Indoor Bonsai: How to Care for an Indoor Bonsai

One of the most common misconceptions about bonsai is the mistaken belief that these plants must be grown exclusively indoors . In reality, the climatic requirements of bonsai are very similar to those of traditional plants and, therefore, require outdoor cultivation, where the seasons determine the growing cycle . The plant enters dormancy as low temperatures approach and progress , and begins its life cycle again in spring with the arrival of warm air. Indoors, this would be impossible, as temperatures would be constant and mild year-round.
However, there is one exception: tropical bonsai, which—like all plants of this genus—require light, heat, and humidity and do best in a home environment, where temperatures remain high and more or less stable throughout the year.
One of the most common and widespread tropical —and therefore indoor—bonsai is the Ficus Bonsai , a plant that tolerates even low-humidity environments and is therefore generally recommended for those trying their hand at home bonsai cultivation for the first time . Other options include Carmona, Serissa, Sageretia, Buxus, and Hawaiian Umbrella . One of the key elements for the growth and health of your indoor bonsai plant is, of course, light. Just like all other plants, this type also requires direct, intense light, which is why it is essential to place your bonsai directly in front of a large window, preferably facing south . In many cases, even in these conditions, your plant may require more light , and for this reason, it is advisable to provide support under a fluorescent lighting system for about 10 hours a day, every day.
Another aspect to consider is humidity , which must always be abundant—to allow the bonsai to grow and live healthily —and the humidity levels generally found in a home are not sufficient. To supplement humidity and ensure optimal levels (especially when using heating or air conditioning), it is advisable to purchase a system that can automatically and uniformly mistem the leaves a couple of times a day. To facilitate humidification,We recommend using one of these solutions, from the simplest to the most comprehensive and independent, to properly care for a bonsai:
- a humidifier ;
- a humidifier with a timer (so you can program misting);
- a humidifier with a hygrostat (a system that activates automatically when humidity levels drop below a preset minimum).
You can increase the humidity in your bonsai's environment by placing it on a tray filled with water and misting it a couple of times a day. Furthermore, to ensure optimal conditions for your plant , it's advisable to also include a ventilation and heating system so that air can circulate from the outside to the inside. 

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