Indoor growing

Jharris1385

I have tried a few times to grow a bonsai or two indoors. Is this possible at all or am I just doing something wrong. I decided to not state where and how I grew it so someone can chime in how the proper way to grow indoors is done. I appreciate any and all advice thank you.

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AndyWilson

Well what types of plants are you looking to grow inside. Some can be grown indoors and most cant. lets start with what you want to grow first. Chinese elm and ficus are two of the more common plants used, as they are more resiliant to indoors conditions.

Once again tell us what you want to grow and then the advice will come. generally supplemental light is required as is a humidity tray.

Jharris1385

Looks like I may have been way off. I am a fan of the pine and spruce. So that was the most common plant used. I had them under a sun or plant grow bulb. What is a humidity tray. I misted them twice daily. Once before sunrise and then once after.

RedPine

Those conifers need outdoor living conditions. Do you have a garden or patio area?


http://www.bonsaihunk.us/IndoorBonsai.html

Here is a link to get you onto some basic reading, the website has more info aswell, also fukubonsai.com has oogles of reading awaiting you. You want to really study up on trees and their needs before you start to grow them. Like people they are all a bit different. Have you checked you local area for bonsai clubs or sellers? Hands on learning is supposed to be top notch the best way to learn I have heard.

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treebeard55

Ah, another pine enthusiast! I'm a pine lover too, but almost all pines need a cold winter dormancy to stay healthy. You shouldn't have any trouble, climate-wise, growing Japanese black, mugho, Japanese white -- in fact most of the pines commonly used in bonsai -- as long as you keep them outdoors.

As someone else told you, getting involved in a club is an excellent way to learn. Depending on where you are, you could try Evansville, Indianapolis, or Louisville; all 3 have good bonsai clubs. I think Bloomington has one, too, but don't quote me on that in court.

Maybe you could let us know where you prefer to focus: pines and spruces, or indoor trees? (Or you could do as I do, and grow both.)

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AndyWilson

A humitdity tray is a tray placed beneath the bonsai pot that is filled with pebbles and water to increase the humidity in the area around the bonsai. It is generally used to combat dry indoors climate.

Jharris1385

I would much rather stick to indoor plants. But I really prefer pine,spruce. I just joined the Lousiville Bonsai community actually a link on their page brought me here.

I guess since I primarily want to continue to grow indoors I will need to stick to

Chinese elm?
Anything else?

plant_dr27

You could try a schefflera or any variety of other tropical tropical species. They do well in most indoor settings. Supplemental lighting and humidity are still helpful, but they do not require the cold winter dormancy period that pines, spruces, junipers and other temperate species do.

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treebeard55

I recommend the book "Indoor Bonsai" by Paul Lesniewicz. Well organized, clear, and won't break your bank. He gives good information on indoor care, and lists quite a few species that will do well indoors with appropriate care.

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"To do bunjin is easy. However, to do a bunjin masterpiece is difficult." -- Susumu Nakamura, at MBS '07