10 Types of Bonsai Trees (Pictures): Juniper vs Ficus vs Japanese vs Indoor

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Forestry, Trees and Tree Planting | November 27, 2023

Woman looks at pictures of Bonsai trees trying to choose from types of Bonsai trees indoors and outdoors.

Different types of bonsai trees grow in many forms worldwide. Bonsai means ‘tree in a pot’ in Japanese, but the term bonsai originated in China where it was derived from the word ‘pen-jing.’

The bonsai tree itself is also originally from China.16 The Chinese were growing bonsai trees in pots as early as 700 CE, and the trees were only introduced into Japan more than 500 years later during the Kamakura period.

It is assumed that early explorers first discovered these dwarf trees high up in the mountains in China. The Taoists believed that the reconstruction of nature on a smaller scale would bestow magic powers upon them.

Pruning techniques were developed that saw the trees shaped into mythical creatures, including ancient snakes and dragons. The earliest murals depicting bonsai trees were discovered in the tomb of Prince Zhang Huai in 1972.

During the Hang Dynasty, Chinese monks settled in Japan and taught the Japanese Zen Buddhist monks how to care for and prune dwarf trees.1

Types of Bonsai Trees

In modern times, there are over 430 types of bonsai trees around the world. Most types of bonsai trees fall into 3 categories:

  • Broadleaf Evergreen Bonsai Trees
  • Deciduous Bonsai Trees
  • Conifer Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Tree Identifying Features

Bonsai tree identifying features include the stem of the tree, the leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, and bark.

1. Juniper Bonsai Tree

Juniper bonsai trees have both needle-and scale-like leaves, and they cannot live indoors. Their leaves turn purplish during cold seasons to protect it from frost.

  • Juniper Bonsai Leaves: Most juniper bonsai trees have scale-like leaves that are dark green or blue/green in color.
  • Juniper Bonsai Flowers: Non-flowering.
  • Juniper Bonsai Bark: Light brown, exfoliating bark.
A Juniper bonsai tree with a widespread canopy and green foliage in a large rectangular black pot, on a glass table.

(Image: David Leo Veksler36)

2. Dwarf Schefflera Bonsai Tree

The dwarf Schefflera bonsai tree is also known as the Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree.20 This bonsai doesn’t produce hard wood and is exceedingly popular for its aesthetic value.

  • Dwarf Schefflera Bonsai Leaves: Leaves are umbrella-shaped and bright green.
  • Dwarf Schefflera Bonsai Flowers: Small red flowers.
  • Dwarf Schefflera Bonsai Bark: No rough bark.

3. Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

Japanese maple bonsai trees thrive in the shade and are very susceptible to sunburn. They are fast-growing trees and have edible leaves.

  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Leaves: Palm-like leaves, with slightly toothed edges. Intense green in color.
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Flowers: Green-yellow flowers that grow in clusters.
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Bark: Red or green bark that turns pale grey as the tree ages.
A bonsai tree with red and orange leaves in a white rectangular pot on a dark wooden platform, against a modern geometric-patterned wall.

(Image: Ron Frazier37)

4. Bodhi Bonsai Tree

The Bodhi bonsai tree is the state tree of Odisha and Haryana. This bonsai species originated in India, and Southwest China, and thrives outdoors.

  • Bodhi Bonsai Leaves: Droopy, deep green leaves.
  • Bodhi Bonsai Flowers: Red flowers.
  • Bodhi Bonsai Bark: Grey, exfoliating bark.

5. Boxwood Bonsai Tree

The boxwood bonsai tree is attractive to bees and can grow anywhere including full shade and full sun. These bonsai trees require a lot of maintenance to grow properly.

  • Boxwood Bonsai Leaves: Small, leathery dark green leaves.
  • Boxwood Bonsai Flowers: Green-yellow flowers.
  • Boxwood Bonsai Bark: Thin, furrowed bark.
A small bonsai tree with dark green leaves and a twisting sandy trunk in a round black pot.

(Image: Sage Ross38)

6. European Beech Bonsai Tree

The European beech bonsai tree is a vibrant orange tree that extends from Sweden to Italy and can also be found in other European countries including Spain and Portugal.21 This tree can withstand intense pruning and should be grown outside.

  • European Beech Bonsai Leaves: Some tree species have variegated leaves that come in white, green, pink and more colors.
  • European Beech Bonsai Flowers: Small catkins.
  • European Beech Bonsai Bark: Smooth, gray bark.

7. Pine Bonsai Tree

The pine bonsai tree can be shaped easily into any bonsai style. The most popular pine bonsai tree species are Japanese Black Pine bonsai trees and Japanese White Pine bonsai trees.

  • Pine Bonsai Leaves: Needles that are dark green to blue-green in color.
  • Pine Bonsai Flowers: Small, red flowers.
  • Pine Bonsai Bark: White pine bark is gray and smooth, while black pine bark is dark and course.
A bonsai tree with a broad canopy of dense green foliage and a thick, rugged trunk in a rustic brown pot, positioned on a wooden bench against a concrete wall, with a small informational sign beside it.

(Image: F. D. Richards39)

8. Flowering Crabapple Bonsai Tree

The fruit of the flowering crabapple bonsai tree is edible – they resemble tiny apples. There are several different types of crabapple bonsai trees, most of which grow in full sun.

  • Flowering Crabapple Bonsai Leaves: Oval, toothed leaves in shades of green and purple.
  • Flowering Crabapple Bonsai Flowers: White, pink, or red flowers.
  • Flowering Crabapple Bonsai Bark: Smooth, greyish bark.

9. Pomegranate Bonsai Tree

The pomegranate bonsai tree has old-world look that makes it popular for aesthetic purposes. These trees grow well outdoors in warm conditions.

  • Pomegranate Bonsai Leaves: Shiny green leaves.
  • Pomegranate Bonsai Flowers: Red-orange flowers.
  • Pomegranate Bonsai Bark: Smooth grey bark that peels and furrows with age.
A leafless bonsai tree with a thick, trunk and sprawling bare branches in a wide brown pot, placed on a wooden stand against a wooden fence.

(Image: Vahe Martirosyan33)

10. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Tree

The Ginseng Ficus bonsai tree is one of the best types of bonsai trees for beginners as it can withstand a lot of pruning. These trees have aerial roots and are a tropical species of bonsai.

  • Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Leaves: Bright, shiny green leaves.
  • Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Flowers: Mostly non-flowering.
  • Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Bark: Smooth light brown bark.

Bonsai Tree Identification

Bonsai tree identification follows a few simple steps:

Determining Whether the Bonsai Tree Is Deciduous or Coniferous

Coniferous trees carry green leaves throughout all seasons, and do not produce flowers. These evergreen trees often grow cones that contain seed.

Examples of coniferous bonsai trees include:

  • Juniper Bonsai Trees
  • Okinawa Holly Bonsai Trees
  • Boxwood Bonsai Trees

Deciduous trees lose their leaves during the fall and become dormant during winter.

Examples of deciduous bonsai trees include:

  • Zelkova Bonsai Trees
  • Fig Bonsai Trees
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Trees

Determining Whether the Bonsai Tree Is a Flowering Tree

Several types of bonsai trees grow flowers including:

  • Chinese Bird Plum Bonsai Trees (white flowers)
  • Star Magnolia Bonsai Trees (star-shaped flowers)
  • Azalea Bonsai Trees (pink flowers)
  • Wisteria Bonsai Trees (blue, purple, white, pink flowers)

Determining the Fruit Bearing Patterns of the Bonsai Tree

Bonsai trees that bear fruit, are identified as follows:

  • Types of Holly Bonsai Trees: blackberries or blueberries
  • Gingko Bonsai Trees: yellow fruit
  • Hinoki Cypress Bonsai Trees: small cones2

Bonsai Trees for Beginners

Bonsai trees made their way to the US after the end of WWII, when soldiers returned bearing these trees as artifacts and gifts.17

Two different Bonsai trees in its ceramic pots placed on a wooden shelf with dark painted wall on the background.

(Image: Jochen van Wylick27)

Today, bonsai tree cultivation is a professional hobby for many. Bonsai tree cultivation for beginners starts with choosing either a pre-started tree or starting from scratch.

Bonsai trees for beginners include:

  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees
  • Juniper Bonsai Trees
  • Small Leaf Jade Bonsai Trees3

Best Indoor Bonsai Tree for Beginners

Bonsai trees can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. The best indoor bonsai tree for beginners is the Ficus Bonsai Trees. This bonsai tree type is one of the most commonly grown bonsai trees and the easiest to care for.

Best Bonsai Trees

The best bonsai trees for both indoor and outdoor cultivation include the following types:

  1. Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees (Indoors)
  2. Birch Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)
  3. Pine Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)
  4. Bald Cypress Bonsai Trees (Indoors)
  5. Jade Bonsai Trees (Indoors)
  6. Beech Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)
  7. Japanese Maple Bonsai Trees (Indoors and Outdoors)
  8. Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)
  9. Juniper Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)
  10. Carmona Bonsai Trees (Indoors and Outdoors)
  11. Flowering Apricot Bonsai Trees (Outdoors)4

Types of Bonsai Trees

Bonsai has become a collective term for miniature or dwarf plants grown in pots. However, what sets all true types of bonsai trees apart is the fact that it is grown as an art form and not for medicine or food purposes.18

The below table indicates the most popular bonsai trees around the world and the characteristics that make them so.5

Types of Bonsai TreesMain Features
Juniper BonsaiJuniper Bonsai trees are popular for their old-world charm and are well-known for being easy to grow.
Ficus BonsaiA specific species of Ficus Bonsai, the Ficus retusa Linn, is believed to be the oldest existing bonsai tree on Earth. This tree is estimated to be 1,000 years old.
Japanese Juniper BonsaiJapanese Juniper Bonsai trees are outdoor trees and cannot grow properly indoors. They are frost-hardy and can withstand conditions where temperatures are as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ginseng Ficus TreeThe elevated roots of the Ginseng Ficus tree resemble legs, and their trunks are sturdy and thick. They grow slowly and thrive indoors.
Chinese Elm Bonsai TreeChinese Elm Bonsai trees have tiny leaves and grow best in bright sunlight, but not in too-hot conditions. This means it should be moved around often.
Fukien Tea Bonsai TreeThe Fukien Tea Bonsai tree is a tropical shrub that blooms all year. It grows well indoors in not-too-hot conditions.
Pink Bonsai TreeThere are more than 40 variations of the Pink Bonsai tree, all of which have light to dark-pink flowers and blossoms.
Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai TreeThe Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai Tree is extremely popular for their blossoms in spring and edible fruits in summer.

Ficus Bonsai Tree Types

The Ficus is part of the mulberry family and there are between 800-2000 different species of Ficus.19

The most popular Ficus Bonsai Tree types for beginners include:

  • Ficus Retusa Bonsai Trees
  • Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Trees
  • Ficus Macrophylla Bonsai Trees
  • Ficus Benjamina Bonsai Trees
  • Ficus Salicifolia Bonsai Trees6

Read More About: 16 Rarest Trees in the World (and The Last Known Pictures to Exist)

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 States

Bonsai trees do not grow naturally. In the US, bonsai tree cultivation is popular among students eager to learn the Japanese art of growing and caring for bonsai trees. For this reason, different types of bonsai trees can be purchased from nurseries and other plant stores.

The below table indicates the most popular types of bonsai trees in all 50 states, available for purchase.7

 

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 StatesBonsai Tree TypesHardiness Zones
Types of Bonsai Trees in Alabama
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-6
Types of Bonsai Trees in Alaska
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Arizona
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Dwarf Umbrella Bonsai Tree
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Dwarf Pomegranate Bonsai Tree
  • Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree
  • Snow Rose Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 10-11
Zones 4-5
Zones 7-10
Zones 10-11
Zones 8-10
Types of Bonsai Trees in Arkansas
  • Ginseng Bonsai Tree
  • Dwarf White Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Desert Rose Bonsai Tree
  • Brazilian Rain Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 4-8
Zones 10-11
Zone 6
Types of Bonsai Trees in California
  • Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Foemina Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Kishu Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 4-9
Zone 5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Colorado
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 2-8
Zones 9-11
Zones 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Connecticut
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Delaware
  • White Azalea Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 7-11
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Florida
  • Strangler Fig Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zone 10-11
Zones 9-11
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Georgia
  • American Hornbeam Bonsai Tree
  • Beech Bonsai Tree
Zones 3-9
Zones 2-7
Ficus Bonsai tree in a black ceramic pot in a white background.

Ficus Bonsai Tree (Image: Elīna Arāja31)

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 StatesBonsai Tree TypesHardiness Zones
Types of Bonsai Trees in Hawaii
  • Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Banyan Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 9-11
Zones 4-9
Zones 8-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Idaho
  • Colorado Blue Spruce Bonsai Tree
  • Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree
  • Japan Black Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Ginseng Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 2-8
Zones 10-11
Zones 5-8
Zones 9-11
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Illinois
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Banyan Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Green Island Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 8-11
Zones 4-8
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Indiana
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree
  • Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 10-11
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Iowa
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 5-6
Types of Bonsai Trees in Kansas
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Acacia Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Kentucky
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Trident Bonsai Tree
Zones 10-11
Zone 5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Louisiana
  • Bald Cypress Bonsai Tree
  • Brazilian Rain Bonsai Tree
  • Trident Bonsai Tree
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-9
Zone 6
Zone 5
Zones 4-5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Maine
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Olive Bonsai Tree
  • Bald Cypress Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 9-10
Zones 5-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Maryland
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Zones 5-6
Zones 10-11
Banyan Bonsai tree in a clay pot on the floor inside a room white white painted wall.

Banyan Bonsai Tree (Image: Todd Trapani32)

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 StatesBonsai Tree TypesHardiness Zones
Types of Bonsai Trees in Massachusetts
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Michigan
  • Boxwood Bonsai Tree
  • Honeysuckle Bonsai Tree
  • Yew Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Hornbeam Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-9
Zones 3-8
Zones 4-7
Zones 5-6
Zones 3-9
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Minnesota
  • Dwarf Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Mississippi
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-6
Types of Bonsai Trees in Missouri
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Dwarf White Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Brazilian Raintree Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-6
Zones 3-7
Zone 6
Zones 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Montana
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Nebraska
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Nevada
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Coconut Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zone 10
Zone 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in New Hampshire
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 4-5
Zones 5-6
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in New Jersey
  • Eastern White Cedar Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-8
Brazilian Raintree bonsai tree in a clay pot in a wooden table with bamboo fence behind it.

Brazilian Raintree Bonsai Tree (Image: Daderot34)

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 StatesBonsai Tree TypesHardiness Zones
Types of Bonsai Trees in New Mexico
  • Mountain Mahogany Bonsai Tree
  • Hackberry Bonsai Tree
Zone 4
Zone 2-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in New York
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Redwood Bonsai Tree
  • Shimpaku Bonsai Tree
  • Western Red Cedar Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 5-8
Zone 3
Zones 2-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in North Carolina
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-6
Types of Bonsai Trees in North Dakota
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Ohio
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Oklahoma
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Oregon
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Pennsylvania
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Zones 5-6
Zones 10-11
Zones 4-8
Zones 4-5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Rhode Island
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Green Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in South Carolina
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Crepe Myrtle Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Pine Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Zone 6
Zones 5-6
Zones 4-8
Close up of outdoor Hackberry Bonsai tree in a rectangular clay pot.

Hackberry Bonsai Tree (Image: David J. Stang35)

Types of Bonsai Trees in All 50 StatesBonsai Tree TypesHardiness Zones
Types of Bonsai Trees in South Dakota
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-5
Zones 10-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Tennessee
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Ginkgo Bonsai Tree
  • Trident Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-6
Zones 4-9
Zone 5
Types of Bonsai Trees in Texas
  • Bald Cypress Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Black Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-9
Zones 5-6
Zones 4-8
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Utah
  • Utah Juniper Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Vermont
  • Redwood Bonsai Tree
  • Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai Tree
Zones 5-8
Zones 1-10
Types of Bonsai Trees in Virginia
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
Zones 10-11
Zones 5-6
Types of Bonsai Trees in Washington
  • Yew Bonsai Tree
  • Cedar Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-7
Zones 2-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in West Virginia
  • Cedar Bonsai Tree
Zones 2-9
Types of Bonsai Trees in Wisconsin
  • Ginseng Bonsai Tree
  • Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
Zones 9-11
Zones 10-11
Zones 10-11
Zones 9-11
Types of Bonsai Trees in Wyoming
  • Willow Leaf Bonsai Tree
  • Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Ginseng Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
Zones 4-8
Zones 9-11
Zones 9-11
Zones 10-11
Willow Leaf Bonsai tree in a clay pot in an outdoor garden with bamboo fence behind it.

Willow Leaf Bonsai Tree (Image: Daderot28)

Types of Bonsai Trees With Flowers

Bonsai trees come in flowering and non-flowering options.22 The best types of bonsai trees with flowers include the following:

  • Apple Bonsai Tree
  •  Azalea Bonsai Tree
  • Bahama Berry Bonsai Tree
  • Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree
  • Cape Honeysuckle Bonsai Tree
  • Cherry Bonsai Tree
  • Crepe Myrtle Bonsai Tree
  • Hibiscus Bonsai Tree
  • Pomegranate Bonsai Tree
  • Powder Puff Bonsai Tree
  • Wisteria Bonsai Tree8

Bonsai Tree With White Flowers

In addition to flowering bonsai trees, several bonsai trees exclusively grow white flowers. Examples of a bonsai tree with white flowers include:

  • Azalea Bonsai Tree
  • Serissa Bonsai Tree
  •  Jasmin Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Apricot Bonsai Tree
  • Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree
  • Magnolia Bonsai Tree9

Indoor Types of Bonsai Trees

Some bonsai trees can only grow indoors or thrive better inside.23 Indoor types of bonsai trees include:

  • Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree
  • Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Dwarf Jade Bonsai Tree
  • Ponytail Palm Bonsai Tree
  • Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Tree
  • Norfolk Island Pine Bonsai Tree
  • Ming Aralia Bonsai Tree
  • Money Bonsai Tree
  • Banyan Bonsai Tree
  • Desert Rose Bonsai Tree10

Read More About: Banyan Tree: Full Guide (And 1 Thing You Never Expected…It Moves)

Indoor Bonsai Tree Care

Indoor bonsai tree care involves choosing a location with enough sunlight and humidity. A lack of bright light will weaken the tree, while a lack of humidity will stunt its growth.

Close up of three different Bonsai trees in its ceramic pots placed on a wooden table inside a house.

(Image: Erik Mclean29)

When watering the tree, it is essential to monitor the soil conditions and only water when necessary.

Furthermore, high temperatures must be maintained indoors, especially for tropical bonsai trees.11

Outdoor Bonsai Tree

Growing an outdoor bonsai tree can be a challenge, but there are several types of outdoor bonsai trees perfect for beginners:

  • Juniper Bonsai Tree
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
  • Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree12

How To Grow a Bonsai Tree

Following a step-by-step guide is the easiest way to learn how to grow a bonsai tree.24 These steps include:

  1. Choosing a bonsai tree type that suits the specific climate. Some bonsai trees require below-freezing temperatures, while others die when they are exposed to the cold
  2. Choosing between an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree. Different requirements apply for indoor and outdoor bonsai trees, including light, humidity, and moisture requirements.
  3. Choosing the size of the bonsai tree and determining the eventual size of the bonsai if not regularly pruned.
  4. Choosing the pot or container for the bonsai tree. The pot should be large enough to enable the tree to establish roots beneath the soil.
  5. Pruning and repotting when necessary.
  6. Continued learning about bonsai trees and their ongoing requirements.13

A tree needs a lot of commitment to grow. For some people, cultivating a green environment is rewarding. Considering that you reduce your carbon footprint while also benefiting from the tree’s advantages. Some would say, one of the advantages in planting a bonsai tree is that it supports mental health because it brings you calm to look at one.

Working to create a sustainable environment is interesting. Some people even search for the top carbon offset providers in an effort to combat climate change with a much bigger impact. Any action, no matter how insignificant you think it is, whether it’s planting a bonsai tree or choosing carbon offset trees, can actually make a difference.

How To Trim a Bonsai Tree

The opportunity to gain experience on how to trim a bonsai tree into different shapes and sizes is the reason why it is considered one of the most popular types of plants.

Bonsai tree in a ceramic pot and pruning shears on a table.

(Image: IlonaBurschl30)

When trimming a bonsai tree, it is essential to get the following steps right:25

  • Choosing the correct pruning tools – most often this means purchasing a pair of concave pruners. In addition to the pruners, a small pair of shears will be necessary for trimming individual leaves and small shoots from the tree.
  • For wiring purposes, soft wire is required which is usually sold in aluminum and copper options.
  • Completely changing the shape of the tree requires the use of a bending tool.
  • Pruning or trimming is basically the process of allowing the plant to gain the appearance it would have if it were growing in a natural environment. For this reason, many bonsai trees are pruned into a cascading or wind-swept style.
  • Most bonsai trees are cut into funnel, oval, umbrella, column, or round shapes.
  • When cutting branches, they should be cut back to a stub that remains the length of the branch width at the base.
  • Wood should be removed from the branch collar, and cut at the same angle it emerges.
  • When shaping with wire to refine the shape, the tree should be watered properly beforehand to increase flexibility.
  • Bending branches down requires the wire to be brought down from below the branch. Bending branches upwards requires the wire to be brought up from above the branch.14

Since bonsai trees are small and can be easily shaped with ordinary cutters or twig shears, as opposed to large trees, which require a tree trimming cost calculator to estimate the cost to trim, trimming a bonsai tree can be relaxing. But given their size, you might be wondering if the tree broke in half can it be saved? You might need to do further research on that if you want to be prepared for what may happen.

How To Make a Bonsai Tree From a Normal Tree

Regular trees can be ‘converted’ into bonsai trees.26 Learning how to make a bonsai tree from a normal tree includes the following easy steps:

  • Choosing a tree already in a container.
  • Ensuring the tree height is al least six times that of the trunk
  • Trimming the top of the tree and removing the needles to allow for wiring.
  • Pruning the branches into the desired shape.
  • Bending the branches into the desired shape.
  • Spreading out the roots and using wire to anchor the tree.
  • Wires should be removed after about a year.15

Bonsai is not a species of tree as such, even though the trees have their own distinct naming conventions. Just about any tree can be turned into different types of bonsai trees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Bonsai Trees

How Many Types of Bonsai Trees Are There in the World?

It is estimated that there are around 430 different species of bonsai trees in the world.

What Is the Most Common Pink Bonsai Tree?

The most common pink bonsai tree in the world in the Azalea bonsai tree, which produces red, purple and pink flowers. There are more than 40 kinds of pink bonsai trees to choose from, and they are excellent choices for landscapes and indoor decor.

What Is a Japanese Juniper Bonsai Tree?

The Japanese juniper bonsai tree is an evergreen tree that, without regular pruning, can grow up to 16 feet tall. These trees thrive in humid climates, and should be placed in a location where they receive full sun and shade.

What Are the Types of Bonsai Trees Indoor?

There are several different types of bonsai trees, indoor applications with the most popular for beginners being the Ficus Bonsai tree.

Do All Bonsai Trees Flower?

No, some bonsai trees are non-flowering trees and require less light than flowering trees.

What Are the Bonsai Tree Types Beginners?

Some of the best bonsai tree types for beginners include the Jade Bonsai Tree, the Juniper Bonsai Tree, the Ficus Bonsai Tree, and the Cotoneaster Bonsai Tree.

What Type of Bonsai Do I Have?

Types of bonsai trees can be identified by their leaf patterns, flowers, fruit, and bark. There are also mobile apps available that allow for photographs of bonsai trees to be uploaded and automatically identified.

How To Care For a Bonsai Tree?

You might want to know how to care for a bonsai tree since managing a tree can be a lot of work. It is essential to get the location indoors and outdoors right for bonsai trees, as well as the lighting, humidity, and watering.

Where To Find Indoor Bonsai Tree For Sale?

Indoor bonsai trees are widely available for sale in nurseries in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Read More About Types of Bonsai Trees

References

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