Bonsai, the ancient Japanese tradition of cultivating miniature trees in small containers.
Most individuals, upon hearing the word ‘bonsai,’ envision indoor bonsai trees, but this fascinating art form encompasses a wide variety of styles both indoors and outdoors.
Among the reasons for their popularity is the low-maintenance nature of these plants.
When we refer to ‘indoor bonsai,’ we are specifically discussing those bred and nurtured for indoor conditions.
So, without further ado, let’s delve deeper into these cool trees.
What is Bonsai?
“Bonsai” means “plant in a pot.” This way of growing plants started in Japan and has been around for thousands of years. Now, people all around the world enjoy it.
Bonsai can mean the small tree itself or the act of taking care of it. These little trees can fit just about anywhere and can live a really long time. They are usually kept outside in places where the weather isn’t too hot or cold.
There are lots of different kinds of plants that can become bonsai, and they all need different things to grow well. Some like being outside, some like being inside, some need a lot of sun, and others can get burned if they get too much sunlight.
Where you live can also affect what kind of bonsai will grow best for you. Why might you want a bonsai tree for your house? Let’s find out.
Why do people like bonsai trees so much?
There are many reasons why these little trees are so loved. Taking care of them can be a fun way to spend your time, and it can also be very calming. They’re not too hard to look after, and some people think they make a room feel more positive.
Like other plants, bonsai trees can make the air in your home cleaner and give you more oxygen. They can also make you feel better in other ways.
But unlike some other kinds of plants, bonsai trees need lots of care to stay healthy and look their best. You’ll need to water them, give them plant food, and trim them.
Even if you’re new to taking care of plants, you can learn how to look after a bonsai tree. And once you do, you’ll get a lot from it. It’s no wonder so many people like these little trees.
Taking care of a bonsai tree can make you think better, feel happier, and be less stressed. It can also help you stay active and teach you to be more patient. Bonsai trees need slow, careful work. You can’t hurry when you’re looking after one.
Types of Indoor Bonsai
If you want an easy-to-care-for indoor plant, then bonsai could be perfect for you. Here are some indoor bonsai trees you could pick.
Ficus
Ficus makes a fantastic bonsai tree. With various types, including smaller ones that are an ideal fit for indoor settings, there’s a Ficus for everyone.
Known for their easy maintenance, people are attracted to their intriguing leaf patterns and the artistic shape they can achieve with regular care. The various species also add to the appeal, each one offering a unique touch to your indoor decor.
Chinese elm
An extremely popular choice for bonsai, Chinese elm trees offer a variety of distinct appearances. These trees are lauded for their intricate branching patterns and unique leaf structures, making them visually appealing.
The ease of caring for these trees and their resilience to different environments only adds to their popularity among bonsai enthusiasts.
Dwarf jade
Dwarf jade is a delightful small plant perfect for bonsai. It thrives in sandy soil and necessitates good drainage, ensuring it doesn’t become waterlogged.
This is a plant you can truly make your own with careful trimming and shaping. The succulent leaves of the dwarf jade add to its charm, making it a visual treat for your home.
Weeping fig
Known to many as Ficus benjamina, this plant originally hails from India and Malaysia but has found its way across the globe.
It’s a visual delight with its intriguing branches and glossy, oval leaves, bringing a touch of nature’s marvel to your indoor space. Its adaptability to different climates and indoor environments makes it a good pick for novice bonsai growers.
Japanese flowering cherry
The Japanese flowering cherry or the cherry blossom bonsai is a stunner when in bloom. The delicate pink flowers are a treat to behold but require a bit more attention than other bonsai varieties.
However, the beauty it brings when it flourishes is absolutely worth the extra effort. It symbolizes the transient nature of life and adds a spiritual element to your indoor space.
Boxwood
Boxwoods are excellent candidates for bonsai. They’re known for their dense branching pattern and small, oval leaves, which are ideal for intricate shaping and styling.
Originating from Europe, this tree is often seen in outdoor hedges but its smaller version makes for a perfect bonsai. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy the pruning and sculpting aspect of bonsai culture.
Flowering tea tree
Also recognized as the Fujian or Fukien tea tree, this plant possesses small, shiny, rounded leaves, adding a visual appeal to your bonsai collection.
One of its charming features is the small flowers that can bloom all year round, often white, providing a continuous display of beauty. Its leaf and trunk structure bear a resemblance to Chinese elm, making it another attractive choice for bonsai lovers.
Each of these trees can look great as bonsai. Some have flowers, some don’t. Some have round leaves, some have pointy ones. But they all need care to stay healthy.
Read More: 10 Best Indoor Plants
Caring for Indoor Bonsai Trees
Once you’ve picked a bonsai tree, you need to know how to look after it. Bonsai trees can live a long time if you take care of them properly.
They usually come in a small pot, so you can put them wherever you like. You could even put them in a fancy pot if you want to. You’ll also want to get a humidity tray.
Bonsai trees like a lot of moisture, so you might need to spray them with water if you don’t have a humidity tray. Lighting Indoor bonsai trees usually need indirect sunlight. If there’s no sunlight, you can use artificial light.
Watering Bonsai trees need good drainage. They like to be watered often, but not too much. If they get too much water, their roots can rot. The amount of water they need depends on the type of tree.
Temperature Most bonsai trees prefer warmer temperatures. Be careful not to put your tree near a window, air conditioning vent, or any other drafty area.
Maintenance
You’ll need to check your tree for new growth and trim it to keep it looking nice. This usually involves:
Structural maintenance – This can mean wiring branches and helping the tree stay upright.
Pruning – This is when you cut back the tree to help shape it.
Where to Put Your Bonsai
You can put your bonsai tree almost anywhere. Just make sure it’s not near a draft, an air conditioning unit, or a window or door.
Closing Note
Now you know all about indoor bonsai trees. If you don’t already have one, you can pick one from this list. They’re all easy to take care of and they look great.
It can take time to see the benefits, but as you take care of your tree, you’ll start to see them. And with the right care, your bonsai tree can stay with you for a long time.
So, which indoor bonsai tree do you think you’ll pick?
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