Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Thompson & Morgan Horticultural Team
The ancient art of bonsai has long been revered for its ability to draw inner peace, centre the mind, and cultivate a deep connection with the natural world. What’s more, if you’re keeping an indoor bonsai tree, science tells us they help to purify the air we breathe, in addition to serving as a stunning ornamental centrepiece for the home or office. Here, horticultural expert Andrew Gaumond shares essential tips for nurturing a bonsai in your home.
Browse our full range of indoor trees and bonsai house plants for inspiration.
How to choose a suitable tree for indoor bonsai
This Chinese Elm is prized for its attractive bark and arching crown
Image: Bonsai ‘Zelkova’ from T&M (© T&M)
It’s important to note that only tropical or subtropical trees should be considered for indoor bonsai. All temperate trees require a period of dormancy during the winter season to complete their annual growth cycles.
Great choices for indoor bonsai (particularly if you’re new to bonsai life) include the Carmona (Fukien Tea Tree), Zelkova (or Japanese Elm), Ligustrum (Privet), Ficus (Retusa and Ginseng), and the Sageretia (Chinese sweet plum).
Where to place your new bonsai tree
Multi-stemmed plants create a lush forest effect
Image: Bonsai Metasequoia Forest Modern Royal from T&M (© Branded Garden Products)
Much like caring for a houseplant, it’s important to provide your bonsai tree with the correct light conditions throughout the day.
As a general rule, aim to keep your bonsai in a position where it mainly receives indirect light for the majority of the day (short periods of bright direct light are fine).
Definitely avoid any south-facing window ledges, particularly during summer months as this may cause your bonsai tree to overheat. Similarly, avoid close proximity to radiators or free-standing heaters during the winter.
How and when to water your bonsai tree
Bonsai trees provide all-year-round interest
Image: Bonsai Mix in ceramic pots from T&M (© Branded Garden Products)
Ensuring your bonsai is regularly watered is absolutely essential. Your exact living environment, relative humidity, and the type of tree will all play a factor, but you should aim to monitor soil moisture levels daily until you reach a loose routine. A few key pointers:
- A bonsai should never be allowed to dry completely. Check the relative moisture level approximately 1cm under the soil’s surface (your finger is fine or you could also use a soil moisture probe as well). If dry, your tree is ready for its next watering.
- When watering, aim to cover the entire soil surface so the roots have the best chance of receiving a good soaking.
- A good technique is to water the tree from above using a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing the soil on the surface.
- I’d recommend investing in some form of tray to catch the drained water as it flows through the soil. This will also help to create a nice humid atmosphere around the tree in-between watering cycles.
When to feed your bonsai tree
Bonsai trees require a little help with feeding as the natural roots aren’t able to dig deep into the ground to draw nutrients as a regular tree would do in the wild.
It’s really important to use the correct type of bonsai fertiliser with a high phosphate level. Follow the instructions detailed on the package but generally the tree should receive a feed every 1 to 2 weeks from spring until the end of summer, and then monthly from late autumn through winter.
Pruning your bonsai tree
These beautiful glossy leaves are the perfect backdrop for tiny white blooms
Image: Bonsai Carmona microphylla from T&M (© Branded Garden Products)
The cornerstone of the art of bonsai is maintaining a regular pruning and trimming schedule to preserve the desired shape.
The trick is to keep an eye on new growth (particularly during spring to summer months) and aim to pinch back to the overall shape you’re looking to maintain. This will typically appear as growth from the tree’s main branches and trunk. Once they reach around 3cm it’s a good time to cut back with sharp scissors as neatly to its parent branch as possible.
Don’t be too vigorous, as a little growth is important for the tree’s overall health and wellbeing.
When to repot your bonsai tree
Bonsai trees typically outgrow their pots every 1 to 2 years. The best time to check the root structure and consider re-potting is early spring. If the roots have completely filled the current pot, it’s a good time to consider stepping up to the next container size.
When repotting, it’s important to use a suitable bonsai soil mix. This will have the correct balance of peat and perlite with some added feed to ensure your tree gets all the nutrients it needs.
Nurturing a bonsai tree at home is a really rewarding pastime. By establishing a few simple techniques you’ll quickly learn to understand your own tree’s unique needs and preferences. For more information on growing house plants, visit our dedicated advice hub.
Lead image: ©shutterstock
I’ve long been fascinated with the world of flowers and floral design. Today, I’m the Editorial Director at Petal Republic – a site dedicated to uncovering exceptional floristry around the world and showcasing the best flowers and plants for every occasion and living environment.
Andrew also holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. Visit his LinkedIn to learn more.
There is no such thing as an indoor bonsai. As a matter of fact, there is no such thing as an indoor tree. Come to think of it, there is no such thing as an indoor plant.
So, you see, you’re totally wrong.
T.
Thanks for your input Tony.