AusBonsai

Hey all, so I'm getting to a point where I have lots of plants and many are starting to get put into bonsai pots. This gave me the idea of rotating trees so that I can have a display tree indoors for a short period.

I was thinking of getting a cabinet and fitting it with lights (most likely LEDs to reduce running costs). These will be primarily there to light up the tree and not replace the sun. Depending on the species will determine how long I will keep it inside. For example, I'd keep a fig inside longer than a juniper. But I'm not sure how long each species can tolerate the indoor conditions. Even if it's only a few days, that's fine, because I'll have many plants in bonsai pots and I'll also use orchids in the rotation.

Is this idea feasible? Could I keep a bonsai indoors for a few days without severely affecting its health and vigour?

If it is feasible, what kind of LED sets should I be looking for. Full-spectrum or red/blue? Wattage? Lumens?

Thanks

Generally a few days max.
I wouldn't be having them in a enclosed cabinet though, that would reduce the amount of fresh air they receive.
So maybe even less if in the cabinet.

not speaking from experience though, only what ive read.

I bring mine inside for 24 hours then back outdoors again and they tolerate that fine

I bring many of mine inside on a rotational basis of about one week inside and then several weeks outside. I've made a small stand and placed it by a window thats gets plenty of natural light and some sunshine, depending on the time of year. Haven't had any problems yet and I've been doing this for about a year and a half now.
Cheers, Frank.

Don’t do it! Not worth the risk.

Displaying trees in exhibitions which I’d say is comparable to your proposal is stressful for the tree. You rob it of natural sun, air etc and expose it to different levels of temperature, humidity etc.

I hope this helps!

Pines hate indoors. 3 days is too long for them. Probably most conifers the are same. Bringing deciduous indoors in winter is also no good for more than about 1 day.
Azaleas can handle a week or so.
Generally, in for a few hours, have a good look and then out again. It's amazing how quickly plants can react to indoor conditions! If you have strong light and a fan and mister, then you can stretch the time quite a bit.

I bring mine in side for up to 3 days at a time with no issues.
I display them on the dining table and lightly water each day.

there are a few commercial hire firms that place Bonsai in offices in Sydney. they swap them out once per week ( ie 3 days then 4) and have a rotation of a tree inside for 3 days then outside for 3 weeks.

that means that for each hire they need 8 trees to keep them healthy.
also note they are usually pines and Junipers on hire

Ken

No-one has mentioned how the conditions inside would affect the length of stay. Surely a brightly lit area with good air movement will be better than a dim, closed room?
Bonsai for display at Bonsai North West show spend a day in the enclosed ute - very dark then 2 days in a dimly lit room and another day in the back of the ute on the way home - 4 days in very dim conditions once a year and they do not seem to suffer from the experience.
In general I'd be happy for my trees to spend up to a week inside as long as they have several months outside before coming in again. In most cases, a few days at a time should not be a problem.
Need to be aware that watering will be very different inside. lack of sun and air movement may reduce water needs from every day to once a week. Air-con or heating may dry the tree more than outside and require extra water. Be vigilant whenever trees are moved to ne location.

I have been bringing trees to work for about 5 years or more without missing a week. Monday till Friday in a retail store with frequent water and lots of air movement. I have never had any issues. A couple of months outside before bringing them back. It gives me the opportunity to have a good look, prune, pinch and refine.

In the shop this week

Gerard well photographed

Nice Gerard

Ken