How to Grow a Japanese Privet Indoors

Choose a container with drainage holes or channels to funnel excess water out of the pot. Japanese privets like moist, well-drained soil. Use a container one or two sizes larger than the plant's original nursery container unless the privet is for bonsai. Shallow containers work best for bonsai and may be highly decorative to complement the privet, or plain and drab to give the privet center stage. Houseplant and topiary containers may be made of clay, wood or other materials.

Pour growing medium into the container to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches, or about an inch for bonsai pots.

Select a potting soil with good drainage and moisture retention. Use a good quality soil to give the privet the best chance of succeeding indoors. Low quality potting soils often lack micronutrients and may not drain as quickly. For bonsai, use a product formulated specifically for bonsai plants, as this will provide optimum drainage and moisture retention in shallow pots. Look for a product that contains humus and sand, with a neutral to only slightly acid pH level.

Take the privet out of its original container and trim broken or dead roots with the pruning shears or clippers. Place the plant in the middle of the new container and spread the roots out without forcing them into unnatural positions. The top of the root ball should be an inch below the rim of the container. Fill the container with growing medium to the top of the root ball and water the privet thoroughly.

Spread bark chips or decorative pebbles around the top of the growing medium, but do not pile it against the stem of the privet. The mulch is not only attractive, but it helps retain moisture in the container.

Place the privet in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Privets prefer some protection from harsh, too-bright direct sunlight. Provide afternoon shade if you take the plant outside for the summer.

Fertilize regularly with diluted liquid fertilizer or a granulated, slow-release all-purpose fertilizer. Every time you water the privet, some of the growing medium's nutrients leach out, so frequent, light feedings are better than heavy applications.

Prune the privet in winter, when the plant is not actively growing, to encourage new growth and to maintain the desired shape and height. Remove lower branches to encourage the privet to grow into a small tree, and shear the foliage as desired to form topiary shapes.