Indoor Bonsai
Traditionally, bonsai are shaped from temperate climate trees grown in containers but kept outdoors as they require full sunlight and a winter dormancy period at near-freezing temperatures . more...
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Kept in the artificial environment of a home, these trees will become weakened and die.
Houseplant amateurs seeking the visual appeal of bonsais within their indoor garden have applied bonsai-growing techniques to tropical plants that thrive indoors during the winter.
Bonsai vs. other forms of house plant
Compared to the usual potted house plant, bonsais are rooted in a much smaller amount of soil. Consequently, they require more frequent watering. This form is therefore best suited for drought-resistant species. Compared to usual house gardening, bonsais require a lot more pruning, both of branches and roots. This often requires a significant shift in attitude for house gardeners.
The spiritual benefits of bonsai cultivation, in Japanese bonsai no kokoro are available equally to classical and indoor bonsai gardeners.
Indoor vs. traditional bonsai
The largest difference between indoor and traditional bonsai is, of course, the enjoyment of an attractive, fully leaved plant in winter instead of a dormant, leafless tree. Other differences include the faster growth rate of tropical plants, which accelerate all steps of the bonsai evolution, and the easier availability of stock plants at a size ideal for their first pruning.
How to
Indoor bonsai rearing requires the same tools and containers as classical bonsai. Most bonsai enthusiasts take pictures to document the evolution of their plants.
Since the emphasis is on the trunk and roots, one usually start with an old, large plant selected for these features. The transformation into the bonsai form (the "training") is done stepwise to insure survival of the plant.
Before pruning takes place, the plant is moved outdoors in early summer, fully fertilized and allowed to start growing. Thus, it will be at peak strength. During this period, the plant is studied and the pruning planned.;
First, the branches are pruned to bring the plant to silhouette resembling a mature tree. The plant is left to recover until small leaves have sprouted. This usually happens within one to two weeks but, if the wood is old, it may take up to six months.;
Second, the plant is uprooted, the roots cleaned, trimmed to fit the smaller pot and repotted. Bonsai potting mix is usually richer in clay, including clay pellets, than usual houseplant potting mix in order to be physically stronger and to preserve more moisture. Some forms of cat litter can be used instead of commercial clay pellets . The plant is usually attached to the pot with copper wire.;
Copper wire may also be used to bend the trunk or branches if desired.;
The plant is left to recover for the rest of the summer. It is left untouched in winter indoors.;
Most plants will not spontaneously keep the desired shape. It is usually necessary to re-prune the branches yearly. Thus, the silhouette of the plant will constantly evolve.;
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