Indoor bonsai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Indoor bonsai are bonsai which have been cultivated for the indoor environment. Traditionally, bonsai are shaped from temperate climate trees grown in containers but kept outdoors as they require full sunlight and a winter dormancy period at near-freezing temperatures.[1] Kept in the artificial environment of a home, these trees will become weakened and die.
For indoor gardens bonsai-growing techniques have been applied to tropical plants that do not require dormant periods. Because bonsai are rooted in small pots, drought-resistant houseplants are best suited for indoor bonsai cultivation.
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[edit] Bonsai vs. other forms of house plant
Compared to the usual potted house plant, bonsais are rooted in a much smaller amount of soil. Consequently, they require more frequent watering. This form is therefore best suited for drought-resistant species. Compared to usual house gardening, bonsais require a lot more pruning, both of branches and roots. This often requires a significant shift in attitude for house gardeners.
The spiritual benefits of bonsai cultivation, in Japanese bonsai no kokoro [2] are available equally to classical and indoor bonsai gardeners.
[edit] Indoor vs. traditional bonsai
The largest difference between indoor and traditional bonsai is, of course, the enjoyment of an attractive, fully leaved plant in winter instead of a dormant, leafless tree. Other differences include the faster growth rate of tropical plants, which accelerate all steps of the bonsai evolution. Moss covering, highly valued by bonsai amateurs, will not survive indoor conditions.
[edit] How to
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Indoor bonsai rearing requires the same tools and containers as classical bonsai. Since the emphasis is on the trunk and roots, one usually start with an old, large plant selected for these features. The transformation into the bonsai form (the "training") is done stepwise to ensure survival of the plant.
- Before pruning takes place, the plant is moved outdoors in early summer, fully fertilized and allowed to start growing. Thus, it will be at peak strength. During this period, the plant is studied and the pruning planned.
- First, the branches are pruned to bring the plant to silhouette resembling a mature tree. Copper wire may also be used to bend the trunk or branches if desired. The plant is then left to recover until small leaves have sprouted. This usually happens within one to two weeks but may take up to six months depending on the type of plant and the age (thickness of the bark) of the remaining branches.
- Second, the plant is uprooted, the roots cleaned, trimmed to fit the smaller pot and repotted. The plant is usually attached to the pot with copper wire. It is important to preserve the small leaf buds during these steps.
- Bonsai potting mix is usually richer in clay, including clay pellets, and poorer in compost than usual houseplant potting mix in order to be physically stronger and to preserve more moisture. Some forms of cat litter can be used instead of commercial clay pellets [3]. Rocks, gravel and figurines may be added to create a miniature landscape in the Penjing style.
- The plant is left to recover for the rest of the summer. It is left untouched in winter indoors.
- Most plants will not spontaneously keep the desired shape. It is usually necessary to re-prune the branches yearly. Thus, the silhouette of the plant will constantly evolve. Additional root pruning is usually not necessary nor advisable.
Pruning is very traumatic to the plant. Despite all precautions, the possibility of death is real.
[edit] Tropical plants suitable for indoor bonsai
The creation of bonsai is limited only by the imagination and talent of the gardener. Here is an incomplete list of the most popular species.
- Ficus benjamina: the Weeping fig is a popular indoor tree that lends itself to the classical, upright form. It is one of the few tropicals that are accepted as "true" bonsai. The miniature cultivars like 'Too Little' are well suited for bonsai. It forms aerial roots and can be shaped as a banyan tree. Ficus are intolerant to branch down-pruning; one must start with a small tree and keep it small. They are sensitive to stress.
- Ficus salicifolia : according to Jerry Meislik, "the most useful fig for bonsai is the willow leafed fig . The small leaf is in excellent scale for bonsai and the tree has good branch ramification, good basal rootage and excellent aerial root formation." [4]
- Schefflera arboricola: the Hawaiian umbrella tree is a popular, hardy houseplant that is ideal for irregular, banyan or roots-on-rock forms [5]. Since it can sprout on old wood, an old specimen can be pruned back to a stockier shape with thick trunk and roots. It tolerates root exposure very well, is drought-resistant and requires a moderate amount of light. Under high humidity conditions, it produces aerial roots and can therefore be shaped as a banyan tree [6].
- Crassula ovata: the jade plant is a very robust and drought-resistant house plant. The miniature cultivars like the baby jade plant (C. ovata arborescens) is considered the best plant for a first bonsai [7]. This plant will sprout on old wood. Thus, an old specimen can be pruned back to a stockier shape with thick trunk. It is kept dry in winter, placed outdoors in summer for full growth. Its roots are thin and cannot be exposed.
- Portulacaria afra : the dwarf jade looks a lot like a baby jade plant and is used similarly.
- Dracaena marginata: the dragon plant has an interesting palm-like shape. It can sprout on old wood. It does not tolerate root exposure.
- Zygocactus: the holiday cactus does not have a real trunk but easily lends itself to a cascade-type bonsai shape. It tolerates shade, not drought.
Small succulents may be used as accent plants :
[edit] Image gallery
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Fukubonsai, information about Schefflera arboricola as indoor bonsai.
- BonsaiHunk Collection of articles on indoor/tropical bonsai culture and care, by Jerry Meislik.
[edit] References
- ^ Indoor bonsai, online article from the Montreal Botanical Garden [1]
- ^ The Path of Bonsai No Kokoro, online article from the North American Bonsai Federation web site
- ^ Cat Litter as Bonsai Soil, online article from bonsai4me.com
- ^ Figs Under Lights, By Jerry Meislik, www.bonsaihunk.us
- ^ Schefflera "The Indestructable Bonsai", By Jerry Meislik, www.bonsaihunk.us
- ^ see fukubonsai.com for many photos
- ^ Why Bonsai Beginners Love Baby Jade, By Lee Dobbins, available via ezinearticles.com but Wikipedia has blacklisted this site, so cannot link it
