Embarking on the rewarding journey of growing bonsai, especially for beginners like you, can seem intimidating. But fear not! With proper guidance, you can confidently dive into this timeless art form and discover the best bonsai trees for beginners.
As budding enthusiasts and bonsai beginners, choosing the right bonsai tree species is a crucial first step. That’s why we have curated a list of the Ideal bonsai varieties for beginners.
This selection of the easiest bonsai trees to grow will guide you in finding the popular bonsai tree species that match your preferences and aligns with your skill level.
What Are the Best Bonsai Trees for Beginners?
#1 — Juniper (Juniperus)
The Juniper Bonsai is a favorite among bonsai tree enthusiasts due to its easy care and adaptability to various environments.
The Juniper, a robust and enduring tree or shrub, flourishes predominantly in the diverse terrains of Eurasia and North America. Its simple yet beautiful needle-like leaves and rugged bark add a rustic touch to any space.
Globally, there exist more than 50 distinct species of juniper, but not all are utilized in bonsai cultivation. This is simply because not each species carries the characteristics that align with the traditional bonsai tree visuals.
To make our list easier to digest, we’ll break down the types of juniper bonsai trees based on their leaf style: scale-like leaves and needle-like leaves.
Juniper Species with Scale-like Leaves
Leaflets resembling scales are tiny leaves that cling closely to the branches. They appear and touch like dense, patterned sprouts.
The aesthetic appeal of juniper species with scale-like leaves makes them highly sought-after choices for bonsai tree cultivation.
Their unique foliage type offers a myriad of creative opportunities for bonsai artists to craft breathtaking miniature landscapes that evoke a sense of timelessness and connection to nature’s enduring beauty.
Here are six juniper species with scale-like foliage commonly cultivated for bonsai:
- Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina)
- Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
- California juniper (Juniperus californica)
- Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
- Sierra juniper or Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)
- Sargent’s juniper or Japanese shimpaku (Juniperus chinensis sargentii)
Juniper Species with Needle-like Leaves
The needle-like leaves of junipers are similar to pines. They are narrow and long and have pointed tips.
The needle-like leaves not only contribute to the visual beauty of the tree but also play a significant role in its resilience and adaptability. Due to their slender form, these leaves have a reduced surface area, minimizing water loss and increasing the tree’s ability to withstand arid conditions.
Here are three commonly cultivated juniper varieties with needle-like foliage:
- Common juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Japanese needle juniper or Temple juniper (Juniperus rigida)
- Japanese garden juniper or Green mound juniper (Juniperus procumbens nana)
Remember, even if juniper bonsai trees require little maintenance, they still need some sunlight, regular water, and frequent pruning to keep their shape.
Read more about the complete Juniper Bonsai tree guide here.
#2 — Ficus (Ficus)
Just like Juniper, the Ficus is also recognized as one of the ideal bonsai varieties for beginners due to its low maintenance requirements and excellent response to various bonsai cultivation techniques.
Among the hundreds of ficus species, only a few possess features suitable for bonsai, with ficus retusa being a popular choice for its s-curved trunk and ficus ginseng cherished for its pot-bellied appearance.
Other species and varieties of ficus bonsai trees that you can cultivate are:
- Ficus carica (common fig)
- Ficus neriifolia (willow leaf)
- Ficus religiosa (sacred fig)
- Ficus benjamina (weeping fig)
- Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)
Growing ficus as a bonsai is easy. Like any plant, keep it happy with proper positioning, generous watering, feeding, pruning, wiring, repotting every two years, and protecting it during colder temperatures.
For a comprehensive care guide for Ficus Bonsai, read here.
#3 — Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
Growing a Chinese Elm Bonsai is perfect for beginners since it’s extremely robust and can tolerate various climate conditions—making it a good practice specimen for more advanced tree species.
Chinese elms are upright deciduous trees native to East Asia that can grow up to 80 ft. (25 cm). Like most elms, Chinese elm trees turn their small leaves yellow or brown in the fall before they drop in the winter—revealing stunning fine branch ramifications.
For a thriving Chinese Elm Bonsai tree, here’s a user-friendly guide which includes positioning, watering, feeding, pruning, wiring, repotting, and overwintering tips.
#4 — Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra)
Jade Bonsai plants make a great specimen for novice bonsai growers because they are very forgiving and require low effort to maintain. It can also be kept indoors or grown outdoors, depending on the local climate.
Ensure its growth with the right positioning, generous watering, seasonal feeding, occasional pruning and wiring, and repotting every two years. Don’t forget to protect it during colder temperatures!
Here’s an extensive care guide for Dwarf Jade bonsai trees.
#5 — Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maple bonsai trees are quite popular for their eye-striking colorful leaves year-round. They can easily brighten and create a lively atmosphere in any space, making them an easy favorite of many bonsai enthusiasts.
Although there are hundreds of Japanese maple cultivars you can grow as a bonsai, most bonsai artists prefer smaller varieties so that it’s easier to maintain.
Here are some of them:
- Fireglow
- Osakazuki
- Waterfall
- Beni Hime
- Garnet
- Purple Ghost
To grow Japanese maple bonsai trees in your garden, you must learn how to care for and maintain such trees properly.
Position it outdoors year-round and water when the soil is slightly dry. Fertilize after new growth hardens off and prune as needed in late spring or early summer. Additionally, wire the branches during spring or late winter and repot every 2 to 4 years in early spring. Lastly, don’t forget to overwinter it in a cold frame if the temperature drops below 15°F (-10°C).
If you want your Japanese maple bonsai trees to thrive, check out this comprehensive care guide.
General Tips for Choosing a Bonsai Tree for Beginners
Choosing the perfect bonsai tree can be a daunting task, especially when looking for the best bonsai trees for beginners. It can take a lot of research and careful consideration to make an informed decision. In this section, we will go over some general tips for choosing a bonsai tree that is well-suited for beginners.
Tip 1: Choosing a Tree Suited to Your Climate
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bonsai tree is your climate. There are two main bonsai tree types: indoor and outdoor. If you live in a cold climate, you should opt for an indoor tree, as outdoor trees won’t survive in low temperatures. On the other hand, if you live in a warm climate, an outdoor tree would make a great addition to your garden.
Tip 2: Prioritizing Hardiness and Ease of Care
Bonsai trees are no different from regular trees when it comes to their care requirements. It’s essential to choose a tree that is resilient and can withstand different conditions. Ficus bonsai trees are some of the most popular bonsai trees for beginners because they are relatively hardy and easy to care for. Additionally, they can survive different temperatures and do well in most indoor environments.
Tip 3: Considering the Tree’s Growth Rate and Shape
It’s crucial to consider the trees’ growth rate and shape when selecting a bonsai tree. Some trees grow much faster than others, which can affect the amount of pruning required. Bonsai trees, like junipers and pines, have a slower growth rate, while Ficus and Chinese elm bonsai trees grow pretty quickly. Additionally, the shape of the tree is also essential to consider. Do you want a tree with a winding trunk or a straight one? Would you like a tree with a lot of branches or a few? These are vital questions to ask when selecting a bonsai tree.
Tip 4: Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Once you have selected the perfect bonsai tree, you must find the right pot and soil. Bonsai pots come in different shapes and sizes, and it’s essential to choose one that is proportional to the size of your tree. The pot should be shallow to prevent the roots from extending too deep and escaping the pot. Likewise, it is crucial for the soil to have porosity and enable adequate drainage. A soil that drains well is vital to prevent root rot, which can have a devastating impact on your bonsai tree.
Tip 5: Patience and Care
Caring for a bonsai tree requires a lot of patience and attention. You need to water and prune your tree regularly, but you also need to ensure that it’s receiving proper nutrition. Bonsai trees also need ample sunlight and consistent humidity levels. By following the care instructions and monitoring your tree closely, you can successfully cultivate and maintain a beautiful bonsai tree.
Conclusion: Your Enchanting Journey into the World of Bonsai Begins!
For beginners venturing into the enchanting world of bonsai, remember that this artful journey is both fulfilling and rewarding. It is not a race, nor is it a destination. It is a never-ending journey.
As you embark on this new venture, some of the best bonsai trees for beginners like you include the Juniper, Ficus, Dwarf Jade, Japanese Maple, Chinese Elm bonsai tree and more! These bonsai tree species boast resilience, low maintenance requirements, and a willingness to thrive with your tender care.
Become a true bonsai pro by reading more of our bonsai care tips! Visit our blog for everything you need to keep your first bonsai tree thriving and bring endless happiness to your bonsai journey.
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