11 Types of Bonsai Trees That Are Best for Beginners

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Bonsai , a horticultural artwork that hails from ancient China , endures as a popular hobby and graphics strain . Bonsai refers to the craftiness of cultivating , defining , and preserve tree so they represent both nature and creative aspect . To Daniel White , possessor ofBlack River Bonsaiin Sheffield Village , Ohio , “ growing and caring for bonsai can be a very rewarding and relaxing hobby . ” In fact , his company motto is “ Cultivate Your Calm . ” He offer some advice on selecting and caring for trees based on more than 25 years of experience .

Nearly any Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can become a “ bonsai tree , ” and pick out a plant — particularly for beginners — is similar to selecting any plant to suit your climate or indoor conditions , though some specie take easily to bonsai design . “ I loosely recommend beginners choose a species that will be forgiving of novice mistake , ” aver White . One of his favorites is Juniperus procumbens‘Nana ’ , or overshadow Chinese garden juniper . Below , see a list of trees that experts like whitened recommend , along with tip for buy bonsai stock and have off to a full start with a fresh purchased bonsai tree .

Woman holding bonsai plant.

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Choosing a Bonsai Tree

Much like choosing a landscape tree , personal preference and especially climate zone or arise conditions are major consideration when purchasing a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for bonsai , as is its forgiving nature to beginner pruning . A few other trait can weigh in the decision . “ Certain characteristic like invoke bark and ramification structure , as well as proportionately small foliage tend to be more appealing , ” enounce White .

Growing status should be top of psyche . Although some subtropical trees can handle mostly indoor conditions , the absolute majority are better suitable to their natural outdoor surroundings . “ They like the cheerfulness , wind , rainwater , and fresh air , ” says White , so he recommends devote all species outdoor time when condition are good . tree diagram from temperate zones are susceptible to freezing and need to be indoors and dormant in winter . White cautions that still other winter - dauntless species should rest outdoors in wintertime , which is part of their natural cycle . So , be sure to compare the concern need and native zone for the mintage chosen with the conditions in which you plan to keep it . “ Many trees have been lost by trying to keep them indoors twelvemonth - circular , ” say White .

Also , deliberate a tree ’s age . According to Hal Johnson , president of theLong Island Bonsai Society , “ founding father should consider younger trees to learn on since they grow quicker and foreshorten your learning curve ball . ” White also recommend that beginners select relatively young trees Once trees reach 50 years or older , they have specific care requirements . A tree that is 5 to 10 years old “ will be more resilient and more economical , ” White aver . Older trees often come with a high price tag to make up for their years of care .

Female florist holding bonsai plant.

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Setting up Your Bonsai Tree

Bonsai carebegins from the bit you acquire your tree and place it in a modest jackpot with drain that will help qualify root growth and flora sizing . Once you have cleaned and pruned the roots , prepare the pot with a common - cereal soil at the bottom , topped by a looser grime that drain well . Knowing specific dirt components to add constitute an artistry and skill in and of itself , so beginners are well attend to by set about with acommercial soil mixspecific to bonsai growing and atraining potrather than looking for the perfect mass to complement the tree , which will take on a form and personality with time .

White suppose there are plenty of online resource from local and regional bonsai societies , or usable by joining theAmerican Bonsai Society ; he serve on the organization ’s circuit card .

1. Ficus (Ficus spp.)

gratefully , some Tree — for instance , genus Ficus — flourish in an indoor environment . One of White ’s favorite Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for beginners isF. microcarpa , or Taiwanese Banyan fig . It likes temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit but also needs high humidity . F. microcarpa‘Ginseng ’ is a specific variety often used for bonsai . F. retusais another genus Ficus type , favour for its visually interesting trunk when uprise for bonsai . Those who populate in USDA Zones 10 and 11 can leave these genus Ficus bonsai tree diagram out of doors most of the twelvemonth .

Ficus tree react positively to growing restrictions . In bonsai , take a small container is key to curtail plant size . They ’re also forgiving of lapses in tearing and other type of care . Just verify to choose a sunny spot for your bonsai ficus .

2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

adore for its color - changing and ticklish leaves , the Japanesemaplecan be trained to make a beautiful bonsai tree . out of doors , the tree grow best in USDA Zones 5 to 8 , and the leaves often remain gullible in summertime in hotter areas . The species is excellent for containers and bonsai , since enclose the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s roots slows down top growth . Still , small species or dwarf types like Kiyohime maple ( zones 6 to 9 ) are in all likelihood best for bonsai . Crimson Queen has fern - like leave of absence that turn promising orangish - bolshy in fall .

Although the trees like sun , too much can damage the leaves . It ’s best to deflect verbatim sunlight when temperature soar upwards to 85 degrees Fahrenheit . Water a Japanese maple bonsai daily during its summer growing time of year .

3. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

This behind - growing plant is one of White ’s choices for beginners to bonsai . Chinese elm are strong trees that respond to pruning well , grow slowly , and endure occasional tending relapse like too long without water or too much moisture in the soil . This Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can drop clock time outdoors in most region and endure light frost , though it will do upright indoors in a coolheaded elbow room in wintertime . As a rule , the trees grow well in USDA Zones 5 to 10 .

Pick a spot with tidy sum of bright morning sunlight that turns shadowy in the afternoon . water supply when the top of the potbelly ’s soil feels dry . The trees are not very susceptible to pest infestations , except for spider tinge . But these minor worm are typically easy to check with a few program of neem oil . Although Chinese elm tree is the most popular of the elm trees for bonsai , the Siberian elmwood ( U. pumila ) has larger leaves and interesting bark .

4. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

This acerate leaf - pass on Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree expect powerful attractive in miniature manakin . However , junipers do n’t do well indoors , so quality one that can stay outside as much of the class as possible . That should n’t be too tough , since junipers can handle cold weather than some bonsai option ( USDA zone 4 to 9 ) . Johnson recommend juniper as an outdoor bonsai species for father . range Retama raetam in a spot where they can get at least 4 hour of sun per Clarence Day .

White promissory note that Chinese garden juniper ( J. procumbens‘Nana ’ ) is a great woof for founding father . The nanus conifer can form a dense canopy above twisting branches . As with other founder - friendly bonsai tree diagram , junipers are pest - resistive . However , wanderer mites and webworm sometimes target them . Although aggressive pruning can weaken junipers and cause browning , the Tree will ultimately recover from pruning mishaps .

5. Brazilian Rain Tree (Chloroleucon tortum)

Among White ’s pet tree for bonsai , this tropic tree “ is a little more intriguing , but I ’ve seen many beginners be successful with it , ” he says . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree take form distortion stems and branches with a gray tint to the wood . Native to Brazil , this stunner needs plenty of light . So , while indoor temperatures befit it , be certain to put it near a window that faces south or place it under grow lights .

When given outdoor time , just be certain to wreak the USDA Zone 9 to 11 tree back inside when temperatures are expected to send packing to near 45 degrees Fahrenheit . Be aware that this tree has some thorn , but that drawback is countervail by its fragrant white puffy flower that will add scent inside or attract butterflies outdoors .

6. Spruce (Picea spp.)

Though a little more challenging for bonsai purpose , spruce trees are large evergreen conifers with whorled branches that are control well with wiring . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree feature thickset foliage . Among good options for bonsai are Ezo spruce ( P. jezoensis ) , Norway spruce ( P. genus Abies ) , and Colorado blueish spruce ( P. pungens ) . These North American natives are long - lived tree that have intermediate drouth tolerance , silvery - blue foliage , and good cold permissiveness .

Colorado blue spruce is in particular cold hardy ( USDA Zones 2 to 7 ) , but take some supernumerary aid with your bonsai spruce so that roots do not freeze outdoors in wintertime . Look for a dwarf multifariousness of the tree for good success ( likeP. pungens‘Baby Blue ’ ) . A bonsai spruce require full sun during its growing time of year and partial shade when grown alfresco in a pot . Water often , but do not let the stain rest constantly wet .

7. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)

Most case of cotoneaster are shrubs , low - growing evergreens that react well to pruning . Its modest glossy unripened leaves append to its bonsai appeal . aboriginal to three continents — Asia , Europe , and Africa — cotoneaster also sport small orchard apple tree - mould fruits that come along after a blossom of little white bloom . C. frigiduscan grow more good like a tree diagram , andC. microphyllusis another excellent cotoneaster eccentric for bonsai .

To grow cotoneaster , choose a smear in full sun outdoors if possible . supply frost protection for plants in containers . Most cotoneaster varieties are cold hardy in Zones 4 to 8 , but hardiness varies among varieties . In contrast with the more challenging bonsai species , these trees are drouth - broad as long as the ironic periods are short . Additionally , because the branches of cotoneaster are flexile , they take well to shaping via wires .

8. Snow Rose (Serissa japonicaorS. foetida)

Also called Japanese matrimony vine , Serissais a subtropical small bush that flowers with flyspeck single or two-fold miniature whitened blooms . The snow rose also has pocket-size foliage , so it has great visual appeal as a bonsai tree . A member of the coffee berry family , the bush can be evergreen or semi - evergreen . The snow rose is hardy only in USDA geographical zone 7 to 11 , and will need lots of idle indoors — in fact , the warmer the indoor air , the more light it requires .

Johnson ranks Serissa as a good indoor species for tiro to bonsai . Although more particular than some bonsai alternative ( moving it to a new locating can make leaves to drop ) , it recovers well when identify in its favourite conditions . That typically means fond ghost outdoors in spring and summertime , and an indoor spot on a sunny windowsill or table , or under grow lights indoors . Bring it in once temperatures linger near 50 grade Fahrenheit out of doors . Give Serissa plenty of humidness as well , with a humidness tray under the pot when indoors .

9. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

This favorite of Southwest gardeners is a small succulent tree diagram from dry regions of Africa and Asia , and rise well in container . Although it can produce full rosaceous - like flower , the trunk and crown of theAdeniumreally stand out when grow with bonsai techniques . It has a swollen or bulbous body just above the soil that keeps the works ’s appearance unequalled , even when the leaves drop in wintertime .

Less frigid hardy than some of the plants on this list , desert rose needs to move indoors when temperatures get through about 55 degree Fahrenheit ; it is hardy only in USDA Zones 11 and 12 . Give it plenty of sunlight while inside to promote flowering . Adeniums typically need water only every 7 to 10 day ; always let the soil dry between watering . Those with child , pet , or sensitive skin call for to know that the plant has in high spirits poison severity . Nearly all parts can irritate the skin and cause severe chemical reaction if ingest .

10. Jade (Crassula ovataorPortulacaria afra)

Crassula ovatais the more commonly knownjade houseplant , which let in near 300 of the succulent character . Portulacaria afra , also known as dwarf hack or infant jade , technically is not a slut , but is a perennial succulent in the purslane kinfolk . Both are excellent beginner bonsai species because they do n’t involve regular lacrimation and grow well indoors . P. afrahas littler fleshy leaf , and is a resilient works that can tolerate a few care or pruning mistakes .

To regulate portulacaria , avoid wire and stick to measured pruning . Because they grow speedily , even pruning is necessary to conserve an esthetically pleasing shape . In Zones 9 to 11 , it ’s potential to develop babe loose woman alfresco until nighttime lows hit about 40 arcdegree Fahrenheit . straight strumpet ( C. ovata ) is less cold hardy , growing only in zones 11 and 12 . To be safe , bring it in even sooner , when temperatures trend toward 50 degree . Otherwise , their pruning and maintenance motivation are alike ; just be careful not to overwater , because these plants are susceptible to root rot .

11. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Make some edible art by choosing arosemary plantfor your bonsai sideline and enjoying its odor and odoriferous silvery foliage . Best of all , when you rationalise your rosemary bonsai , you ’ll not only help maintain the flora ’s shape , you ’ll also net herb for dinner . The evergreen herbaceous plant is vulnerable to root rot , so ensure to keep plants in a pot with sufficient drainage and avoid overwatering . Rosemary typically is fearless in USDA Zones 8 through 10 , and the plant will want to occur indoors when the weather begin to border on freezing temperature .

Rosemary enjoys full Lord’s Day outside or in a southerly - facing windowpane . To maintain rosemary ’s miniature size , get rid of new development that come out after the first set of leaves . Trimming at least 25 percent of the antecedent will help prevent the plant from outgrowing its heap . Shape the branches with wiring as long as they are young and limber enough .

Other herb amenable to bonsai - growing include :

Young Asian man trimming bonsai tree.

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Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few mess on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the right plants for your soil and part .

types of bonsai trees