species selection on Bonsai
Quick answer
If your Bonsai has species selection, the most likely cause is: Most bonsai books focus on outdoor conifer and deciduous species that require cold dormancy. Tropical edible bonsai (citrus, figs, herbs) grow year-round indoors and need different care: they cannot survive harsh root washing, need regular fertilizer, and require deeper pots for productive fruiting.
Start here:
- 1. 1. Choose tropical edible species: dwarf lemon (Meyer), Key lime, calamondin orange, kumquat, dwarf pomegranate, rosemary, basil
- 2. 2. Avoid traditional outdoor species (juniper, pine, maple) — they require cold dormant period and die indoors
Why Bonsai gets species selection
Most bonsai books focus on outdoor conifer and deciduous species that require cold dormancy. Tropical edible bonsai (citrus, figs, herbs) grow year-round indoors and need different care: they cannot survive harsh root washing, need regular fertilizer, and require deeper pots for productive fruiting.
How to reverse species selection on Bonsai
- 1
1. Choose tropical edible species: dwarf lemon (Meyer), Key lime, calamondin orange, kumquat, dwarf pomegranate, rosemary, basil
- 2
2. Avoid traditional outdoor species (juniper, pine, maple) — they require cold dormant period and die indoors
- 3
3. Use deeper pots than traditional bonsai to support larger root systems and productive growth
- 4
4. Fertilize monthly with standard houseplant fertilizer — tropicals need year-round feeding unlike dormant outdoor bonsai
- 5
5. Water 2-3x weekly and maintain 60%+ humidity
Keep species selection off this Bonsai
Select tropical or subtropical species bred for indoor growing; avoid juniper, pine, and maple for indoor use. Look for dwarf or miniature varieties that stay compact in containers.