Most of us know the Ginkgo as that majestic, towering tree you see in public parks. But here’s a cool secret: you can actually grow a Ginkgo as a houseplant! They look especially stunning when styled as a bonsai.
Choosing the Right Variety
If you take a look at a Ginkgo profile, you’ll see these trees are famous for their height—some can reach up to 130 feet! Because of that, picking the right variety is non-negotiable if you want to keep one indoors. You don’t want a forest giant in your living room. Luckily, there are dwarf varieties like “Globus” that stay small, as well as cultivars that grow more like a compact bush.
These smaller types are perfect for indoor life. Just keep in mind that a Ginkgo in a pot requires a bit more “TLC” than one planted out in the yard.
The Perfect Spot
Ginkgos love a warm summer, but they absolutely need a dormant phase in the winter to stay healthy. No matter the season, they crave sunlight. If they don’t get enough light, you’ll start seeing yellow leaves, and the tree might even start dropping them prematurely.
During the summer, your Ginkgo will be thrilled if you move it outside to a balcony or patio. However, whether you keep it inside year-round or just bring it in for the winter, finding the right temperature for those cold months is key.
Ideally, you want to keep it between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C) during winter. If it gets much colder, the roots might suffer without extra insulation for the pot. If it stays too warm, the tree won’t realize it’s time to rest. That dormant phase is vital for the tree to recharge for the next growing season—without it, the tree can actually weaken and die.
Care and Maintenance
The good news is that Ginkgos are pretty low-maintenance. To keep your indoor tree from hitting the ceiling, go easy on the fertilizer. The nutrients in the soil are usually plenty; you’ll just need to repot the tree every few years to refresh the substrate.
The most important part of indoor Ginkgo care is regular pruning. Without a good trim, even a dwarf variety can get a bit unruly. The best time to prune is in the spring, just as the weather warms up and the tree starts waking up for the season.
