If you’re planning to get into bonsai, you may be wondering what kinds of trees you can grow indoors. There are several species of trees that you can consider, including Chinese elm, Hawaiian umbrella tree, Serissa japonica, and Ficus. The question of whether or not a particular bonsai will grow well in your home depends on how it is cared for.
Ficus
If you want to grow bonsai trees indoors, the Ficus is one of the best choices. This tree is native to Southeast Asia, and it grows well in areas of high humidity. It is a fast grower and has small leaves. You can get a ficus that is ready to be repotted in a couple of years.
Ficus bonsai can be planted in a shallow container with moist soil. The pot should be at least one inch deep. You can transplant the plant when the second set of leaves sprout.
You can also use cuttings to grow ficus bonsai. You should cut the ficus at a diagonal to ensure that you have the best possible cuttings.
If you have a humid environment, you may need to place your ficus on a humidity tray. This will help keep the humidity level high.
In order to avoid dry conditions, you should water your ficus regularly. You should also make sure that the roots are well watered. The tree will respond to watering by gaining more chlorophyll.
During the growing season, you should give your ficus fertilizer. It should be applied twice as much as usual. When it comes to winter, you should use a liquid fertilizer. It contains very little nitrogen, so you will have to dilute it with water.
You can mist your ficus with water to help prevent root rot. You can also mist the leaves with a spray bottle. Whenever the soil seems dry, give it a thorough watering. You can also use a fungicide to treat the ficus.
The Ficus tree can be grown outdoors in warmer climates. However, it should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Serissa japonica
Serissa is a shrub which grows in the wild in southeast Asia. It is native to open subtropical woodlands. It can grow up to four feet tall. It is also a popular bonsai tree. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family.
It is known for its fine ramification and rough grey bark. Serissa bonsai trees thrive in full sun. However, they are susceptible to root rot and defoliation. To keep your plant healthy, be sure to water it thoroughly.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can use a modern grow light to help your Serissa bonsai thrive. You should also consider a water tray to regulate the amount of moisture absorbed by your plant. You should avoid using insecticides when the soil is dry.
The best time to fertilize your Serissa bonsai is during the growing season. Ideally, you should fertilize it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a week. Then wait a month before re-fertilizing it again. You can also purchase solid organic fertilizers that are odorless and cost less.
It is best to keep your Serissa bonsai indoors during the winter. This will reduce its susceptibility to diseases. You may have to apply pesticides to protect your plant from the pests that are common for bonsai.
If your Serissa bonsai is not watered properly, it will develop leaf drop. This can be caused by overwatering, lack of sunlight, or an incorrect pH balance. It can also be attacked by aphids and other insects. If you are worried about these problems, you can try spraying your plant with lime-free water.
You can also prune your Serissa bonsai to fit your desired shape. There are varieties that produce single, double, or multi-flowered plants.
Chinese elm
Chinese Elm bonsai trees are among the most popular varieties of bonsai trees. They have beautiful roots and rugged bark. They can tolerate a variety of climates. They are also very inexpensive. If you’re a beginner, these are a great choice for you. But they do require a lot of care.
The first step you should take when purchasing a Chinese Elm is to make sure you choose one that is compatible with your environment. Some of them are better suited to colder conditions than others. This will help you avoid damage from frost. You’ll also want to check the roots to make sure they’re healthy. If they’re not, cut them off.
You’ll also need to provide proper lighting. In the growing season, you’ll need to water your Chinese Elm daily. In the winter, you’ll need to do this less often. It will still need plenty of water, however.
The Chinese elm’s roots are very sensitive to different temperatures. If you notice your elm’s soil is dry, water it deeply. You can also use a humidifier, misting system, or a humidity tray.
You’ll want to keep your Chinese Elm out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need to give it the right amount of fertilizer. You can start by using Neptune’s Seaweed (0-0-1). It contains amino acids and 60 naturally occurring nutrients.
During the winter months, you’ll need to move your Chinese Elm indoors. You can put it in a south-facing window. The tree will be more likely to survive with this exposure.
While indoor Chinese elms will thrive, they will grow more slowly during the winter. You should also make sure you don’t over-water them. This can rot the plant’s roots.
Fukien tea
There are a number of bonsai trees that can be grown indoors with Fukien tea. They are very popular among North American gardeners. These trees are very easy to grow and can be trained into a variety of shapes.
In order to keep your Fukien Tea tree healthy, you need to water it properly. This is not difficult, and you can test the moisture level of the soil by touching it with your finger. You also need to make sure that the tree receives plenty of sunshine.
If you live in an area where it’s cold in winter, it’s a good idea to bring the tree inside for a few hours each day. However, if you live in a place where it’s warm in the summer, it’s best to leave it outdoors.
If you decide to keep your Fukien tea indoors, you’ll need to be extra careful. These plants are very sensitive to changes in temperature and lighting. If you don’t take care of them, they could turn out to be a pest. A common pest for this plant is aphids. Using organic insecticidal soap can help combat the infestation.
In addition, the plant needs a lot of humidity. If the soil gets too dry, your Fukien Tea tree will lose its leaves. You can use wet gravel or foamed clay to regulate the humidity.
If your Fukien Tea tree is getting aphids or mites, try using a bonsai pesticide. You can also treat the problem with an essential oil.
If you decide to grow your Fukien tea in the house, it’s best to use a soil mixture that contains a good amount of potting soil, finely ground pine bark, and clay particles. This mix will ensure that the roots don’t rot.
Hawaiian umbrella tree
If you’re looking for a tropical bonsai, you might want to consider growing a Hawaiian umbrella tree. This plant is not only beautiful, but is also a great hedge plant. It grows best in subtropical and tropical areas, and can live in both indoors and outdoors. Regardless of where you choose to grow your Hawaiian Umbrella, it is easy to care for.
If you’re a beginner, it’s important to start out with a plant that is low maintenance. The Umbrella is ideal for this because it doesn’t require any special training or pest control.
You can start your Hawaiian Umbrella by planting the seed in a container of peat moss or loam. You’ll need to add a layer of sand to keep water in the soil.
After the seed has sprouted, you can transfer it into a medium-sized pot. When you plant your Hawaiian Umbrella, you’ll need to add fertilizer to make sure the plant stays healthy. A good rule of thumb is to use a fertilizer that contains only low-nitrogen. This is because high-nitrogen fertilizers can cause problems with the tissue of your plant.
In addition to fertilization, you’ll need to prune your Hawaiian Umbrella plant regularly. Ideally, you’ll want to trim off dead branches and leaves, but you don’t have to worry about over-pruning.
Another useful tip when it comes to Hawaiian umbrella bonsai is to avoid overwatering your plant. The tree is known for its ability to survive in dry conditions, but too much moisture will result in small, weak leaves.
It’s also important to keep your Hawaiian Umbrella sheltered from cold drafts. You can do this by keeping the plant out of direct sunlight and away from radiators and heaters.