Indoor /Outdoor Bonsai
Certain varieties of sub-tropical bonsai can be kept either indoors or outdoors. If kept indoors refer to our 'indoor bonsai care' section. If outdoors refer to our 'outdoor bonsai care' section. But all bonsai benefit from being outdoors for periods of time during the summer months. But do not move your bonsai from indoors to outdoors in cold weather.
Chinese Elm /Ulmus Parvifolia
Native of China, Korea and Japan this is one of the easiest to care for, and most popular of the indoor/ outdoor bonsai. It has tiny leaves and a compact growth, perfect for bonsai cultivation. If kept indoors the tree is evergreen, but if outdoors, it may loose leaves during the winter months. This variety is probably the most 'tree like' of the sub- tropical varieties. Suitable for bright areas indoors, cool conservatories and sheltered gardens. See our ' Bonsai Care' pages for further details.
Firethorn / Pyracantha Angustifolia
Pyracantha Angustifolia Most varieties originate from China but some from other tropical region like the Philippines. Glossy ,evergreen leaves with thorns. Beautiful sprays of frothy white flowers in spring are followed by bright red/ orange berries in autumn. So there is always something spectacular going on with this tree, throughout the year. Needs to be kept moist at all times, particularly when the berries are ripening. Should be outdoors in spring to allow the insects to pollinate the flowers, and likes some sunshine in the summer outdoors, to ripen the berries. Keep indoors in winter between 5 and 22 degrees C.in a cool, bright, sunny position.
Rhododendron Indicum/ Azalea
Rhododendron Indicum / Azalea This variety of bonsai is one of the most spectacular of all the varieties. It is one of the most popular trees to be grown as bonsai in China and Japan, greatly cherished and easy to mind. It has evergreen glossy leaves. Flowers in April/ May/ June with flamboyant bright pink flowers. Needs partial shade. Protection from frost, and also heavy rain while flowering, if kept outdoors, but happy inside most of the time. Fertiliser with ericaceous fertiliser regularly for abundant flowers. Give plenty of water throughout the year, with less in the winter. Use rain water as much as possible and never let the soil dry out. Use ericaceous compost when repotting.
European Olive / Olea Europea
Suitable for sunny positions indoor or outdoor, the European Olive make one of the loveliest trees as bonsai. These trees develop wonderful thick gnarled trunks and can live many years. Tiny shiny, green, waxy leaves throughout the year, with fruit and flower possible as it matures. Easy to care for and is tolerant of cool or warm condition once it received good light. Some periods outdoors in summer is ideal for this tree.
Chinese Privet/Ligustrum.
The Chinese Privet is an excellent subject for indoor/outdoor bonsai cultivation. This hardy, evergreen tree with easily twisted trunk and light green, shiny leaves, has the ability to look much older than it's true age, and develops a thick, mature trunk very rapidly. Very easy to train into traditional bonsai shapes. It does need lots of water, so a good subject for those who tend to over water their plants. Suitable for shady, cool areas indoors and out.. See our 'Indoor Bonsai Care' section for further details or ' Outdoor Bonsai Care '.