/4 ratio. Using regular gardening soil will not allow for proper drainage or aeration, which will cause the plant’s roots to rot and the plant will eventually die.

 

Since bonsai’s should never be watered on a routine, it is crucial to check the soil every day, possibly twice a day. We recommend checking the soil using your finger, a moisture meter, or a chopstick. Just make sure to clean off the meter’s probe or the chopstick after use to avoid contamination, especially if you have multiple bonsai tree’s that you are checking on every day. Water the plant generously twice, allowing for the water to drain out of the drainage holes in between. Having the proper soil can reduce the risk of over-watering significantly. Under- and over-watering can be a plant killer, but if you follow these directions, it should be no problem at all.

Easiest Bonsai Tree To Care For

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Taking Care Of Bonsai Trees

Caring for bonsai trees is not as hard as one may think. Some bonsai trees are easier to care for than others. The Ficus bonsai is by far the easiest to care for because of it is low maintenance and resistant against most pests. The ficus’s leaves are poisonous for pets and should be kept away from all pets.

 

About The Ficus Bonsai

The ficus bonsai are mulberry plants, with 800 to 2000 different species. They are tropical, which means they are best grown indoors. The most popular species of Ficus is the Ficus Retusa, which has dark green, oval leaves and an s-curved trunk. Another is the Ficus Ginseng, which also has dark green, oval leaves and a thick trunk.

Ficus trees in the wild can sometimes grow over 1000 feet tall. All figs have milky sap that leaks from their wounds. Some can produce flowers, though some have hidden flowers in which fruit can grow. Only a specific kind of wasp can pollinate these flowers. The fruit grown can be red, yellow, green, or blue-purple.

 

Position

The ficus tree is an indoor bonsai that cannot stand frost. This tree can only be placed outside in the summer if temperatures are consistently above 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Because it is a tropical tree, it needs lots of light, direct or indirect. Placing the tree in front of a South facing window where it can get as much light as possible is favorable. Figs can survive in low or high humidity, they’re not picky, but they thrive better in high humidity.

 

Watering

Just like any other bonsai, the Ficus should never be watered on a routine, but when the soil gets dry. Room temperature tap water will do fine, but it is suggested that you should let the water sit overnight to allow for any chlorine in the tap to evaporate. Because they are not so picky, they can withstand occasional under- or over-watering, but try not to too often.

 

Fertilizing

Because the Ficus is tropical, it has no dormancy period in the winter. As such, the tree can be fertilized relatively consistently throughout the year. In the summer, you can fertilize every week or two, and every two to four weeks in the winter if the growth is consistent.

 

Wiring

Thin and medium-strong branches are the easiest to wire because of their flexibility. However, the wires cut into bark very quickly and should be checked on regularly. When wiring strong branches, guy-wires should be used as they can stand wiring for a longer period.

 

Pruning

After 6-8 leaves have grown on a branch, 2 should be pruned. The trunk should be left alone for a year or two if a thick trunk is desired. And if small leaves are wanted, pruning can be used to do so.

 

Repotting

Every one to two years this tree should be repotted.

 

Propagation

For the highest success possible, cuttings should be planted in mid-summer, but they can be planted any time. Air layering can be done in spring for best results.

 

Speical Training Techniques

Plant parts can be fused together by just touching each other with some pressure. Roots, branches, and trunks alike can be fused together. This technique can be used to fuse a bunch of little plants to make one big healthy plant.

 

Pests and Diseases

As mentioned before, the ficus is resistant against pests. In the winter, however, problems can still arise. Low light and dry air can cause the tree’s leaves to fall off. During these conditions, the tree can become infested with spider mites or scale. Using any insecticide sticks or sprays will get rid of the bugs, but the damage to the plant must also be taken care of. Artifical lighting can be used 12 to 14 hours a day as well as misting the leaves frequently will help significantly.

 

While most all bonsai tree’s are easy to care for, the Ficus bonsai are the best choice for beginners. Watering should be done when needed, which can be every few days depending on your plant, but never on a routine. Fertilizing should be done every few weeks. Pruning should be done regularly to ensure your plant is healthy, and wiring can be done to make your tree as appealing as you want it to be. Repotting should be done every few years or so, propagation should be done in the summer for best results, and trees can be fused together very easily. These trees are extremely resistant to pests unless they are damaged in the winter. Ficus bonsai are the best option for beginners and the easiest to take care of.