What Are the Best Bonsai Types for Beginners?

Bonsai is the ancient art form of growing miniature trees in small containers. While it can be a challenging hobby, it’s also immensely rewarding, and perfect for beginners. In fact, there are several types of bonsai that are especially well-suited for beginners. With their easy and simple maintenance requirements, these bonsai types are the best to start with for beginners.

So, here we’ll tell you the 8 best bonsai types for beginners.

Best Bonsai Types for Beginners

1) Umbrella Tree(Schefflera):

Umbrella trees are a very popular choice among those who are just dipping their toes into the world of bonsai. Schefflera, as it is commonly known by most people, is a tropical plant that actually grows well in cold climates. It is very easy to grow and maintain, making it perfect for beginners.  In fact, this bonsai type requires only two hours of direct sunlight a day and does not lose its leaves during the winter.

• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Light Necessities: Bright light
• Watering Conditions: Prefers regular moisture but is tolerant of irregular watering.
• Humid: Yes
• Additional Care: Inspect foliage for insects. Prune overgrown roots.

2) Ficus Retusa:

Ficus bonsai trees are excellent for beginners because they are very easy to maintain. The ficus retusa is a good choice for beginners since it can survive in almost any climate and does not lose its leaves during the winter. It does require regular watering, however, so you must ensure that your ficus plant gets enough water every day.

• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.
• Watering Conditions: Keep soil moist but do not overwater it. Increase humidity around the plant by using a pebble tray underneath the pot if it dries out quickly.
• Additional Care: Inspect foliage for insects. Prune overgrown roots.

3) Jade Plant(Crassula ovata):

Jade plants are one of the easiest bonsai trees to care for and are perfect for beginners. They require little light, can survive with irregular watering, and do not lose their leaves during the winter months. Use a well-draining bonsai potting mix instead of regular potting soil, and water your plant at least once every two weeks.

• Plant Type: Semi-evergreen
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.
• Additional Care: Inspect foliage for insects. Prune overgrown roots.

4) Juniper(Juniperus procumbens):

A juniper bonsai is an excellent choice for beginners because they are easy to care for. Many juniper bonsai trees are very low-maintenance, so you can forget about them until it’s time to re-pot them. They are also one of the most popular bonsai types among seasoned bonsai enthusiasts because they have a lovely shape that makes any garden or home look beautiful.

• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.

5) Chinese Elm(Ulmus parvifolia):

Chinese elm bonsai trees are excellent for those who want to try out the bonsai experience without a steep learning curve. Keep your Chinese elm indoors and make sure it receives bright, indirect sunlight or very bright artificial light if you plan on growing it indoors. Water your Chinese elm once or twice a week, and mist its foliage daily for added humidity.

• Plant Type: Deciduous
• Light Necessities: Prefers indirect sunlight but can survive in very bright artificial light.
• Watering Conditions: Keep soil moist but do not overwater it. Increase humidity around the plant by using a pebble tray underneath the pot if it dries out quickly.
• Additional Care: Inspect foliage for insects. Prune overgrown roots.

6) Bald Cypress(Taxodium distichum):

The bald cypress is a popular bonsai option because of its slow growth rate and excellent design options that can be used to create stunning bonsai trees. The bald cypress is also an incredibly hardy tree that can survive in many different climates, making it perfect for beginners who are unsure of their bonsai abilities.

• Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.

7) Japanese Red Maple(Acer Palmatum):

The Japanese red maple is another popular bonsai tree that can be used by beginners because of its slow growth rate and easy-to-maintain requirements. It has light green foliage with three lobes and reddish bark, and it can survive in both humid and dry climates. The Japanese red maple bonsai tree is fast growing and requires regular re-potting to ensure its health.

• Plant Type: Deciduous
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.

8) Flowering Ligustrum(Ligustrum japonicum):

The flowering of the Japanese privet bonsai tree is a popular choice for beginners because it will grow quickly and can be shaped into various different forms. Give your ligustrum plenty of bright light when growing indoors, and keep it in moist but well-draining soil that has been mixed with peat moss.

• Plant Type: Evergreen
• Light Necessities: Prefers bright light but can survive in low-light conditions.

How to Choose the Best Indoor Bonsai Plant?

There are several things to consider when choosing the best bonsai tree for you. First, consider the type of tree that will look attractive in your home or office. Some of our favourites are elm trees, maples, jade trees, pines, junipers and ficus trees.

Next, think about how much time you can dedicate to caring for your bonsai. Some bonsai trees, such as the Chinese elm, are very easy to care for and can be left alone without any extra attention. On the other hand, a Japanese white pine takes more time and effort but is worth it if you’re interested in growing a long-term tree project.

Finally, consider the size of your bonsai tree. A dwarf jade tree can grow to be about 7 inches tall and requires little water, so it’s a good choice for beginners who don’t have a lot of experience caring for plants or working with pruning tools. If you’re looking for something that will provide instant beauty and character to your space, consider a bonsai tree that will grow into an impressive size.

Is there anything else I could offer my indoor bonsai plant?

There are many other things you can do to keep your bonsai healthy. While the size of your bonsai determines how often it will need to be watered, remember that all plants should have some moisture in the soil at all times. And while some bonsai trees can get by with infrequent watering, it’s important to check the soil periodically for signs of dryness.

Additionally, all plants need sunlight. Avoid placing your bonsai in direct sunlight because this will scorch the leaves. Instead, provide bright light at least part of the day so your tree can Photosynth.

Conclusion:

It’s up to you, whether you’re a beginner or an expert when you care for bonsai. That is why because,  bonsai is not like other common plants which can easily grow into any condition that comes in their way. It’s an art and everything laid down for bonsai trees are done by nature itself, so it will be completely on you to make your tree healthy and strong by taking good care of them.

Despite all the requirements of Bonsai trees, they are very easy to maintain and care for. All you need is dedication, love and care towards your plant. So enjoy the simplicity of bonsai plants as you discover the best bonsai tree types for beginners.