Indoor Bonsai Tree - Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Anyone who tells you that caring for an indoor bonsai tree is easy, is trying to sell you something. Probably an indoor bonsai tree. It's not easy. But it is a relaxing hobby that you can enjoy for a lifetime whether you are a beginner or an expert. All it takes is some basic knowledge and a bit of patience. Learning about the potential pitfalls and common mistakes made by others will help you to avoid making those same mistakes and lead you to get the most out of this ancient art form. Three areas where people get off track most often are: choosing the wrong style, placing it in the wrong location, and watering incorrectly.

Choosing the Right Style for an Indoor Bonsai Tree

Indoor bonsai trees are in fact, trees - their basic needs are no different from their larger outdoor counterparts. Traditional bonsai trees are temperate climate trees. These trees, however, will weaken and die if kept indoors. In order for a tree to thrive indoors, you want to choose a tree that does well in an environment that is similar to the one you intend to keep the tree in. Since most homes and offices are kept around 65 degrees, tropical and sub-tropical trees are the best choice. Some popular styles include: Ficus, Baby Jade, Chinese Elm, and Japanese Maple.

Placing an Indoor Bonsai Tree in the Correct Location

Where you place your indoor bonsai tree is critical to its health. You want it in a place that gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. You also need to be careful not to place it near a heater or vent. This will seriously dry out the tree, and has way too many temperature variations which are harmful to the tree. Do not place your tree in a window sill, as there are many temperature variations there as well. Finally, once you have chosen a good spot for your indoor bonsai tree, don't move it around. Trees are normally stationary, and indoor bonsai trees need to be stationary as well in order to thrive and acclimate to their environment.

Watering Correctly

Watering an indoor bonsai tree is the area where most people make their mistakes. Water too little and the tree will wither up and die. Water too much and the roots will rot, also killing the tree. Striking a balance of exactly the right amount of water may seem tricky, but there are some guidelines to make it easier. Make sure to water in the morning or evening, and not during the heat of the day, which can cause the leaves to burn. Do not water on a schedule, but rather check your indoor bonsai tree on a daily basis. Touch the soil near the trunk of the tree with the pads of your fingers. If the soil feels cool, moist, and spongy, your tree has enough moisture and you should not water. If it feels warm, dry, and gritty, then it's time to add water. Water the tree until water comes out the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes, and then leave it until the soil near the trunk is dry again.

Learning to care for an indoor bonsai tree is not impossible. If you choose a style that will do well indoors, place the tree in a good location, and learn how and when to water, you will be on your way to having a beautiful showpiece to dazzle your friends and neighbors!

Learn more about caring for your bonsai at www.indoor-bonsai-tree.net