Best Bonsai Trees for Beginners – The Definitive Guide [2023]

Bonsai trees are a beautiful and unique addition to any home or outdoor space, adding a touch of nature and beauty. They are miniature versions of full-sized trees, carefully trained and shaped to create a sense of harmony and balance. If you are new to the world of bonsai, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we have put together the best bonsai trees for beginners. 

In this article, we will cover what to look for when choosing a bonsai tree, as well as some tips on why a beginner bonsai tree is a great choice for those new to the hobby.

Best Bonsai Trees for Beginners

Ficus bonsai

When it comes to the best bonsai trees for beginners, the Ficus bonsai is an excellent choice. This tree is native to tropical regions of the world, making it well-suited for indoor environments. It is also relatively easy to care for, making it a great option for those new to the hobby.

One of the main reasons the Ficus bonsai is so popular with beginners is because it is very adaptable. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions, making it a good choice for those who may not have a perfect spot for their bonsai tree. 

Additionally, the Ficus bonsai is relatively drought-tolerant, so it can go longer periods without watering than some other types of bonsai trees.

Another reason the Ficus bonsai is a good choice for beginners is because it is relatively low-maintenance. It does not require frequent pruning or shaping, and it is resistant to pests and diseases. 

This means that it is less likely to die or become unhealthy due to improper care, making it a great option for those who may not have a lot of experience caring for plants.

Overall, the Ficus bonsai is an excellent choice for those just starting out with bonsai. It is adaptable, easy to care for, and low-maintenance, making it the perfect tree for beginners. 

Whether you are looking to add a touch of greenery to your home or simply want a new hobby to enjoy, the Ficus bonsai is an excellent choice.

Chinese Elm bonsai

The Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a popular bonsai tree for beginners due to its adaptability and hardiness. It is native to China and Taiwan, and is known for its small, dark green leaves and graceful, curved branches. The Chinese Elm is also relatively easy to care for, as it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions.

One of the key reasons why the Chinese Elm is a good choice for beginners is that it is very forgiving of mistakes. If you forget to water it for a few days, it can typically recover without any long-term damage. It is also resistant to many common bonsai pests and diseases, making it relatively low-maintenance.

Another advantage of the Chinese Elm is that it is a fast grower, which means it can quickly recover from pruning and shaping. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are just learning how to style and care for bonsai trees.

Here is a quick statistical summary of the Chinese Elm bonsai tree:

• Scientific name: Ulmus parvifolia
• Native region: China and Taiwan
• Average height: 4-12 feet
• Hardiness zone: 4-9
• Watering frequency: Every 3-5 days (varies depending on temperature and humidity)
• Sunlight requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Fertilizing frequency: Monthly (spring through fall)
• Pruning frequency: As needed (usually every 1-3 months)

Overall, the Chinese Elm is a great bonsai tree for beginners due to its adaptability, hardiness, and ease of care. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of bonsai gardening with this versatile and resilient species.

Juniper bonsai

Juniper bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners due to their hardy nature and ease of care. These trees are native to a variety of climates, including cold and dry regions, making them well-suited to a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments.

One of the main reasons juniper bonsai trees are a good choice for beginners is their ability to tolerate periods of neglect. They are able to go longer periods of time without watering and can withstand lower light levels compared to other types of bonsai trees. This makes them a low-maintenance option for those who are new to bonsai care.

In terms of styling, juniper bonsai trees can be trained into a variety of shapes, from upright to cascading, making them a versatile choice for beginners. They can also be pruned and trimmed easily, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities.

To care for a juniper bonsai tree, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and to provide the tree with adequate sunlight. They should also be fertilized regularly using a balanced bonsai fertilizer.

Overall, juniper bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners due to their hardy nature and low-maintenance requirements. With proper care, these trees can thrive and make a beautiful addition to any home or outdoor space.

Characteristic table:

Money Tree bonsai

The Money Tree bonsai, also known as the Pachira aquatica, is a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts, particularly for those who are just starting out in the hobby. There are a few reasons why the Money Tree is considered one of the best bonsai trees for beginners.

First and foremost, the Money Tree is relatively easy to care for. It is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions, making it suitable for a variety of indoor environments. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, so it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance in terms of pest control.

Another reason why the Money Tree is a good choice for beginners is that it is relatively fast-growing, which means that it can tolerate mistakes and still recover quickly. 

This is especially important for those who are just learning how to care for a bonsai tree, as it can be easy to accidentally over- or under-water, or expose the tree to too much or too little sunlight.

Finally, the Money Tree is a visually appealing tree, with glossy, dark green leaves and a braided trunk that gives it a unique, decorative appearance. This makes it a great choice for those who want a bonsai tree that is both easy to care for and aesthetically pleasing.

Here is a real statistic table for the Money Tree bonsai:

Olive bonsai

Olive bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners due to their hardy nature and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. These trees are native to the Mediterranean region and are known for their ability to survive drought conditions, making them well-suited for indoor cultivation.

One of the main reasons why olive bonsai trees are great for beginners is that they are relatively low maintenance compared to other types of bonsai trees. They do not require frequent pruning or shaping and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

In terms of care, olive bonsai trees prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, but not allowed to sit in standing water. They also benefit from occasional fertilization and should be protected from extreme temperatures.

One of the benefits of growing an olive bonsai tree is that it can produce small, edible olives. This makes it a unique and interesting addition to any bonsai collection.

Overall, olive bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners due to their hardy nature and low maintenance requirements. With proper care, they can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any home or garden.

Table: Olive Bonsai Trees

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bonsai Tree

Hardiness in your climate: 

One important factor to consider when choosing a bonsai tree is the hardiness of the tree in your climate. Some trees are better suited for certain environments and may not thrive in others. 

For example, if you live in a very cold climate, you may want to choose a tree that is more cold-hardy, such as a pine or juniper. On the other hand, if you live in a hot and dry climate, you may want to choose a tree that is more heat and drought-tolerant, such as an olive or ficus.

Amount of maintenance required: 

Another factor to consider is the amount of maintenance required to care for the bonsai tree. Some trees are more high-maintenance and require frequent pruning and shaping, while others are relatively low-maintenance and only need occasional care. 

If you are a beginner, it may be a good idea to choose a tree that is lower maintenance, as it will be easier to care for and less overwhelming.

Size and shape of the tree: 

The size and shape of the tree is also an important factor to consider when choosing a bonsai tree. Some trees, such as maples and elms, have a more upright, vertical growth habit and are well-suited for creating formal bonsai styles. 

Others, such as pines and junipers, have a more horizontal growth habit and are better suited for informal bonsai styles. Consider the size and shape of the tree in relation to the space you have available for it and the style you would like to create.

Availability of the tree: 

The availability of the tree is also an important factor to consider. Some trees may be more difficult to find or may only be available seasonally, which could make them more expensive or harder to care for. 

Consider the availability of the tree in your area and whether you will be able to easily obtain the necessary supplies and materials to care for it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of bonsai trees that are well-suited for beginners. Some of the best options include olive bonsai trees, ficus bonsai trees, and juniper bonsai trees, as they are relatively hardy and low maintenance. So if you are looking for bonsai trees which are pretty suitable for beginners then you can select from our list above.