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A drawn illustration of a bonsai tree with green leaves on a plain background, depicting the tree's roots on a rocky surface.

Indoor Bonsai

SCENTIFIC NAME: Ficus bonsai

KNOWN AS: Bonsai Tree

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Japan & Taiwan | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: Bonsai trees are small trees trained to resemble full-sized trees. It is pruned, wired, and molded to produce a lovely, compact picture of nature. Bonsai trees are aesthetic and represent harmony, balance, and patience.

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

Indoor Bonsai Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The best lighting for indoor bonsai tree plants depends on the specific type of plant and its lighting requirements. However, in general, bonsai trees prefer bright, indirect sunlight, and need a minimum of 6 hours of light each day. South-facing windows are ideal, but if natural light is limited, LED grow lights can be used to supplement the lighting. It's important to monitor the plant's response to the lighting and adjust the duration and intensity as needed.

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White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
Aspect™ Gen 2 LED Growlight
$150.00 $200.00

Color:

White Black
SAVE 15%
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A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
Vita™ Grow Light
$72.25 $85.00

Color:

White / Wide (60°) Black / Wide (60°)
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A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
Highland™ LED Track Light System
$184.00 - $555.00 $740.00

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White / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees) Black / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees)
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A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
Grove™ LED Grow Light
$104.00 $130.00

Color:

Black White

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

The type of plant, the type of soil, and the amount of water the plant needs will determine how to water indoor bonsai trees. The soil surface should feel somewhat dry to the touch, but not completely dry, before watering bonsai trees. While watering, fully soak the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the container. Refrain from overwatering to prevent root rot. It's crucial to keep a regular watering schedule and to prevent letting the soil get fully dry in between waterings. To prevent soil disturbance and water splashing onto the foliage, it's also beneficial to use a watering can with a fine nozzle or a misting spray bottle.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Depending on the particular bonsai species, different temperatures are ideal for different types of indoor bonsai plants. The majority of indoor bonsai typically demand daytime temperatures of 60–75°F (15–24°C) and nighttime temperatures of at least 50°F (10°C). It's crucial to keep the plant away from temperatures below 40°F (4°C), as this could harm it. In order to give enough humidity, either place a tray of water nearby the plant or use a humidifier. Bonsai plants enjoy humid environments. In addition, it's crucial to give the plant strong, indirect light and keep it out of direct sunlight in order to prevent the leaves from burning. To ensure ideal growing conditions, it's critical to research the precise temperature preferences of the bonsai species you have.77

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Depending on the species, the recommended humidity levels for indoor bonsai plants might vary, however they typically enjoy moderate to high humidity levels. For these plants, a humidity level between 50% and 60% is excellent. Mist the plant frequently, put a humidifier nearby, or group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate to keep the humidity levels appropriate.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Air layering is a reliable method of propagating bonsai plants. In order to produce a humid atmosphere, an incision must be made around the plant's stem before it is wrapped in wet sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. At the cut spot, roots will eventually grow, enabling the plant to be removed and planted independently. This method produces a strong, vigorous plant with a well-developed root system and is excellent for species that are challenging to reproduce using other techniques.
Toxicity
The toxicity of indoor bonsai plants can vary depending on the specific species of plant used for bonsai cultivation. There are numerous species of trees and shrubs that are commonly used for bonsai, each with its own unique characteristics and potential toxicity. It's important to note that many commonly used species are toxic, especially if ingested. Common symptoms of plant toxicity can include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or skin irritation. To ensure the safety of children and pets, it's always a good practice to keep indoor bonsai plants out of their reach and discourage them from chewing or ingesting any part of the plant. If you have concerns about the specific species of bonsai plant you have in your home, it's advisable to research the plant's toxicity or consult with a plant expert, horticulturist, or a veterinarian for accurate information. Additionally, if you suspect that a person or pet has ingested a significant amount of any indoor bonsai plant or is exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, it's important to seek medical advice or contact a poison control center for appropriate guidance.
Repotting
Every two to three years, indoor bonsai plants should be repotted to encourage healthy growth. When it's time to repot a bonsai plant, gently remove it from its present container and untangle any tangled roots. To keep the plant in the appropriate form, cut back any dead or damaged roots and clip the top growth as needed. Choose a new pot with drainage holes at the bottom that is somewhat larger than the old pot. Place the plant in the center of the new pot after adding a layer of fresh potting soil to the bottom. Add more dirt around the sides until the plant is level with the soil surface. Give the plant plenty of water, and let the soil fully drain. After repotting, it's crucial to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot. Wait a few weeks before fertilizing the plant to give it time to become used to its new habitat. Put the plant in a bright, indirect light.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help bonsai plants keep their shape, size, and health. When the plant is actively developing in the spring or summer, prune it. Start by getting rid of any branches or leaves that are sick, damaged, or dead. A position right above a leaf node should be used to trim any excessively long branches. Cut back to just above a node that faces the direction you want the new growth to grow in order to promote branching. Pruning shouldn't be done more than a third of the plant's total size at once because doing so can stress the plant. The bonsai plant can seem healthy and encourage new development with routine pruning. The health and vigor of the plant can also be preserved by cutting back the roots and repotting the plant every few years. While pruning bonsai plants, it's crucial to use clean, sharp tools to prevent the plant from being harmed.
Fertilizing
For bonsai plants to stay healthy and flourish, constant fertilizer is necessary. Throughout the growing season, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer made specifically for bonsai plants every four to six weeks. Avoid overfertilizing the plant, as this can cause salt accumulation in the soil and burn the roots, and carefully follow the recommendations on the fertilizer bottle. In addition to fertilizer, bonsai plants might gain from sporadic applications of liquid fish emulsion or seaweed to supply extra nutrients. It's crucial to fully water the plant before fertilizing in order to prevent scorching the roots and to avoid fertilizing when the plant is dormant and not actively growing. Frequent fertilizer can encourage new growth and maintain the bonsai plant appearing healthy.
Soil
Bonsai plants need soil that is well-draining but moisture-retentive. Use a combination of small particles, such peat moss or compost, and organic matter, like fine gravel or grit. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5, making it somewhat acidic. Bonsai trees require soil that can contain enough moisture to prevent the plant from drying out as well as sufficient drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Moreover, encouraging root growth and preventing soil compaction can be accomplished by utilizing a soil mixture with sufficient aeration. Use light soils wherever possible since heavy soils, like those with a lot of clay, can hold too much moisture and cause root rot. The health and vitality of bonsai plants may be ensured, and proper soil conditions can encourage new growth and foliage. Repotting bonsai plants is necessary every two to three years to preserve the soil's quality and guarantee the plant has adequate area to develop.

Hanging Heights

Indoor Bonsai Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Indoor Bonsai

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 48"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Indoor Bonsai

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 60"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 36"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Indoor Bonsai

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 66"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 48"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Indoor Bonsai

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Indoor Bonsai

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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