Keeping Your Bonsai Trees Safe During The Winter

by Tess Sanchioni November 23, 2021

November is here, and that means winter is approaching quickly. Now, for all your skiers, snowboarders, or avid snowman builders, this is an exciting time of the year. However, for your precious bonsai trees, winter can be the start of their abrupt, and cold, extinction. As our trees here at Awesome Bonsai, are handpicked, and as close to indestructible as a tree can get, we, unfortunately, cannot create a mother nature-proof tree, but don’t fret! Bonsais can and do make it through the harsh winter months. As a matter of fact, bonsais are a relatively smart species of trees and, just like us, they expect cold weather. Depending on whether or not your bonsai is an indoor or outdoor tree, the care will differ to cater to their different needs. Below you will find a few of our pro tips for winter bonsai care, and after reading this blog, we are confident that you will be equipped with the knowledge to keep your bonsai happy and healthy in the upcoming months.

Outdoor Bonsai Trees

First, let’s address outdoor bonsai trees. It is important to note that there are three types of bonsai trees; tropical, evergreen, and deciduous.

Evergreen trees do not lose their foliage during the winter, however, the leaves will most likely change colors. These trees benefit from protection from wind and snowstorms. Placing a tarp around your tree can shield it from the harsh conditions around it. Examples of evergreen bonsai trees include, but are not limited to; Ginseng Ficus, Dwarf Jade, and Dwarf Jade Crassula, Fukien tea Carmona.

Deciduous bonsai trees, on the other hand, will lose their leaves and go dormant in the winter months. These trees do not require much attention or protection, on the contrary, they actually like the downtime and rest, think of it as a hibernation for your tree. A few examples of these would be Japanese Maples, Chinese Elms, and Oaks.

Tropical trees are the most vulnerable to colder conditions. We suggest you do some research on your specific type of tropical tree and the temperature limits it has. Typically, anything below 40° F (4° C), runs the risk of frozen roots which will kill your bonsai. It is often useful to keep these trees in a pot so that you may bring them indoors throughout the winter months to keep them away from any possible snow or frost which are detrimental to their health. A few examples of tropical bonsai trees are Apple bonsais, Azalea Bonsai, and Money Trees.

Indoor Bonsai Trees

All of the bonsai trees for sale here at Awesome Bonsai are indoor trees, requiring less planning and rearranging for the winter months. Nonetheless, there are a few tips you should know in order to keep your bonsai as healthy as it can be.

Turning on the heat? There is nothing like coming in from a cold day to a warm, cozy house, but be careful cause this heat is quite dry and can damage your bonsai. Keep your tree away from the vents in your home to prevent drying or even burning your tree. We suggest you place your tree somewhere where the temperature remains relatively the same temperature all day; not too close to the vent so it gets very hot, but not too far so that it is freezing in the corner. Conversely, keep in mind how close you are placing your bonsai to the window. The freezing temperatures from outside can transfer through the glass and chill your plant to an unhealthy temperature.

Do not forget about sunlight! It is important to keep your bonsai in a space where it receives the sunlight it needs to survive. With daylight savings and days getting shorter, foliage falling and changing outdoor shadows, or whatever else it may be, the adequately sunny space your bonsai is in now, may not be right in a few weeks.

In conclusion…

These trees are not overly needy, they just need a little extra love in the winter, but who doesn’t am I right? We hope we were able to alleviate some of the winter-induced stress you may be experiencing as a bonsai parent and we are so happy you took these few minutes to read and learn about your bonsai baby. With this newfound peace of mind, you can hit the slopes or suit up for a snowy adventure, knowing your bonsai is waiting for you happy at home.