Are Indoor Bonsai Trees Hard to Take Care of?

Are you thinking about buying a bonsai tree? Someone may have gifted you one, and you’re wondering how to take care of it. At this point, you might be wondering, are indoor bonsai trees hard to take care of? The good news is not at all. However, like all other plants, bonsai trees do require some level of general and specialized maintenance. Bonsai trees aren’t typical “plant and forget about my trees.” With the right care strategy, you can look forward to a lifetime of enjoyment from your little tree.

Are Indoor Bonsai Trees Hard to Take Care of?

These bonsai tree care guidelines will give you all the tips you need to care for your new leafy friend successfully.

Optimal Bonsai Placement

Where are you going to place the bonsai? The best place to put bonsai trees is in an area with morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon. If your bonsai tree is indoors, then place it in front of a window receiving the morning sun. It’s vital for you to set the tree in an area that’s out of the wind, as leaving the tree in a place that experiences drafts chill the bonsai, causing it to drop leaves.

Watering Your Bonsai

Like all other plants, bonsai trees require water, but not too much. The bonsai enjoys a drink two or three times a week in warm weather. It is important that you don’t overwater the bonsai as it’s prone to developing root rot, where fungi invade the root system and cause your tree to wilt and die. Push your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, give them a cup of water.

Relative Humidity Conditions

Humidity is another important consideration for your bonsai. Most bonsai tree species enjoy a bit of humidity, while others don’t mind living in dry conditions. Check information online about your specific type to ensure you give it the right humidity conditions. In most cases, placing in a drip tray with a few pebbles is all you need for a healthy bonsai.

Choose the Right Soil Type for Your Bonsai

Don’t just throw a scoop of soil into your planter. Growing bonsais require a specific soil type leaning toward an acidic pH. Potting soil combined with loamy peat is a great choice for healthy root systems. Ensure the soil drains well by placing a layer of pebbles in the planter’s base and adding a cup of perlite to the soil to improve drainage and soil aeration.

Pruning Your Bonsai

Pruning is what makes bonsai care challenging. Your bonsai will need pruning once a quarter to ensure growth and optimal health. Use bonsai clippers to remove dead branches and shape the leaf structure, but avoid using regular scissors. Most owners consider bonsai pruning an art form, so watch a few videos on the effective pruning of your specific bonsai variety.

Pruning your bonsai can become a meditative practice; it’s part of why they’re so popular in Japanese culture. Don’t over-prune the little guy, or you’ll stunt his growth. Most species of bonsai are pretty resilient, so you can’t really go wrong, but get make sure to do some research before your first pruning session.

Additional Information: Pruning Bonsai

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