Indoor Bonsai Trees

• Species selection: For low-maintenance indoor bonsai, choose Ficus, Jade, Serissa or Schefflera. Chinese Elm can also work indoors in bright spots. Each species offers distinct foliage and styling potential — we label trees by difficulty and care needs.
• Size & style: Consider table bonsai (20–40 cm) for desks and shelves, or slightly larger specimens for stands. Pre-styled trees help beginners start with a pleasing silhouette.
• Light requirements: Match the tree to your available light. Place bright-light species near windows with indirect sun; low-light tolerant species can sit further in the room.
• Purpose: Choose an expressive, sculptural tree for display or a forgiving, resilient species if you travel frequently.

Indoor bonsai are miniature trees adapted to live inside homes, offices or conservatories. Many are tropical or subtropical species that tolerate stable indoor temperatures and lower light than outdoor varieties. An indoor bonsai is defined by bonsai technique — pruning, wiring, potting and shaping — rather than tree species. Proper light, humidity and consistent watering produce a small, mature-looking tree that fits indoors.

• Natural light: Aim for a bright, indirect light source. South or west-facing windows with a sheer curtain are ideal for many indoor bonsai.
• Supplementary light: Use LED grow lights when natural light is insufficient. Position the light 30–60 cm above the foliage and run for 10–14 hours daily as needed.
• Temperature: Maintain stable indoor temperatures — most indoor bonsai prefer 15–25°C. Avoid radiators, air vents and cold draughts.
• Humidity: Indoor heating dries air; increase humidity using pebble trays, room humidifiers or grouping plants.

• Watering: Check soil moisture daily for small pots. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot base; avoid waterlogged soil.
• Soil mix: Use a well-draining bonsai mix with good aeration. Bonsaii’s indoor blend balances moisture retention with drainage.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced bonsai fertiliser. Reduce feeding in late autumn and winter for most species.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–4 years to refresh soil and prune roots. Younger trees require more frequent repotting.

• Structural pruning: Remove large branches in winter or the tree’s dormancy period (species dependent) to define shape.
• Maintenance pruning: Trim new shoots to maintain proportion and encourage ramification.
• Wiring: Use aluminium or annealed copper wire to shape branches. Wire for short periods and check regularly to avoid scarring.
• Styling tips: Work gradually — make small adjustments over months or years. Aim for balance, taper and an appealing front view.

• Terraces & shelves: Display on dedicated stands or shelves to elevate the bonsai and control microclimate.
• Grouping: Create display groups (bonsai and companion plants) to increase humidity and visual interest.
• Terrariums & dish gardens: Use for small succulent bonsai like Jade for a low-maintenance display.

• Short moves: Keep soil slightly moist and avoid extremes of temperature; shield from direct sun during transit.
• Longer storage: Maintain moderate humidity and light; a cool, frost-free spot is best if the species tolerates cooler temps.
• Shipping: We pack trees to protect roots and branches; follow our unpacking and acclimatisation checklist on arrival.