When it comes to keeping bonsai trees indoors, you’ll have a lot of choices. You can choose from Chinese elms, Ginseng ficus, dwarf umbrellas and Ponytail palms. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. But, you should consider how your specific living conditions will impact your choice.
Ficus trees
If you are looking for an indoor bonsai that can be easily maintained, a Ficus is a great choice. These trees can grow well indoors in temperatures from 0 to 90 degrees, and are also adaptable to conditions that would normally kill most other plants.
Ficus bonsai are easy to care for and can be trained into many different shapes. However, you should keep in mind that the tree needs plenty of light.
To make sure the bonsai stays healthy, you should fertilize it regularly. This is especially important during the growing season. You can do this by applying a diluted liquid fertilizer with a 3-3-3 NPK ratio. It is best to do this right after you water the tree.
You should also check your ficus regularly to identify any insects that might be infesting it. The most common pest is scale. When you see small, brown or black bumps on the branches, this is a sign of a mite. A good waxy shell can be used to protect your Ficus from these bugs.
Another reason why a Ficus might drop some of its leaves is if the tree is exposed to too much cold. In such cases, you can use a humidifier to provide your Ficus with extra humidity.
While it is possible for a ficus bonsai to be planted outside, the trees are best kept indoors during the winter. In this climate, the leaves might drop off and the tree may enter into dormancy.
If your ficus bonsai is experiencing problems, you can consult a bonsai expert. They can help you find out the cause of the problem and fix it. Often, it is just a matter of adjusting your care regimen.
Chinese elms
Chinese elms can be kept indoors year round. However, it requires lots of light and air movement. It needs to be kept in a place where there is sufficient nutrients. If it gets too hot or too cold, it will become stressed. To keep it healthy, it should be placed in a room with a sun-facing window, where it will get a lot of light during the day.
The best time to repot a Chinese elm is in the summer, when the tree’s roots are not spreading. This will help maintain a more even humidity level, and will allow the tree to develop new roots.
Chinese elms grow very well in many types of soil, but they do need water to thrive. In fact, it may require daily watering in the spring and summer.
When the weather is cold, it may drop leaves, and the tree may need to be sheltered from harsh sunlight. A good way to do this is to place it in a foil tent, or an unheated garage.
Keeping the Chinese elm in an indoor environment can be difficult, as it is not fully evergreen. It can also be subject to pest infestations. Spider mites are the most common and dangerous bugs. You can use insecticide sprays to control them.
Besides aphids, other bugs can also attack your elm. For this reason, it is better to take action. Firstly, you should check the tree for signs of pests. They may include aphids, white flies, and leaf mold.
Once you have identified the problem, you should make a solution. Among the natural remedies, you can try a watering schedule or a misting system.
Ponytail palms
If you’ve never tried growing Ponytail palm trees indoors, you’re missing out on one of the quickest and easiest small trees to grow. They’re a succulent, so they’re naturally hardy. And they’re easy to care for – as long as you take the time to follow the right care instructions.
To begin, you’ll want to choose a pot that is big enough to accommodate your ponytail palm’s bulbous root. This type of tree can be grown in a variety of different types of containers, from plastic to terracotta. Regardless of the container you select, make sure that it has a good drainage hole at the bottom.
Before you can properly care for your new ponytail palm, you need to make sure that it’s in a well-drained, but loose, soil mixture. You can use a combination of potting soil, sand, and perlite. However, you don’t want to use too much fertilizer or watering, as this can burn the foliage.
In addition to regular watering, you’ll also want to provide your ponytail palm with a little fertilizer. Whether it’s a water-soluble houseplant blend or cacti-specific fertilizer, it’s best to use it monthly.
The best way to keep your Ponytail palm healthy and happy is to avoid exposing it to drafts, especially in the winter. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need to keep the plant indoors.
Once you’ve got your plant, you’ll need to make sure it has plenty of light. It needs 5 hours of sunlight every day. For an indoor grown Ponytail palm, you can place it in a north-facing window sill or a bright spot in your home.
Although the ponytail palm is a great plant to grow, there are some pests that you need to be aware of. These include spider mites and scale. Both of these pests can be a problem, as they feed on the sap of your plant.
Dwarf umbrella
If you want to keep dwarf bonsai trees indoors, it’s a good idea to be prepared for some maintenance tasks. They are hardy plants but they require special care. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
In order to avoid damaging your dwarf umbrella tree, be sure to provide a well-draining potting soil mix with plenty of perlite. The plant will benefit from aeration and will grow healthier if its roots are free from compacted soil.
Another problem to be aware of is spider mites. These insects are sap-sucking pests. When they invade your tree, they will create yellow spots on the leaves. This is caused by a protein called chlorophyll. A good treatment for this is neem oil.
Another common problem is defoliation. Defoliating can cause your tree to wilt and drop its foliage. It also causes the new growth to be smaller.
Another insect to be aware of is the scale. Scale insects are sap-sucking insects that can invade your plant and cause stunted growth. You can kill these bugs with systemic insecticides or by manually removing them.
If you’re planning to keep your dwarf umbrella tree indoors, it’s best to keep the lights low. This is because you don’t want your plant to grow underdeveloped leaf buds. Instead, you want to provide your tree with enough light to support its overall growth.
To grow your umbrella tree in the outdoors, it needs to be exposed to temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight. During the summer, it should be kept in a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees. However, it should be sheltered from cold drafts and air conditioners.
Ginseng ficus
Ginseng ficus bonsai trees are very popular and easy to maintain. This plant is native to warm tropical regions and can thrive indoors. It’s hardy to USDA zones 9-11 and requires only basic care. If you haven’t tried growing a ginseng ficus bonsai, you’ll find this is a great beginner plant.
When keeping a ficus bonsai inside, make sure to choose a bright, well-lit location. For most of the year, a south-facing window is ideal. In the winter, keep it in a room that stays above 45 degrees.
To maintain the health of your ficus, it’s a good idea to prune the tree at least once a year. This will keep the plant small, and also help you keep it looking beautiful.
Pruning can be done in the spring or late winter. You’ll want to remove dead leaves and branches to make room for new growth. A general rule of thumb is to trim away two to three leaves for every six leaves on the plant.
Repotting is also important. Ficus ginseng should be repotted at least once a year. They prefer being repotted in spring or fall. Adding fresh potting soil and watering thoroughly should do the trick.
To prevent your Ficus from root-bounding, cut back the roots before repotting. This will help the roots settle into the new pot, and will also help keep the plant healthy.
Ficus ginseng should also be given indirect light. The plant can tolerate being under water, but it is better to avoid overwatering.
Ideally, you’ll want to use a soil mix for your ginseng ficus. These can be purchased premade or you can mix your own. Some mixes include akadama, lava rock, pine bark, and other organic materials.