Best Bonsai Trees for Beginners to Nurture and Train

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Adopting a houseplant can be a neat way to add interest and life to your home. It can be challenging to shape regular indoor plants, which can be frustrating since they can go all over the place. However, with the best bonsai trees, you can add your artistic prowess to the final outlook.

This post contains the best beginner bonsai trees and other information to help you make an ideal choice.

Enjoy!

1. Brussel’s Live Juniper Bonsai

Brussel's Live Green Mound Juniper Outdoor Bonsai Tree...
  • CONTENTS: Bonsai, Decorative Container (Assorted Colors &...
  • SPECIES: The Juniper is a low growing plant, producing lush...
  • AGE/SIZE/CARE: Your 3 year old bonsai will arrive between 4" to...
  • USES: Ideal Mother’s Day gift, office & cubicle décor or a...
  • WARRANTY: Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art...

Junipers are among the best bonsai trees you can adopt at home, thanks to their pest-resistant nature and low maintenance requirements. The Juniper Bonsai is not only suitable for the indoors but also the outdoors. However, it needs access to sunlight for several hours to thrive, which means you'll need to place it by the window or another naturally lighted area.

This low-growing plant doesn't flower, making it a great choice if you are allergic to the scent of various flowers or pollen. Even in the cold season, this tree will keep growing and won't lose the vibrant green color of its leaves. It grows slowly and can live quite a long, making it a long-lasting addition to your home.

The Juniper Bonsai allows you to execute bonsai bark art manipulations and decorations to add some personality to the room. It's the best bonsai tree for beginners since it comes with a beautiful container that could feature any style or color you want, soil, and maintenance instructions.

The only downside to junipers is that they can attract spiders, webworms, and some insects. However, they add a lush green color to your space to make you feel more cozy and relaxed.

Pros:

  • Easy to grow
  • Low maintenance
  • Pest resistant
  • Long living tree

Cons:

  • It can attract spiders and some insects

2. Brussel’s Live Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

Brussel's Live Chinese Elm Outdoor Bonsai Tree - 5...
  • CONTENTS: Bonsai, Decorative Container (Assorted Colors &...
  • SPECIES: The Chinese Elm has beautiful, distinctive dark gray to...
  • AGE/SIZE/CARE: Your small 5 year old bonsai will arrive at 6" to...
  • USES: Ideal Mother’s Day gift, office & cubicle décor or a...
  • WARRANTY: Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art...

Next on our list of the best bonsai trees for beginners is this Chinese Elm Bonsai tree which is perfectly suited to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This slow-growing bonsai tree is a great pick for a novice since it can tolerate various environments and doesn't require much attention. All you need to do is put it in bright morning sunlight for a few hours and return it to the shade in the afternoon.

The Chinese elm bonsai looks great with a beautiful brown bark that develops fissures as it grows. It branches quite elegantly and features small oval leaves that have a fresh green color. This makes it a great and stylish addition to your home's interior or exterior.

The growth pattern of this bonsai tree is well known, which is one reason it's excellent for beginners. Thankfully, it's not susceptible to pests except spider mites which makes it a safer option than other bonsai trees. Additionally, it's easy to trim and shape this tree into your desired form, courtesy of its low growth.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Great for indoors and outdoors
  • Ideal for the bonsai art form
  • Easy to trim and shape

Cons:

  • Needs to be aired outdoors regularly

3. Brussel’s Live Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai Tree

Sale
Brussel's Live Golden Gate Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree - 4...
  • CONTENTS: Bonsai, Decorative Container (Assorted Colors &...
  • SPECIES: In the ficus family, the Golden Gate variety is the best...
  • AGE/SIZE/CARE: Your 4 year old bonsai will arrive between 5" to...
  • USES: Ideal Mother’s Day gift, office & cubicle décor or a...
  • WARRANTY: Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art...

The third best beginner bonsai is this Ficus Bonsai tree of the Golden Gate species, which is especially suited to indoor growth. In the package are the Bonsai tree, soil, and the instructions you need for proper care. This means you'll have all you need to start tending to the Ficus Bonsai right out of the box.

The trunk of this bonsai tree is grey and thick, which gives it a sturdy appearance. The leaves are small and oval but deliver a dark green theme that can make the room much cooler. This four-year-old bonsai has developed to a stage where it won't require 24-hour attention. As such, beginners can enjoy watching this tree grow since it doesn't have high maintenance requirements.

You can place this indoor bonsai tree in the office, kitchen table, or window. It will also make your patio or deck more attractive as outdoor decor. Safe to say that the Fiscus bonsai is an ideal choice for bonsai enthusiasts also because of its ability to thrive in low light conditions. With some bonsai tools, you can maintain pruning practices to ensure the tree looks as you desire.

Pros:

  • Easy to wire
  • Decorative appearance
  • It's an indoor or outdoor bonsai
  • Seasonal pruning

Cons:

  • Deciduous behavior

4. Brussel’s Live Dwarf Jade Bonsai Tree

Brussel's Bonsai Live Dwarf Jade Indoor Bonsai Tree in...
  • CONTENTS: Bonsai, Zen Reflections Pot, Soil, Care Instructions.
  • SPECIES: Thick, round, dark green leaves and delicate pink...
  • AGE/SIZE/CARE: Your 3 year old bonsai will arrive between 8" to...
  • USES: Ideal Mother’s Day gift, office & cubicle décor or a...
  • WARRANTY: Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art...

The Jade Bonsai is another great choice for beginners who don't want a tree that requires constant attention. Jade trees, which originated in South Africa, are considered a symbol of good fortune and unity among loved ones. They can thrive without frequent watering, which means you can let the soil dry up before adding water to this tree.

As a semi-evergreen tree, it features a thick clutter of dark-green leaves that can retain moisture for a long while. So, even if you forget to water this tree, it won't die immediately. When it flowers, this tree will produce pink flowers above the stems and branches, which can add a sense of beauty to your home.

Also known as the Elephant Bush, the Jade Bonsai is easy to train and maintain for any beginner and will grow to a low height that makes it convenient to shape.

Pros:

  • Dwarf sized
  • Affordable
  • Requires minimal watering
  • Decorative pot

Cons:

  • Could rot from overwatering

5. Brussel’s Live Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree

Brussel's Bonsai Live Hawaiian Umbrella Indoor Bonsai...
  • Contents: bonsai, plastic grower pot, soil, Care instructions.
  • Species: Glossy Green leaves are delicately divided and upright...
  • Age/size/Care: your 3 Year old bonsai will arrive between 4" to...
  • Uses: ideal mother’s day gift, office & cubicle décor or a...
  • Warranty: your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art...

The last pick on our list of the best bonsai trees for beginners is this Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai which is a species with green glossy leaves that can add vibrance and life to your home. This beginner bonsai tree will thrive in indoor conditions without hassle, which is why it's a great pick.

You can position it anywhere around the house, including the kitchen table, window, or on your deck or patio outside. It's native to subtropical environments and has low maintenance requirements making it ideal for a novice.

The umbrella-shaped leaves form a dense green canopy that makes this tree look healthy and elegant. Additionally, the prolific root growth carries a unique appearance that any individual with an eye for art will appreciate. The thin trunk on this tree doesn't branch out as in other bonsai trees, which makes the Hawaiian Umbrella Bosai and out of the box selection.

Pros:

  • Attractive appearance
  • Ideal miniature size
  • Easy training
  • It can also grow outdoors

Cons:

  • The tree could come in a smaller size than expected

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai refers to a potted tree that doesn't grow to full-size thanks to practices like pruning which keep the plant dwarfed. In this form, it is easy to guide it into a particular shape for decorative purposes. The art of shaping and training these trees involves trimming branches and roots while using a wire to achieve a specific form.

Bonsai has its origins in China but became prominently adopted by the Japanese. It's inspired by the dwarfed trees naturally found in nature. While these trees might appear stunted, they can last for hundreds of years which is why they were handed across generations in some cultures.

It's possible to nurture these trees inside your home without changing your schedule since they don't need much attention. The best bonsai trees come with various pots or earthenware customized to match your interior style as decorations.

What are the Benefits of Bonsai Trees?

1. Stress Relief

One of the advantages of nature exposure is the reduction in levels of stress and anxiety. It could be challenging to take nature walks frequently, so why not take nature home with you? Getting a bonsai plant can help you keep calm and relaxed in any stressful environment, including your workplace or home.

2. Mental and Physical Engagement

The care you'll need to provide your bonsai tree will require some physical exertion as you handle trimming, pruning, fertilizing, and watering. This can be beneficial to your health and simultaneously keeps your mind involved.

For your tree to attain an artistic form, you'll need to visualize the outcome as you work on the tree. Eventually, when the tree takes shape as you desired, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

3. Air Freshening

While humans require oxygen for respiration, plants need carbon dioxide, which after use, they convert to oxygen. This means that plants can purify the air in your immediate environment, which can help you maintain proper aeration. So, if you feel like the office is a stuffy place, getting the best bonsai plant can assist in making the air safer to breathe.

Indoor Bonsai Tree Care

1. Tree Placement

Bonsai species are as diverse as any other plants to have different requirements for sunlight, water, and pruning. For example, if you have a plant that comes from arid areas, it'll need exposure to the sun for several hours every day for it to thrive. If you place it away from natural light, it'll grow slowly and ultimately die, which is why you should at least position it at the window.

However, if the species can tolerate low light conditions, you can place it almost anywhere around the home or office.

2. Watering

There are several factors that determine the frequency and amount of watering that is necessary for your bonsai tree. The species of the plant is the first consideration to make since plants differ in water requirements. When you know what the species needs, you can water it appropriately to ensure it thrives. Additionally, you shouldn't water bonsai trees routinely; instead, you should observe how they respond and adjust accordingly.

3. Soil

You'll need to select the right soil mixture for your tree to grow as it should. The soil supplies nutrients and also controls the rate at which the water drains. The absorption and retention of water the soil delivers should match the needs of the bonsai tree. If the soil holds the water for longer than necessary, it could cause damage to the roots and kill the plant.

What Factors Should you Consider When Choosing a Bonsai Tree for Beginners?

1. Species

While there are numerous species of bonsai trees, some are especially suited to indoor conditions and don't require a lot of effort to maintain. Some of them include deciduous trees, broadleaf evergreens, pines, and conifers.

Since each species has its own needs, you'll need to find out which one you can conveniently accommodate to take care of your tree.

2. Size

The size of the tree is crucial because it determines the amount of space you'll need to make to host it. There are bonsai trees that develop a broad shape while others could grow upwards. The room you have available will determine the type of plant and size you buy. You'll want to plan for the growth pattern of the plant and account for space it'll need when it's fully grown.

3. Light Requirements

Lastly, you'll need to find out the amount of light the plant needs. There are some that have a tolerance for low light conditions, which makes them ideal if you don't want to keep moving the plant all over the place. You can keep such a plant a small distance away from direct sunlight, and it will grow as expected.

There are also plants that need direct sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon. If your program doesn't allow you to change the location of the plant, you might want to get LED to grow lights to deliver the energy the tree needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best bonsai tree for beginners?

The best bonsai tree for beginners is the Brussel's Live Juniper Bonsai.

2. Which bonsai tree is best for indoors?

The Brussel's Live Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai Tree is the most suitable option if you want an indoor tree.

3. What is the hardiest bonsai tree?

Brussel's Live Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree is the most resilient bonsai tree on the market.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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