CB,
I would suggest Ficus microcarpa or Brassaia or Schefflera as low light
tolerant plants.
Good luck.
Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.8m.com/
hello folks

does anyone know of an indoor bonsai that can cope in shadier conditions?

thanks for your help
best
CB

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----- Original Message -----
From: "Iris Cohen"

does anyone know of an indoor bonsai that can cope in shadier
conditions?

There may be a few species which can survive indoors in the shade, such as
Ficus, but they will make very poor bonsai. The whole idea behind bonsai
is to
grow a tree with the smallest possible leaves, twiggy growth, & short
internodes, which require the maximum amount of sun the plant will
tolerate. I
suggest you forget bonsai and stick to Aspidistra & Philodendron, unless
you
can set up a fluorescent light fixture indoors & find an outdoor location
for
the summer.
Iris,

Iris.

I agree with you, but would like to point out that for mature or fully
developed bonsai, there is an exception to your statement.

Solita Rosade keeps ficus and jaboticaba indoors in relatively low light all
winter. In summer, they go under the benches outdoors (to keep them
accustomed to low light levels). But, these are trees that are no longer
being grown as part of a design plan. They are simply maintained by the
occasional "haircut".

Of course, Soli could grow trees in a tunnel!

Regards,

Bart

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In a message dated 4/29/03 12:01:26 PM, writes:
In summer, they go under the benches outdoors

Under a bench outdoors still provides a great deal more light than a shady
location in the house.
Iris

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does anyone know of an indoor bonsai that can cope in shadier conditions?

Chris,
As already mentioned, there are several species that will live inside
year round: most of the ficus species, jade plant, scheffelera, and
some others. These are tropical plants that can't tolerate cold temps,
however, they will do better if you put them outside in the summer.
Temperate species (most bonsai) require a dormant period in the
winter and can't survive inside long term. As Iris has pointed out, if you
just put a tropical species on a window sill and leave them inside all the
time you won't get optimal growth. The tree will cope with low light by
producing fewer, larger leaves with long gaps between the leaves.
Tthis won't give you the proportions of a tree in miniature. It's quite
easy to keep these species alive inside, just be aware you won't get a
high quality bonsai. However, just putting them outside won't
gaurantee a high quality specimen either. Adding artificial lights and a
humidifier may help a bit, but still not as good as outside. If you live in
an apartment or something it's tough but not impossible to get into
bonsai. Give it a try, if you get bitten by the bonsai bug you can buy a
yard (with a house attached) later. If not, you will have some
houseplants. Don't be put off by negative comments, they're just little
trees in pots.
Good luck,
John Carnes

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Chris,
Here's a link to a good article on growing bonsai indoors:

http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/indoors.htm

Cheers,
John Carnes

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