Bonsai Trees are a unique aspect to add to your indoor plant garden because of their miniature, confined style. Although they are small, they do require specific attention. For an indoor bonsai tree, it is important to buy a tropical or subtropical variant as they do not go dormant in the winter, unlike their temperate, nontropical counterparts.
To start off your Bonsai growing with ease, consider buying a growing Bonsai kit. The Home Grown Bonsai Tree Kit, for instance, comes with 4 varieties of seeds, pots, soil, nutrients, and comprehensive instructions on how to help your tree grow strong. If you choose to forego a pre-made kit, you’ll need to hand-choose an indoor variety to grow!
Jade Bonsai
There are numerous varieties of Bonsai seeds you can purchase depending on what you are looking for. For instance, the Crassula (Jade) Bonsai displays a thick trunk and green, rubbery leaves. Because Jade trees are considered to be succulents, the leaves and trunk hold water well, which can create a bend in the trunk itself, giving the tree a leaning look. You can easily purchase Jade Bonsai trees or seeds from online retailers such as plants.com.
Fukien Tea Bonsai
Another indoor variety called the Carmona Bonsai (“Fukien Tea”) is popular for its year-round blossoms of white flowers and red berries. This variety can be found in stores such as Lowe’s at full size, or you can plant seedlings and regularly trim the branches to promote full, thick growth.
Chinese Elm Bonsai
Finally, the Chinese Elm Bonsai is a great first Bonsai Tree because they are rather forgiving to over-watering or under-watering. This tree has bright green, oval-shaped leaves and has a relatively standard growing pattern, making it easy to prune. In addition to these common varieties, there are numerous more options to consider for your indoor Bonsai Tree. Once you have chosen which Bonsai Tree fits you best, it’s time to get all the tools ready to start growing!
What You’ll Need: Bonsai kit
Grow Light
Indoor Bonsai trees need ample, direct sunlight, so it is important to place your tree by a south-facing window to maximize the light received. Even with this placement, your Bonsai tree may still not receive the intense light exposure it needs, so a grow light is a smart investment to ensure your tree is receiving enough light.
Clippers
Pruning is always essential to your Bonsai Tree’s growth and beauty, so a high-quality set of sheers is an essential item in your kit. Bonsai Outlet sells a set of two professional grade sheers, one long and one bowed, for all of your pruning needs.
Humidity Tray or Spray Bottle
Bonsai trees love high humidity; misting your tree a few times per day or placing your pot on a humidity tray will help provide the humid environment that is often missing indoors.
Watering Can
Proper watering is important to support your tree’s health. There is no schedule of Bonsai watering set in stone, but rather it is important to observe your trees individually and understand what they need. When the soil is slightly dry, it is typically time to water your tree, regardless of how long ago it had its last watering. It is useful to buy a Bonsai-specific watering can that has a long, angled spout to water hard-to-reach nooks in the soil.
Jade Bonsai
