25 Best Bonsai Trees for Beginners That Will Wow Your Friends

Growing bonsai trees can be a fun and rewarding hobby. These miniature trees are living works of art that you can shape and care for over many years. If you’re new to bonsai, you might wonder which trees are best to start with.

Some bonsai species are easier to grow and more forgiving for beginners. These trees can handle small mistakes in watering or pruning as you learn. They also tend to grow well indoors or outdoors with basic care. By choosing a good beginner tree, you’ll have a better chance of success with your first bonsai.

1. Ficus Retusa

Ficus Retusa is a great bonsai tree for beginners. You’ll love its small, glossy leaves and sturdy trunk. This tree is tough and can handle mistakes as you learn.

Ficus Retusa likes bright, indirect light. Put it near a window, but not in direct sun. Water it when the soil feels slightly dry. Don’t let it dry out completely.

You can shape your Ficus Retusa easily. It responds well to pruning and wiring. Trim it regularly to keep its size and shape. Feed it every two weeks in summer and monthly in winter.

This tree does well indoors. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. Mist the leaves often to keep it happy.

2. Chinese Elm

Chinese Elm bonsai trees are perfect for beginners. You’ll love their small, delicate leaves and graceful branches. These trees are tough and can grow both indoors and outdoors.

Caring for your Chinese Elm is easy. Water it when the soil feels dry. Give it plenty of sunlight, but protect it from harsh afternoon rays.

Pruning is simple too. Just trim back new growth to keep its shape. You can repot your tree every 2-3 years in the spring.

Chinese Elms are forgiving if you make mistakes. They bounce back quickly from pruning errors or occasional neglect. This makes them great for learning bonsai techniques.

3. Juniper Procumbens Nana

Juniper Procumbens Nana is a great choice for new bonsai growers. This small tree is easy to care for and looks beautiful.

You’ll love its compact size and elegant appearance. It’s perfect for small spaces and indoor growing.

Water your Juniper every 7-10 days. Make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

This bonsai likes lots of light. Place it near a sunny window or outside in a bright spot. It’s tough and can handle different conditions, making it ideal for beginners.

4. Portulacaria Afra

Portulacaria Afra, also known as Dwarf Jade or Elephant Bush, is a great bonsai choice for beginners. This small-leaved succulent is native to South Africa and easy to care for.

You’ll love how adaptable this plant is. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and doesn’t need much water. Its thick stems and tiny leaves give it a charming, miniature tree-like appearance.

Pruning is simple with Portulacaria Afra. You can shape it by pinching off new growth with your fingers. This encourages the plant to become bushier and more tree-like.

These bonsai are perfect for indoor growing. They do well in warm temperatures and can tolerate dry air. You only need to water when the soil feels dry to the touch.

5. Dwarf Jade Tree

Dwarf jade trees are great bonsai for beginners. These small, sturdy plants are easy to care for and grow well indoors.

You’ll love how forgiving dwarf jades are. They can handle missed waterings and still bounce back. Just make sure not to overwater them.

Give your dwarf jade plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south or west-facing window works well.

Pruning is simple with dwarf jades. You can trim them often to keep their shape. The leaves grow back quickly, letting you fix mistakes easily.

These bonsai don’t need much fertilizer. Feed them lightly during growing seasons for best results.

6. Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners. You’ll love their beautiful leaves that change colors throughout the year. These trees are easy to care for and can adapt to different growing conditions.

Japanese Maples come in many varieties. Some have red leaves, while others are green or even variegated. You can choose one that fits your style and preferences.

These trees do well in partial shade and need regular watering. Prune them in early spring to shape them and encourage new growth. With proper care, your Japanese Maple bonsai will become a stunning centerpiece in your collection.

7. Bald Cypress

Bald cypress makes a great bonsai tree for beginners. This tree can reach impressive heights in nature, but you can easily keep it small as a bonsai.

Bald cypress bonsai thrive in full sun and moist soil. You can grow them outdoors year-round in many areas. They’re tough trees that can handle cold winters.

These bonsai need more water than most. Make sure to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Bald cypress bonsai are flexible when it comes to shaping and pruning.

You’ll love the unique look of bald cypress bonsai. Their feathery leaves turn a pretty orange-brown color in fall before dropping off. This gives you a cool winter silhouette to enjoy.

8. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners. These tropical plants have bright, colorful flowers that can add a pop of color to your collection.

Bougainvillea bonsai love sunlight. Put them in a spot where they can get lots of direct sun. They do well outdoors in warm weather.

Water your bougainvillea when the soil feels dry. Don’t let it get too wet. These plants like to dry out a bit between waterings.

Prune your bougainvillea regularly to keep its shape. Cut back new growth to encourage more flowers. Be careful, as the branches can have thorns.

Feed your bougainvillea bonsai with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. This will help it produce more of those lovely blooms you enjoy.

9. Trident Maple

Trident maples are great bonsai trees for beginners. They grow fast and are easy to shape. You’ll love their small, three-pointed leaves that turn pretty colors in fall.

These trees do well outdoors. Put yours in a sunny spot, but give it some shade on hot summer days. In winter, protect it from very cold temps below 23°F.

You’ll need to repot your trident maple every 2-3 years. Do this in spring when the buds start to swell. Prune it often to keep its shape nice and tidy.

With some care, your trident maple bonsai can become a real showpiece. Its interesting trunk and branch shapes will make you proud.

10. Weeping Fig

Weeping figs make great bonsai trees for beginners. These small trees have glossy green leaves and graceful drooping branches.

You’ll find weeping figs easy to care for indoors. They like bright, indirect light and regular watering.

Prune your weeping fig bonsai to shape it as it grows. You can wire the branches to create interesting forms.

Weeping figs are forgiving of mistakes. If you forget to water, they bounce back quickly. Their fast growth also lets you fix pruning errors.

Start with a young tree from a nursery. With some patience, you’ll have a beautiful bonsai to enjoy for years.

11. Pomegranate Bonsai

Pomegranate bonsai trees are great for beginners. These small trees produce beautiful flowers and even tiny fruits. You’ll love their twisting trunks and bright green leaves.

Pomegranate bonsai trees like warm, sunny spots. They need protection from frost in winter. You can keep them outside in summer and bring them inside when it gets cold.

Trim new shoots during the growing season to keep your tree small and bushy. Don’t worry about wiring – pomegranates prefer the “clip and grow” method.

Watch out for pests like whiteflies and aphids. Regular checks will help keep your tree healthy. With good care, your pomegranate bonsai can be a lovely addition to your collection.

12. Boxwood

Boxwood bonsai trees are a great choice for beginners. These small evergreen shrubs are easy to care for and shape. You can find them at many garden centers or nurseries.

Boxwoods have tiny leaves that grow densely, giving them a full appearance. They’re sturdy plants that can withstand frequent pruning. This makes them perfect for practicing your bonsai techniques.

You’ll need to water your boxwood regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Place it in a spot with partial sun for best results. Prune your boxwood in spring or summer to maintain its shape.

With proper care, your boxwood bonsai can live for many years. It’s a rewarding plant that will help you learn the basics of bonsai growing.

13. Dwarf Schefflera

Dwarf Schefflera, also known as the umbrella tree, is a great choice for new bonsai growers. This tropical plant keeps its leaves all year and likes warm, humid places.

You’ll love how easy it is to care for. It grows well indoors and doesn’t need much fuss. Water it when the soil feels dry and give it some plant food now and then.

The Dwarf Schefflera has pretty, fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters. You can shape it by trimming the branches and roots. It’s fun to watch the little tree take on the form you want.

This bonsai is tough and doesn’t get sick often. You can even make new plants from cuttings. Just snip a healthy stem and plant it in soil.

14. Olive Tree

Olive trees make great bonsai for beginners. They have small leaves and grow slowly, which is perfect for shaping. You’ll love their unique gnarled trunks and branches.

These trees need lots of sunlight, so place yours in a bright spot. Water it often in summer, checking the soil twice daily. Make sure it doesn’t dry out.

Use a mix of akadama, volcanic rock, and pumice for soil. This helps with drainage. Prune your olive bonsai in summer to keep its shape. Remove some leaves to let light reach inner branches.

With proper care, your olive bonsai can thrive for many years. It brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your home.

15. Hawaiian Umbrella

The Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai is a great choice for beginners. It’s easy to care for and grows well indoors. This tree has small, dark green leaves that form an umbrella shape.

You can keep your Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai inside all year. It likes temperatures between 65°F and 72°F. The tree does well in bright, indirect light.

Watering is simple. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Don’t let it get too dry, though. Prune your tree as needed to keep its shape.

This bonsai is forgiving if you make mistakes. It’s a good way to learn bonsai care without too much stress.

16. Zelkova

Zelkova bonsai trees are great for beginners. These small trees have beautiful light green leaves and smooth bark. They’re easy to care for and can handle different growing conditions.

You’ll need to water your zelkova regularly. In summer, you might need to water it twice a day. Spring and fall usually require once-daily watering. In winter, every other day is often enough.

Zelkova bonsai like deeper pots. You should repot young trees yearly in spring. As they grow, you can space out repotting to every two or three years.

These trees are versatile for styling. You can shape them into various forms, making them fun to work with as you learn bonsai techniques.

17. Brazilian Raintree

The Brazilian Raintree is a great choice for beginners. It’s known for its small leaves and interesting bark texture.

This tropical tree grows quickly and responds well to pruning. You can shape it easily into different styles.

The leaves of the Brazilian Raintree are sensitive to touch. They close up when you touch them, which is fun to watch.

You’ll need to keep your Brazilian Raintree in a warm spot. It doesn’t like cold weather.

Water your tree regularly, but let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. This tree likes bright light but not direct sun.

With proper care, your Brazilian Raintree bonsai can become a beautiful, unique addition to your collection.

18. Serissa Japonica

Serissa Japonica, also known as the Snow Rose, is a great bonsai choice for beginners. This small tree has tiny white flowers that bloom year-round, adding beauty to your space.

You’ll love how easy it is to care for this bonsai. It likes bright light but not direct sun. Water it when the top soil feels dry, but don’t let it get too wet.

Pruning is simple too. Just trim new growth in spring to keep its shape. The Serissa responds well to shaping, so you can get creative with its look.

This bonsai does best indoors, making it perfect for your home or office. With a little care, your Serissa Japonica will thrive and bring you joy for years to come.

19. Japanese Black Pine

The Japanese Black Pine makes a striking bonsai with its dark green needles. You’ll love how the long needles contrast with the white new growth in spring.

This tree is great for creating powerful, aged-looking bonsai. It’s a favorite in major Japanese exhibitions.

You can shape your Japanese Black Pine bonsai by pruning in late winter or early spring. Remove dead branches and trim back long ones to encourage new growth.

Give your tree full sun and water when the soil feels dry. With proper care, you can grow a beautiful Japanese Black Pine bonsai that shows off its natural strength and beauty.

20. Carmona

Carmona bonsai, also called Fukien tea trees, are great for beginners. These small trees have tiny leaves and beautiful white flowers. They’re tough and can handle different growing conditions.

You’ll love how easy Carmona bonsai are to care for. They like bright light and regular watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Prune your Carmona bonsai to shape it as it grows. You can repot it every 1-2 years in spring. Use well-draining bonsai soil when you repot.

These trees are perfect if you’re just starting out with bonsai. They’re forgiving and will thrive with basic care. Give a Carmona bonsai a try and watch your green thumb grow!

21. Sageretia Theezans

Sageretia Theezans, also known as Chinese Sweet Plum, is a great choice for beginners. This bonsai tree has small, shiny green leaves that give it a delicate appearance.

You’ll love its tiny white flowers that bloom in late summer. They add a touch of elegance to your indoor space.

This bonsai prefers temperatures between 53-72°F (12-22°C). Keep it in a cool spot during hot weather and bring it inside when it’s cold.

Sageretia Theezans is perfect for indoor growing. It’s easy to care for and doesn’t need much attention. You can shape it into beautiful forms with some simple pruning.

22. Sweet Plum

Sweet Plum bonsai, also known as Sageretia theezans, is a great choice for beginners. This tree is easy to care for and adapts well to indoor environments.

You’ll love the tiny leaves and delicate branches of the Sweet Plum. It’s perfect for creating miniature landscapes in your home.

Water your Sweet Plum when the soil starts to dry out. It doesn’t need constant moisture, so be careful not to overwater.

Repot your bonsai every two years using a well-draining soil mix. You can trim up to one-third of the roots during repotting to keep the tree healthy.

Prune your Sweet Plum regularly to maintain its shape. This tree responds well to pruning, making it fun and rewarding to style.

23. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a great bonsai tree for beginners. It’s tough and easy to care for, making it perfect if you’re just starting out.

This tree needs lots of water in summer but can handle short dry spells. In winter, keep the soil slightly moist to avoid root rot.

Cotoneaster loves sunlight, so place it where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and size.

For soil, mix 70% akadama, 20% sand, and 10% organic compost. This blend provides good drainage and nutrients for your tree.

With its attractive growth habit and forgiving nature, cotoneaster is an excellent choice for your first bonsai adventure.

24. Golden Gate Ficus

The Golden Gate Ficus is a great bonsai tree for beginners. It’s known for its attractive gray trunk with white stripes, giving it the nickname “Tiger Stripe Ficus.”

This bonsai grows quickly, making it perfect if you’re just starting out. Its shiny green leaves add to its beauty.

You’ll want to keep your Golden Gate Ficus in bright light, but not direct sun. It likes temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.

Water your bonsai when the top inch of soil feels a bit dry. Make sure the soil drains well.

Prune regularly to keep your bonsai’s shape. Cut back new shoots to 1 or 2 leaves after they grow 3 or 4 nodes.

25. Hinoki Cypress

Hinoki cypress is a great choice for beginner bonsai enthusiasts. This tree has soft, emerald green needles that form fan-like fronds, giving it a luxurious appearance.

You’ll find it easy to care for, as it’s fairly hardy. Place your hinoki cypress in a spot with plenty of sunlight – at least 6 hours a day is ideal.

Water your bonsai regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In winter, make sure it gets enough light and protect it from harsh winds.

Pruning is simple with hinoki cypress. You can shape it by trimming new growth, which helps maintain its compact form. With proper care, your hinoki cypress bonsai will thrive and bring a touch of Japanese elegance to your home.