Table of Contents
For a Bonsai tree to survive, it has to be exposed to enough sunlight from its early life. For some people, especially those who prefer to raise their Bonsai tree indoors, providing them with an adequate light supply has always been challenging. While some prefer to take them outside to bask in the light of the day, some see that as very stressful and create artificial light for them instead to keep them alive.
You might be wondering, “is artificial light good for Bonsai trees?” Well, I didn’t know the truth about the relationship between artificial lights and a Bonsai tree either until I did some research, made some interesting discoveries that I intend to share with you in this article; so read on to learn about their relationship.
Do Bonsai trees need light to survive?
Yes, Bonsai trees need light to survive. However, not all Bonsai trees require light too much light to supervise as some require low exposure to direct sunlight to grow ( for example the fiscus).
These species range from ones that prefer shady areas to ones that require an indoor atmosphere to grow; without having to be under constant sunlight. Even at that, most Bonsai at least have a moderate supply of sunlight to grow. Without light in general, bonsai trees may have difficulties manufacturing the food needed for growth.
Can Bonsai survive with artificial light?
Yes, a Bonsai tree can survive with artificial light. Every green plant needs light to photosynthesize: a process by which they manufacture their food to generate nutrients needed for their growth. For some people who prefer to raise their Bonsai indoor, bright artificial light can be used as an alternative for sunlight, as long as the light is placed close to the tree.
Can Bonsai trees survive under fluorescent light?
Yes, Bonsai trees can survive under fluorescent light because they are generally not too hot. However, you should refrain from using an incandescent lights as they are considered to be too hot for Bonsai trees. Using an incandescent light can burn the leaves and stems of your Bonsai tree as they generate lots of heat.
What matters whenever you are choosing a light for your Bonsai tree is choosing one that beams light similar to the one reflected by the daylight sunlight. Although this kind of light may be expensive, in the long run, you are going to discover it’s a worthwhile investment.
Is artificial light safe for Bonsai trees?
Yes, Bonsai trees will germinate and grow well under artificial lights which is why they are safe to be used for them. However, you should know that while some artificial lights are food for your Bonsai plant, some are bad for your Bonsai tree because they emit too much heat that could put the life of your Bonsai tree at risk.
Best artificial light for Bonsai tree
The best artificial light for a Bonsai tree is the high standard LED light systems as they provide full light spectrum bearing closest similarities to natural solar spectrum. However, if you are concerned about the cost, you can opt for LED bulbs as they can serve as a perfect alternative. Examples of these lights include T5 and T8 fluorescent lights.
Best artificial light color for Bonsai tree
For the kind of light needed by a Bonsai tree to start flowering or budding, a 2700k CFL bulb should provide that. While the 6500k bulbs should provide the appropriate color spectrum needed by Bonsai trees to produce healthy leaves. The right color spectrum for a Bonsai tree at the flowering stage is Red.
Where should I place the artificial light for my Bonsai tree?
If you are using fluorescent light, it should be placed 6 to 8 inches away from the Bonsai tree. But if you are using LED or HID light, you should place the artificial light 20 to 24 inches away from where you put your Bonsai tree. This will prevent your Bonsai tree from getting heated up which could affect the health of your Bonsai tree. Also, make sure you monitor the positioning of the light regularly so you can make necessary adjustments when needed.
How much artificial light does the Bonsai tree need?
The effect of light on a bonsai tree differs from one to the other. Some Bonsai are meant to be grown outdoor so no matter how much artificial light you provide them indoors, you are still not going to get your desired result. On the other hand, some Bonsai trees will do just fine if supplied with adequate lighting.
Outdoor Bonsai:
Most outdoor Bonsai trees must be put outside the house all through the seasons. Therefore, if you have an outdoor Bonsai tree, the best place for you to put them is outside so that they can benefit from a constant supply of sunlight. But if you plan on keeping your outdoor Bonsai tree indoor, make sure it is under artificial light for at least 6 hours a day.
Indoor Bonsai tree
Some types of Bonsai trees prefer to be raised indoor and require little light for growth. However, this kind of Bonsai species must be grown under adequate humidity. You can supply this kind of Bonsai tree with constant humidity using a humidity tray. And as for light, although the requirement is minimal, they must be put under light for at least 2 to 4 hours a day regardless of whether it is artificial or natural.
How to use artificial light to grow Bonsai from seed
The information provided below shows how you can grow Bonsai from seed using artificial light. Read carefully to learn details about the processes involved.
- Spread a layer of the basis of your choice in a 5-inch pot.
- Add Bonsai soil of your choice.
- Evenly spread the seed on the soil making sure that you leave spaces between each seed.
- Cover up the seeds with the top layer of the soil. Using fingers make sure they are firmed into the soil.
- Add water to the top layer.
- Place a LED or HID light as instructed earlier and keep the light on for at least 6 to 8 hours a day.
How to use artificial light to grow Bonsai from seed
Put the fluorescent light 6 to 8 inches away from the tops of the tree. If your tree is big, you should bring your fluorescent tube a little bit closer or increase the number of times you lighten your Bonsai tree. You should start by lightening up your Bonsai for about 10 to 12 hours to keep them healthy. If you noticed the tree is not growing enough flowers, extend the number of lightning ours.
