Bonsai trees typically originate from tropical and subtropical regions. These climates provide warmth and consistent conditions that many indoor bonsai species need to thrive. While bonsai is a practice rather than a specific species, certain types of trees are well suited for indoor cultivation because they can adapt to the relatively stable temperature and humidity levels of indoor environments.
Choosing a bonsai tree
Bonsai trees are grown in a pot or container and trained to produce a desired shape or effect. There are many different types of Bonsai for indoors. Even though many people choose a Bonsai tree depending on how appealing it looks, you must pick the right Bonsai for the environment it will be in. One of the first things you need to consider when buying a Bonsai tree is where you are going to place it. This matters because Bonsai trees can come in lots of different sizes. Therefore you need to buy one that will grow to the right size for the space you are putting it in.
Although the majority of indoor Bonsai trees need lots of light and protection from frost, some require more specific conditions. Therefore when buying your Bonsai tree you should consider this. Here are a few of the common conditions where Bonsai trees may be placed and the best plants for those environments.
| Positon with lots of bright light | Jade bonsai tree (Crassula ovata) and Chinese sweet plum bonsai tree (Sageretia theezans). |
| In a room that gets really warm | Oriental tea bonsai tree (Carmona microphylla) |
| Receives sun in the morning and the evening | Chinese Elm bonsai (Ulmus Parviflora) |
| Well-lit position but out of direct sunlight | Fig bonsai tree (Ficus retusa) |
| Regular watering not essential | Jade bonsai tree (Crassula ovata) |
Depending on the variety, some can be easier to grow than others. If you are a beginner and do not have much experience of growing Bonsai, varieties such as a fig bonsai tree (Ficus retusa), Dwarf Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai tree (Schefflera arboricola) and Chinese Juniper bonsai tree (Juniperus) are very popular. They can adapt to a range of climates and don’t need such a strict care regime to survive. However, if you are looking for a more advanced Bonsai tree, the Thousand Stars is a beautiful tree to grow.
Light and temperature conditions
The correct light exposure depends on the species, but all bonsai trees need light for photosynthesis and growth.
- Place near a bright window with indirect sunlight
- Require warmth year-round
Watering
General Rules:
Water when the top inch of soil is slightly dry, try to avoid soil completely drying out. Use a watering can to ensure even distribution and ensure proper drainage; bonsai roots should not sit in water.
Seasonal Adjustments:
- Summer: Water more frequently, especially in hot climates.
- Winter: Reduce frequency for dormant species.
Feeding
Bonsai trees deplete nutrients quickly due to their confined pots. Regular feed ensures growth and vitality. Use Westland Bonsai Feed, packed full of essential nutrients your tree needs to thrive. Our feed helps your Bonsai grow stronger, healthier and happier with stronger root growth and greener leaves.
Feed your Bonsai every 2nd watering during spring/summer and every 4th watering during winter.
Pests and disease control
Common pests to look out for are aphids, spider mites and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, such as webbing, discoloration, or small insects. Wipe the plant’s leaves with a cloth and repeat weekly until beaten. Isolate the affected plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
Bonsai can also suffer from fungal issues when overwatered which can lead to root rot or mold.
Repotting your Bonsai
As with any houseplant, to ensure growth is not restricted, regular repotting is very important. It is important to repot a Bonsai tree as repotting will help with healthy and strong growth.
When to Repot?
Repotting a Bonsai tree should not be done on a routine but basically when the tree needs to be repotted. This can vary massively depending on the species of bonsai, the size of the original pot, age, and growing conditions. However, in general, the younger trees will need repotting every 2 years while for older trees it is more every 3 to 5 years.
To know when it is time to repot, the key indicator is to look at the roots. When the roots circle the root system the plant needs repotting. In the early spring, check the roots and decide whether it needs repotting. If the roots are still well contained in the soil, you can leave the repotting until the next year.
How to Repot?
- Remove the plant carefully from the pot using a root hook. Look at the roots and decide whether repotting is necessary depending on the formation of the roots.
- Whether the plant needs repotting or not, tease out the old compost using a chopstick. Ensure that you do this carefully so that you do not damage the roots. It is also a good idea to trim the roots that have grown too long.
- Again, even if you are not planting into a new pot ensure that the drainage holes are covered with mesh. These pieces of mesh are normally held in place by a piece of wire.
- If the plant does need repotting, select a pot that is suitable. In general, the pot should be the same height as the width of the ground root. This is normally 1 to 2 thirds of the trees height.
- Place a layer of soil in the bottom of the pot before positioning the plant. We advise using Westland Bonsai Potting Mix as the growing medium to repot the plant. This is because it contains unique Seramis granules for optimum water and nutrient availability. It also has added wood fibre which creates an open structure for improved aeration, drainage and water management.
- Once you have put a nice layer of growing medium in the pot, position the tree and add more of the growing medium around the tree. Ensure the growing medium reaches the bottom edges of the pot.
- Water the tree thoroughly and within a couple of weeks you should have a tree that is growing beautifully.
watch our video for more repotting tips!
Seasonal care
Spring and Summer
- Light: Increase exposure to natural light if possible; move to a brighter spot if growth is sluggish.
- Watering: Water more frequently as growth accelerates.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced feed every 2-4 weeks to support active growth.
- Pruning: Perform light pruning to maintain shape.
Autumn and Winter
- Light: Days are shorter, so supplement with grow lights if necessary.
- Watering: Reduce watering frequency slightly as growth slows, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Feeding: Use a low-nitrogen feed or stop feeding altogether, depending on the species.
- Temperature: Keep the tree away from drafts, heating vents, and cold windows to maintain stable temperatures.
- Humidity: Increase humidity with a tray of water and pebbles or use a humidifier to counteract dry indoor air.
How to prune the root structure of a Bonsai tree
- Remove the Bonsai tree from the container it is growing in.
- Gently crumble away any loose compost from around the roots, exposing the roots so you can see them.
- Using a special Bonsai pruner, gently trim out about one third of the root system.
- Choose roots from around the root ball so that you do not cut them all from the same place.
- Shorten any very long roots.
