Indoor Bonsai

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. Kept in the artificial environment of a
home, these trees weaken and die. A number of tropical and sub-tropical tree
species will survive and grow indoors. Some of these are suited to bonsai
aesthetics and can be shaped much as traditional outdoor bonsai are.

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.

Plants suitable for indoor bonsai

Tropical

The creation of bonsai is limited only by the imagination and talent of the
gardener, although some species are much more suitable than others.
Members of the genus Ficus are among the most versatile, while many
succulents can be grown in a similar fashion. 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.

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 • Ficus neriifolia : 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."
• Schefflera arboricola: the Hawaiian umbrella tree is a popular, hardy
houseplant that is ideal for irregular, banyan or roots-on-rock forms.
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.

• 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. 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.

• Schlumbergera: 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 Rhipsalis (Hatiora)

salicornioides

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Other climatic origins

With proper care, a number of non-tropical plants can also thrive as indoor
bonsai.

• Carmona microphylla: the sturdy trunk and glossy green leaves of the
Fukien Tea make an attractive indoor bonsai.

• Boxwood: found on nearly every continent, boxwood varieties are

tough but attractive bonsai.

• Serissa: this is a delicate flowering plant with tiny leaves that can
grow indoors year round.

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at low and discount price visit http://www.mallshop2u.com/gift.html .