Care SheetsTropical Bonsai Care Sheet
These care guidelines pertain to these common Tropical Bonsai Trees. Carissa grandiflora (Natal Plum); Crassula arborescens (Jade Tree) cvs.; Ehretia microphylla (Fukien Tea); Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) cvs.; Ficus nerifolia (Willow Leaf Fig); Ficus orientalis (Oriental Fig); Ilex dimorphylla (Okinawa Holly); Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand Tea) cvs.; Nasha inaguanensis (Bahamian Brush Cherry); Portulacaria afra (Mini-jade tree); Sageretia theezans (Chinese Sweet Plum); Schefflera arboricola (Schefflera); Serissa foetida (Serissa) ''Kyoto'', ''Mt. Fuji'', ''Pink'', ''Pink Princess'', ''Snow Rose'', ''Thousand Stars''. Want to see what they can look like? Visit our image gallery.
Placement and Temperature
Tropical Bonsai trees are native to the warm, tropical climates of the earth. In addition to proper watering technique, tropical trees require a warm even temperature at all times. These trees will do well indoors 12 months of the year and are also inaccurately known as "indoor" bonsai. Tropical bonsai should have a minimum temperature of 58 to 60 F and like warmer day temperatures of 65 to 85 F. Tropical bonsai may also be placed outside during the summer months in light to moderate shade as long as the minimum temperature is above 58 F.
The best exposure for tropical bonsai grown indoors is an east window, a bright north window is second best. A southern or western exposure will cause more rapid soil drying with the heat of the afternoon sun, so be vigilant during the heat of summer if you place your tree in these locations. Ficus and Schefflera are very tolerant of low light intensities. Jade trees (Crassula and Portulacaria cvs.) are tolerant of heat, high light intensities and drying of the soil.
Many tropical bonsai can drop 10 to 25% of their leaves when exposed to a change in light intensity or daylength. This occurs from ten to twenty days after the lighting change, such as moving from outdoors or a greenhouse to inside a home or changing window locations. This can also happen in northern climates in October-November and again in February in response to the change in seasonal daylength and light intensity. The trees then acclimate to their new environment and begin growing new foliage in about 30 days. Don''t worry, this is normal. If this occurs, leave the tree in its new spot and it will begin growing new foliage. Don''t move it again or you may induce additional leaf drop.
Misting and Humidity
When grown indoors, tropical bonsai should be misted daily to compensate for the low humidity in homes. This is particularly important during the winter heating season. Avoid placing any bonsai near a wood stove or hot air heating duct since no amount of misting will compensate for a constant blast of hot, dry air. Also avoid placing bonsai on top of electronic appliances such as televisions, stereos or microwave ovens since these objects radiate heat when operating.
Humidity trays may also be used to increase the humidity around your bonsai. A humidity tray can be any shallow tray with a thin layer of small stones (aquarium gravel) placed on the bottom of the tray. Keep enough water in the tray to just cover the stones. As the water evaporates, it will provide a more humid environment around your tree. Remember that misting and humidity trays are not a substitute for proper watering technique.
Repotting
Tropical bonsai may be repotted any time of year. Repot your tree when it is not actively growing new leaves and shoots. Your bonsai tree should be repotted every 1 to 2 years until the tree is about 10 years old. For trees over 10 years of age, repot every 3 to 5 years. A good indicator that your tree is becoming potbound and needs repotting is when the soil drys out more quickly between waterings. Use a well-drained soil mix when repotting.
Pruning and Pinching
To maintain dense, full growth, pinch off the terminal buds when new growth reaches 1/2 to 1 inch. This technique will force more side branching to develop, forming dense masses of foliage. Pinching may need to be done several times during the growing season to maintain and develop the desired canopy density.
Pruning is the cutting or removal of unwanted twigs or branches to maintain the desired growth habit of your bonsai. Pruning shears or scissors may be used to prune your tree. Remember to leave a clean cut when pruning, this will encourage rapid healing of the pruning cut.
Pests Control
Keep an eye out for pests during the summer months and especially when bringing the trees in at the end of a season outside. If you do suspect your tree has bugs you may want to check these links~ Insects on the Web or Ecological Garden Projects ~for more information on combatting them.
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