If you’re interested in purchasing a bonsai tree for your home, you may have many questions about the types of plants that are suitable. One of these questions is whether or not the plants you’re considering will thrive in an indoor setting. For many of these trees, the answer is no. But there are a few that are ideal for growing inside, so read on to learn more.
Dwarf Pomegranate
The dwarf pomegranate tree is ideal for indoor gardening. It features beautiful leaves and fruit. They are native to mediterranean countries and Armenia. This plant is ideal for bonsai.
They are also popular for ornamental use. Pomegranate trees can grow up to several hundred years old. Their flowers come in male and female varieties. Some varieties produce edible fruits. Those are used in salads, drinks and medicines.
Dwarf pomegranate trees are easy to care for. You can keep them as small as a single tree or as a bush. As long as they are watered regularly, you can keep them alive.
In order to grow, dwarf pomegranates need a certain amount of humidity and a warm climate. However, they do well in cool weather and partial shade. If you are growing them in a container, you will need to place a humidity tray underneath the tree to prevent it from drying out.
When you first start your pomegranate, it will produce a lot of shoots from the base. This will need to be pruned. To maintain the design of your dwarf pomegranate, prune it regularly.
Ideally, your dwarf pomegranate should be placed in a sunny window. If you don’t have a sunny spot, you can try placing it in a window sill or in the corner of a room.
When you buy your pomegranate, you will probably find it in a quart or quart-size pot. When it has grown to a certain height, you can move it into a larger pot. Depending on the type of cultivar you purchase, you may need to repot it every 2-4 years.
You can use a basic free-draining bonsai soil mix. A sand-and-akadama mix is another great option.
Schefflera
The Schefflera bonsai tree is one of the most popular indoor bonsai trees. The Schefflera is a hardy plant that can tolerate low humidity and moderate temperatures. These plants require minimal care.
In order to make your schefflera bonsai tree more beautiful, you need to perform regular pruning. Pruning is essential because it will stimulate new growth and promote healthier growth.
To prune your Schefflera, use a sharp knife or pruning scissors. Remove dead or sick branches, as well as unwanted branches. Branches should be cut at least half an inch above the leaf. If you are not sure which direction to cut, try to guess where the new bud will grow.
It is important to maintain a healthy level of moisture. Overwatering can cause the roots of your schefflera to rot. Therefore, be sure to water your plant on a regular basis. Using a misting system can help to increase humidity.
You should also apply dormant oil to all the surfaces of your schefflera. This helps prevent the leaves from being eaten by mealybugs.
To help keep your Schefflera bonsai healthy, you should feed it with diluted houseplant fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied to your plants at weekly intervals.
Although schefflera bonsai plants can be grown in low or medium humidity, they should never be exposed to cold air or rain. Keeping a humid tray near the plant can also help raise humidity.
Your schefflera may have yellow leaves. One of the most common reasons is overwatering. Yellowing is often caused by poor drainage. Using broken bricks at the base of the pot can help to ensure proper drainage.
If you are unsure of how to care for your schefflera, you should read the simple instructions that come with your tree. Depending on the type of tree, you will need to repot it every two years.
Ficus retusa
Ficus retusa bonsai trees are excellent indoor plants. These trees grow well in low light conditions and are easy to care for. But it’s important to understand that these trees can be damaged by thrips and root rot, so avoiding these hazards is a good idea.
Ficus retusa bonsai is a member of the Moraceae family and can be propagated through cuttings. When repotting a ficus, be sure to use fresh potting soil. Also, be sure to keep the cuttings moist and warm. If possible, you can use a drip tray to create a humid atmosphere.
Because of their fast growth, ficus retusa bonsai needs regular pruning. This will prevent stress on the tree and ensure its compact shape. Aside from this, it is necessary to fertilize it periodically. Fertilizer can be applied using a general-purpose liquid fertilizer. You can also apply horticulture neem oil to the leaves.
When repotting a ficus, it’s recommended that you use sterilized shears. Then, make sure that the container you’re using has drainage holes. After you’re done, water the ficus.
To get the most out of your ficus bonsai, you’ll need to make sure it receives proper lighting. In general, you’ll want to keep it in bright, indirect light.
You should also keep it away from cold drafts. Although these plants can withstand low temperatures, they are not tolerant of extreme temperature changes. Therefore, you should never store your ficus near an AC unit or in a cold room. It will be better to keep it in a conservatory or other location that stays warm and has good ventilation.
As with most other plants, ficus retusa should be repotted every two to three years. The best time to do this is in the spring.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea bonsai trees are an excellent way to create a beautiful plant for your indoor or outdoor space. They’re thorny and colorful, and they’re able to thrive in a wide variety of environments. However, they can also be susceptible to pests, including whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs.
When selecting a location for your bougainvillea bonsai, choose a place that receives plenty of natural sunlight. The best time to plant your bonsai is in late spring.
Ideally, your bonsai will grow in a pot that’s at least as wide as the tree’s trunk. If you use a pot, make sure that the soil has holes for drainage. Water regularly to keep the plant moist.
While you should water your bougainvillea on a regular basis, you don’t want to overwater. This could encourage fungus or root rot. It can also reduce flowering.
Once your bougainvillea bonsai has grown, you can start pruning the leaves. This will help shape the plant and encourage new growth. A proper pruning schedule is recommended.
To ensure your bougainvillea stays healthy, you should prune it every month during its growing season. However, it’s important to remember to prune at the right time, as doing so can interfere with the plant’s bloom cycle.
Bougainvillea bonsai trees should be planted in free-draining bonsai soil. You can also amend the soil with organic fertilizer. An iron-rich fertilizer will strengthen the delicate roots.
Be cautious about moving your bonsai during extreme weather. Extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, or high wind can cause the plant to wilt. For optimal results, use four to five cuttings per pot.
Keep your bougainvillea well watered in the summer. During the active growth phase, provide your plant with 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Chinese Elm
Chinese Elm bonsai trees are a great choice for indoors. This subtropical species grows well in a variety of climates. However, it needs special attention.
One of the most important things to remember when caring for your Chinese Elm is that it should get as much light as possible. You can place it on a window sill or in a well-ventilated room.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Chinese Elms do best in partial shade. In warm climates, afternoon sunlight is too hot for the plant. If you can’t provide a shady spot for your Chinese Elm, you can try using a humidifier.
In the spring and summer, your Chinese Elm may need watering daily. It will also need fertilizing with an organic fertilizer. During the winter months, your Chinese Elm may need to be repotted.
A good rule of thumb for maintaining your Chinese Elm is to repot it every two years. You can do this by rooting a cutting from one of the shoots and re-poting it in a quality bonsai soil.
The Chinese elm tree is known to have a large root system. However, it’s not a great idea to prune too closely to the roots. This is because the trunk is not likely to revert back to its original shape.
A humidity tray is a convenient and inexpensive way to create a moist environment for your Chinese Elm. However, it is important to note that a humidity tray is not a substitute for regular watering.
Also, be sure to provide your Chinese Elm with a drip tray. This will help to keep water from sitting on the ground and rotting the roots.