Planning to buy a bonsai tree or maybe someone gave you one as a gift and you need to know how to take care of it. Now you may be wondering if indoor bonsai trees are hard to take care of. The good news is that they are not. 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. Should you take good care of your little tree, you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Bonsai trees are miniature trees grown in small containers to replicate the shape and scale of full sized trees. The art of bonsai originated in Asia over a thousand years ago and has now spread worldwide. Many bonsai enthusiasts consider caring for these unique trees both deeply rewarding and relaxing. But is it difficult for a beginner to keep a bonsai tree alive and healthy?
While bonsai care does require some specialized techniques, don’t let that scare you away. With the right guidance, even total beginners can keep their bonsai thriving for years to come. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of bonsai care and maintenance to help you determine if this hobby is a good fit for you.
Why Bonsai Need Special Care
The main reason bonsai trees need attentive care is because they are potted in small containers that restrict root growth Unlike outdoor trees that can spread their roots deep and wide searching for water and nutrients, bonsai roots are confined. This means their caretaker must provide for all their needs
Key considerations for bonsai care include
- Watering frequently enough to avoid drying out
- Using proper soil mixes that drain well
- Fertilizing regularly to replenish nutrients
- Repotting to refresh the root system
- Protecting from temperature extremes
- Pruning and shaping techniques
Without the right care, bonsai will weaken and decline just like any other potted plant. But don’t let that intimidate you. Once you learn basic care guidelines for your specific tree species, keeping it thriving is very achievable.
Easy First Bonsai for Beginners
When just starting out in bonsai, choose an easy-to-care-for tree species. Good options include:
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Jade – An easy tropical that tolerates some neglect. Likes warm temps and humid air.
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Juniper – Hardy conifers that handle temp fluctuations well. Need excellent drainage.
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Chinese Elm – Deciduous trees with lovely bark. Fast-growing and forgiving.
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Ficus – Tropical fig species do well indoors. Prefers humid conditions.
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Maple – Easy deciduous species for outdoor growing. Go slowly on watering.
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Pomegranate – Likes heat and adapts well to pots. Drainage is important.
Avoid more finicky species like pine, azalea, and olive until you gain some experience. Also start with inexpensive nursery stock, not an elaborate pre-shaped bonsai.
Typical Bonsai Care Routine
Caring for your new bonsai will soon become second nature. Here’s an overview of typical care tasks and how often they’re needed:
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Watering – Check soil daily, water when partly dry. Frequency varies by species.
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Fertilizing – Use diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.
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Repotting – Repot young trees annually, older every 2-3 years.
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Pruning – Trim new growth frequently to shape. Cut back branches annually.
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Wiring – Wrap branches with wire to train direction and form. Remove/replace every 6 months.
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Pest control – Inspect regularly and take action at first signs of pests.
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Leaf cleaning – Wipe leaves down periodically with damp cloth to remove dust.
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Seasonal protection – Move outdoor trees to shelter in winter, shade in summer.
Make caring for your bonsai tree a frequent routine and it will soon come naturally to you. The more time you spend observing and interacting with your tree, the better you’ll get at interpreting its needs.
Keys to Keeping Bonsai Trees Alive
Follow these best practices and you can feel confident your bonsai will thrive under your care:
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Start with healthy stock – Select established starter plants from a reputable nursery.
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Pick suitable species – Match the tree to your climate and growing conditions.
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Use proper bonsai soil – Well-draining mix specific to bonsai trees.
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Water thoroughly – Water until it flows from drainage holes whenever soil is partly dry.
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Give outdoor shelter – Provide protection from harsh sun, wind, and freezing temps.
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Offer indoor humidity – Use a humidity tray or frequent misting for tropical varieties.
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Fertilize regularly – Apply balanced fertilizer to nourish the limited root system.
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Monitor for pests – Act promptly to deal with insects or diseases.
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Repot on schedule – Repot annually or every 2-3 years depending on age.
Follow the guidelines for your bonsai’s needs, provide attentive care, and you will be rewarded with a healthy miniature tree that thrives under your stewardship.
Troubleshooting Common Bonsai Problems
If you notice your bonsai showing signs of trouble, here are some potential issues to investigate:
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Small leaves – May indicate insufficient light or fertilizer.
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Leaf drop – Could be caused by watering or temperature stress.
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Leaf spots – Fungal or bacterial diseases. Treat with appropriate remedies.
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Poor growth – Likely not getting enough water, light or nutrients. Review care.
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Insects – Pests like spider mites sap health. Apply organic pest control.
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Yellow leaves – Usually a watering issue. Over or under-watering. Check your routine.
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Bark drying – Low humidity around tropical trees. Increase humidity measures.
With attentive care and quick response to problems, most bonsai health issues are easily corrected. Don’t give up if your tree shows signs of trouble. Seek advice from experienced bonsai caretakers.
Patience and Practice Are Key
Bonsai require regular, mindful attention to stay healthy in their artificial growing environment. But the effort is extremely rewarding. Caring for bonsai teaches patience along with building plant care skills.
Start with reasonable expectations. Focus on keeping your tree alive for the first year or two as you learn. Seek guidance from local bonsai clubs and online communities of enthusiasts. And always enjoy the calming, meditative process of tending to your bonsai tree.
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. Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the planter and a cup of perlite to the soil to help it drain and give the plants more air.
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 bonsai owners think of pruning as an art form, so watch a few videos on how to prune your type of bonsai properly.
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. You can’t really go wrong with most bonsai species, but make sure you learn as much as you can before your first pruning session.
Additional Information: Pruning Bonsai
Are Indoor Bonsai Trees Hard to Take Care of?
If you want to take good care of your new leafy friend, these bonsai tree care guidelines will help you do it.
Where are you going to put the bonsai? Bonsai trees do best where they get morning sun and afternoon shade. If your bonsai tree is indoors, then place it in front of a window receiving the morning sun. It is very important that you put the tree somewhere out of the wind. If you leave the bonsai in a drafty area, it will get cold and lose leaves.
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. You should not give the bonsai too much water because it can get root rot, which is when fungi get into the roots and kill the tree. Push your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, give them a cup of water.
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. A healthy bonsai only needs to be put in a drip tray with a few pebbles most of the time.
5 beginner Bonsai mistakes to avoid, that might be killing your bonsai tree!
FAQ
Are bonsai trees a lot of maintenance?
Is bonsai low maintenance?
What is the easiest to maintain bonsai?
Are bonsai trees hard to grow indoors?
Do bonsai trees need a lot of maintenance?
Smaller bonsai trees generally need more frequent watering and pruning, while larger trees may require less maintenance but more space to thrive. Bonsai trees come in a wide range of ages, from newly planted seedlings to trees that have been meticulously maintained for decades.
How do you care for a bonsai tree?
Caring for a Bonsai tree is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. However, as Bonsai trees are planted in small pots there are a few basic guidelines for placement, watering, and repotting your trees. Though Bonsai trees are more delicate than the average indoor plant, a few basic rules should enable anyone to take care of their tree properly.
Can anyone raise a bonsai tree?
Taking care of a bonsai tree may seem complicated, and it sometimes can be. However, anyone can raise a bonsai if they are willing to put in the work to care for it. To take care of a bonsai tree, you’ll need to follow these broad guidelines:
Should you own a bonsai tree?
By now, you know that owning a bonsai tree is more than just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Through the ups and downs, you’ll learn to care for your little tree with patience, love, and a bit of creativity. But don’t stop here! There’s always more to learn about the art of bonsai.