While looking after a bonsai tree might seem daunting at first, it will soon become apparent that all it needs is the basics to make sure that it thrives and survives for years to come.
One of the things that people worry about is how much sun their bonsai tree is getting. Like all plants, a bonsai tree needs the sun to be healthy.
Usually, a south facing window will give it all the sunlight that it needs.
Having said that, there is more to a bonsai tree and its health when it comes to sunlight.
In this article we shall take a look at how much sun is needed to keep your bonsai tree healthy and alive, and other tips to help you along the way.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
How Much Sun Does A Bonsai Tree Need?
Making sure your bonsai tree has plenty of light is paramount for its survival. A south facing window is best in most cases, as this area of the home will receive the most sunlight.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to keep it on a windowsill.
If you would prefer to keep them on a windowsill, think about doing so during the fall, winter and spring seasons as they will want to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
During the summer season, or when spring becomes warmer than usual, place them in a bright area where they will receive light, but do not have them on the windowsill.
This is because the sun will be too harsh and hot on the bonsai tree.
You also need to make sure that the light is constant. If you move it away from the window into a darker area, it can dramatically affect the bonsai tree.
In fact, there is a good chance that it will start to wilt and slowly die.
To avoid this, make sure to keep your bonsai tree in the lightest and brightest place possible in order for it to receive as much sunlight to keep it healthy.
Is Too Much Sunlight Bad For A Bonsai Tree?
Having too much sunlight is never bad for a bonsai tree, however, the heat can hurt it. Like a lot of plants and trees, they need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Whilst a tree can survive in the harshest sunlight outside, your bonsai tree may be more prone to its heat.
It is likely that the strong sunlight will ‘burn’ the leaves, which you may notice if they begin to turn orange or brown. Also, it is likely that the bonsai tree will dry out and die.
This is the same with indoor heat too. Never place your bonsai tree next to a radiator or an electronic device that emits heat, such as a television or games console.
What Other Things Does A Bonsai Need To Survive Indoors?
Because it is likely the species of bonsai that you own is (sub)tropical, it also means that along with the sunlight it will also need the area to be quite humid.
That is the thing with bonsai trees, whilst its needs are relatively simple, they can also be forgotten about.
This is the case with a lot of bonsai tree owners. In order for it to survive, you need to make sure that its natural environment has been copied.
So, whilst enough sunlight is perfect, it will need humidity to help it thrive, too. You can help your bonsai tree by placing it in a humidity tray, like this bonsai specific one with drainage.
So, Where Is The Best Place To Put A Bonsai Tree?
Knowing where to put a bonsai tree is actually relatively simple. During fall, winter and a cooler spring, a south facing window is your best option.
A lot of people place their bonsai tree in either a kitchen or bathroom due to the moisture content in the air.
However, as we stated above, if the room doesn’t have a natural humidity, a humidity tray is a great idea to mimic its natural surroundings.
A north facing window isn’t ideal because it gets the least sun, meaning the bonsai tree will likely die. It needs enough sun to make sure that it can stay healthy.
You may however, want to move the bonsai tree in the height of summer into a bright space, rather than directly in the sun.
You can also place the sun outside during the summer months, though special care will need to be taken. This option is also best for those who have experience looking after a bonsai tree.
Final Thoughts
Bonsai trees require sunlight in order to be healthy, yet people still have them sitting in a pot away from the window. Whilst you might not notice it, the light can change dramatically the further you move yourself away from a window.
When looking after a bonsai tree, instead of thinking about where you would like it to be in the room, have a think about where it will get the sunlight that it needs.
Whilst it is nice to decorate a room with greenery, you must think of it as a living thing in order to look after it well.
Keep them closer to a window, and avoid having them on your desk, or somewhere else in the middle of the room. It needs as much sunlight as possible, as well as humidity, so think about placing it in a kitchen or bathroom.
And if they do not have a south facing window, then making sure the place they sit in a room is bright for most of the day is another good option.
Just make sure that they do not dry out – and even better, keep the area where they are humid. A humidity tray can help!
Good luck with looking after your bonsai tree. Hopefully this article has helped on your journey with being a plant parent!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
