RonMartin(deceased)

The following is a bit of information that I give to my customers that want to grow bonsai indoors.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR INDOOR BONSAI



All plants do better outdoors. Some however can be
conditioned to survive indoors. Indoor bonsai are miniature
versions of subtropical and tropical trees and shrubs whose
native climate most closely corresponds with the climate in
the house.

WATERING -As required. Anyone who tells you 2 times a day
through once a week should be viewed with suspicion. Growing
conditions change throughout the year as do the trees
requirement for water. Soil should be kept moist, not wet.
Smaller pots require more frequent watering. If the tree is
placed outdoors in the summer, it must be checked on a daily
basis. The soil should never completely dry out between
waterings. I recommend daily inspection of your tree for
dryness, for every household environment is different, one
home or room may be more humid than another. Also, daily
misting of the leaves helps keep them clean. Plants with or
sending out new leaves require more water than when resting,
but remember - moist, not wet, allowing the soil to
completely dry out could be detrimental.

FERTILIZING - Miniaturizing is accomplished by pruning and
pinching, not starving. Use a 20-20-20 water soluble
fertilizer applied at half strength every 10 to 14 days
throughout the entire year. Any water soluble evergreen
fertilizer may be used if a 20-20-20 fertilizer is
unavailable. I recommend cutting the solution to 1/2 the
manufacturers requirements.

LIGHT - Sufficient light is of vital importance to your
bonsai for without it the plant cannot live. The ideal
position for an indoor bonsai is invariably near a bright
window. Just 3 feet (1 meter) away from the window the light
intensity is considerably reduced, enough to make it too dark
for many plants, although the difference is scarcely
detectable with the human eye. Even a translucent curtain
significantly reduces light intensity. Light does not
necessarily mean sunlight, but brightness, if necessary
supplement natural light with florescent lighting. Filtered
sunlight or up to 5 hours of direct exposure is acceptable.
Avoid direct sunlight if adequate ventilation cannot be
provided. Grow-light bulbs are good for providing additional
light where necessary. Yellowing leaves followed by a rapid
loss of foliage is one of the prime symptoms of too little
light.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY - Relative humidity around bonsai kept
indoors may be maintained by setting pots on pebbles in trays
in which water is kept almost to the top of the pebbles. The
water should not touch the drainage holes on the bottom of
the pot. Bonsai kept outdoors should be misted frequently
during very hot windy days. It is essential that the tree
not be exposed to direct heat such as heat vents or
radiators. Such drying influences in an indoor environment
may prove detrimental. Good ventilation is essential.

PRUNING - Adequate and timely pruning is essential to good
bonsai development and styling. Proper pruning helps thicken
trunks and branches. Depending upon the species and growing
conditions, bonsai are pruned from 1 to 3 times yearly. Prune
by cutting or pinching back the new growth itself 1/3 to 1/2
or to the desired shape. Pruning is foremost an artistic
consideration and should be done to enhance the beauty of the
bonsai.

REPOTTING - To keep plants healthy root prune and/or repot
every two to three years. Bonsai are root pruned and
repotted when they are almost root bound. Spring and fall
are the best times for repotting. Carefully remove the plant
and root ball from the pot; soil should be on the dry side.
With a chopstick or fork, loosen and remove about 1/2 of the root ball
Working in from around the edges. Cut back remaining fine roots 1/2
their exposed length. Re-position the plant in the same or a
new pot and fill carefully and firmly with fresh new soil
especially formulated for bonsai. The type soil needed
depends on your particular type of bonsai and whether it
is kept indoors or outdoors. Water thoroughly and keep the
plant in shade until new growth is evident, about three
weeks, then fertilize.

INSECT AND DISEASE PREVENTION - I recommend daily inspection
of your bonsai for pests and disease. This is the best form
of preventive care. Check soil, gently shake foliage, and
examine the under sides of the leaves. If any sign of ill
health is detected, contact me immediately, or your local
garden center, for advice or treatment.

GOOD FORTUNE - These much condensed suggestions are basic
though sufficient to keep your bonsai healthy and attractive.
You will find much more in the many publications that are
available. Why not join a club for maximum enjoyment and
satisfaction from your hobby?

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