We have been frequently asked which are the best indoor bonsai for beginners. This depends a little on the conditions in the room where you want to grow your bonsai. This guide to the different kinds of indoor bonsai trees should help you pick the right one for you.
Getting started with indoor bonsai can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. With the right tree choice and care techniques, anyone can successfully grow miniature trees indoors This article will provide a complete guide to help beginners select, plant, and care for their first indoor bonsai plant
Choosing the Right Indoor Bonsai Tree
The most important first step is choosing the right tree species. Indoor bonsai trees need to be tropical or sub-tropical plants that can thrive in the warm, stable environment inside our homes. Some great choices for beginner indoor bonsai enthusiasts include:
Ficus (Ficus retusa or Ficus microcarpa)
Ficus is by far the most popular indoor bonsai variety This resilient tree has beautiful small leaves and is adaptable to indoor conditions Ficus does best with high humidity and appreciates some direct sunlight daily.
Jade (Crassula ovata or Portulacaria afra)
Jade bonsai, also known as the money tree, is a succulent that stores water in its thick leaves It is highly drought resistant and needs less frequent watering than other choices Jade requires several hours of direct sun each day.
Hawaiian Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The umbrella tree has glossy green leaves on long stems that give it a distinct tropical look. It prefers bright, indirect light indoors along with humid conditions.
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
With small leaves and attractive bark, the Chinese elm bonsai offers lovely visual interest. It is a sturdy choice that can better tolerate drier indoor air compared to other tropical trees.
Carmona/Fukien Tea Tree (Ehretia microphylla)
Native to Asia, this plant has shiny leaves and dainty white flowers. It appreciates high humidity but also adjusts well to indoor environments with proper care.
When browsing for your first bonsai, opt for a healthy young plant that is no more than 12 inches tall. Avoid very mature-looking specimens which will be challenging for beginners to maintain happily indoors.
Caring for Your Indoor Bonsai
Placing your indoor bonsai properly and providing attentive care is key to your success. Follow these tips for a thriving indoor bonsai:
Location
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Place your bonsai in a bright spot with at least 4 hours of direct sun daily, such as near a south-facing window. Rotate the pot occasionally for even growth.
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Use supplemental grow lights if natural light is inadequate. Full spectrum or LED plant lights work well. Keep lights on 12-14 hours per day.
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Protect from drafts from windows, vents, or exterior doors which can quickly dry out your bonsai.
Watering
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Water your bonsai whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Tropical plants typically need water every 1-3 days depending on humidity, light, and temperature.
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Use room temperature water, not cold. Soak the entire soil area until water drains from the pots drainage holes.
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Allow to drain completely before returning to its location to prevent soggy soil. Never leave your bonsai sitting in a saucer of water.
Humidity
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Indoor air is often far too dry for tropical bonsai trees. Use a humidifier nearby or place your bonsai on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water.
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Misting the leaves daily also increases humidity for optimal health.
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Watch for signs of low humidity like brown leaf tips and add moisture if needed.
Fertilizer
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Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season from spring through fall. Don’t fertilize in winter.
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Alternatively, a slow-release pellet fertilizer can be applied as directed in spring.
Pruning and Shaping
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Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to prune back new growth several times per year. This encourages compact growth and ramification of your bonsai.
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Wire branches into position as desired to create your ideal bonsai design. Wrap wire carefully to avoid scarring delicate bark.
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Rotate and prune your bonsai frequently to maintain its miniature size and refined shape.
With the right bonsai tree choice and attentive care practices, growing indoor bonsai can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for enthusiasts. Follow the recommendations in this guide and you’ll soon have a beautiful living miniature tree brightening your indoor space. Let your creativity run wild as you shape and train your own artistic bonsai masterpiece at home.
Sweet Aromatic Pepper Tree Bonsai (Zanthoxylum piperitum)
This lovely fragrant Pepper Tree bonsai has a sweet aromatic peppery fragrance and bright green glossy foliage. Small clusters of tiny white flowers develop from January onwards. The bark is fissured and adds character and age to this very elegant and exciting bonsai. This bonsai is for those who want something a little different. This bonsai is easy to care for, so it’s great for beginners. It also has a unique scent—I love the fresh fruity smell it gives off when I prune it or rub the leaves together. The leaves are very nicely proportioned and grow along fronds and are lush. This bonsai tends to have a slightly less twisty trunk or gentle twisting. The exciting pepper tree symbolises purification, healing and protection. What an inspired gift idea.
Chinese Sweet Plum (Sageretia theezans)
The Chinese Sweet Plum is a pretty indoor bonsai. It has a lot of personality even at a young age because its flaky bark shows red and tan tones. The stunning foliage has hints of rusty red turning to glossy green. Small white flowers give rise to tiny plum-shaped fruits. A really pretty bonsai. We really like this bonsai tree because it is easy to take care of, has beautiful shapes, and has interesting leaf color. It can die back a little, so you need to keep pruning this bonsai and make sure it doesn’t get too tall. This bonsai would complement a Chinese Elm very well. This bonsai symbolises protection, creativity, new life & warm wishes.
What is the Easiest Bonsai for a Beginner?
Are indoor bonsai trees good for beginners?
Indoor bonsai trees are an excellent choice for beginners because they can be grown and cared for in a controlled environment. Unlike outdoor bonsai trees, which require more specialized knowledge and experience, indoor bonsai trees can thrive with proper care and attention, making them a perfect starting point for beginners.
What are the best bonsai trees for beginners?
If you are a newbie and want to grow them, then you should try these Best Indoor Bonsai Trees for Beginners! 1. Jade Plant Bonsai 2. Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai 3. Juniper Bonsai 4. Dwarf Jade Bonsai 5. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai 6. Ponytail Palm Bonsai 7. Ming Aralia Bonsai 8. Norfolk Island Pine 9. Money Tree Bonsai 10. Desert Rose 11.
How to choose a bonsai tree?
When selecting your first Bonsai tree, it is crucial to pick the right tree species. Tropical and sub-tropical tree species can be kept indoors, whereas temperate trees can only be grown outdoors.
Should I start a bonsai tree?
For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with a pre-bonsai tree. These trees are less expensive than fully developed bonsai trees and allow you to learn bonsai techniques as the tree grows and develops. What Kind Of Care Does A Bonsai Tree Need?