There is a common misunderstanding that “Bonsai” is a specific type of seed you can buy. You plant it, and poof—a tiny tree appears. If only it were that simple!
Bonsai is not a species; it is an art form. The word literally means “planted in a container.” Almost any tree can be a Bonsai if it is pruned and shaped with intention. However, not all trees are created equal, especially when it comes to keeping them alive in your living room.
As Shiny Aura, I have seen too many heartbroken beginners watch their beautiful Juniper turn brown because they treated it like a houseplant. Choosing the right tree species is 90% of the success.
Whether you want a low-maintenance desk companion or a majestic outdoor sculpture, here is a guide to the best types of Bonsai trees for every level of experience.
In this article, we'll cover
- 1. Ficus Bonsai (Ficus retusa)
- 2. Juniper Bonsai (Juniperus procumbens)
- 3. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
- 4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- 5. Jade Bonsai (Crassula ovata)
- 6. Pine Bonsai (Pinus)
- 7. Azalea Bonsai (Rhododendron)
- 8. Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
- 9. Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa)
- 10. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
1. Ficus Bonsai (Ficus retusa)
If you are a complete beginner and you want a tree that lives indoors, stop looking. The Ficus is your best friend. Native to tropical regions, it loves the stable temperature of your living room. It has thick, waxy leaves and often develops cool aerial roots that make it look ancient even when it is young.
Why it’s great for beginners: It is incredibly forgiving. Forget to water it for a few days? It will likely bounce back. It also tolerates lower humidity better than most other species.
2. Juniper Bonsai (Juniperus procumbens)
This is the classic “Karate Kid” tree. When people think of Bonsai, they picture the Juniper. It has needle-like foliage and flexible branches that are easy to wire into dramatic shapes. However, there is a catch: It is an OUTDOOR tree.
Shiny Aura Warning: Junipers need a dormant winter period. If you keep them inside all year, they will slowly die. Place them on a patio or balcony where they can feel the seasons change.
3. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
The Chinese Elm is the perfect middle ground. It is semi-deciduous and can often acclimate to indoor living if placed in a cool, bright window. It is famous for its fine branching structure and tiny leaves, which creates a very realistic “miniature tree” scale.
Why it’s great for beginners: It is a fast grower. This means if you make a mistake while pruning, it will grow back quickly, allowing you to learn without permanent consequences.
4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
For those who love color, the Japanese Maple is the queen of Bonsai. Famous for its lobed leaves that turn brilliant red, orange, or yellow in the autumn, it brings the drama of the seasons into a miniature pot.
Care Note: This is strictly an outdoor tree. It has thin leaves that can scorch in the hot afternoon sun and needs protection from strong winds. It requires a bit more attention to watering, but the visual payoff is worth it.
5. Jade Bonsai (Crassula ovata)
Technically a succulent, the Jade Plant makes an excellent Bonsai. It holds water in its thick leaves and trunk, giving it a natural “aged” appearance very quickly. It is often called the “Money Tree” and is believed to bring good luck.
Why it’s great for beginners: It requires very little water. If you travel often or tend to forget your plants, the Jade is the most resilient option on this list.
6. Pine Bonsai (Pinus)
The Pine is considered a classic, advanced Bonsai subject. With its rugged bark and evergreen needles, it symbolizes longevity and strength. Japanese White Pine and Japanese Black Pine are the most popular varieties.
Care Note: Pines are difficult to prune correctly. They don’t bud back as easily as deciduous trees. This species is better suited for an intermediate enthusiast who is ready to study the art of “candle pinching.”
7. Azalea Bonsai (Rhododendron)
Most Bonsai are grown for their leaves or shape, but the Azalea is grown for its flowers. In spring, a Satsuki Azalea can bloom so heavily that you can barely see the green leaves underneath the explosion of pink, red, or white.
Care Note: Azaleas love acidic soil. You strictly need to use Kanuma soil (a special Japanese clay) and protect them from lime-heavy tap water to keep them happy.
8. Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
Also known as the Umbrella Tree, the Dwarf Schefflera is another fantastic indoor option. It produces aerial roots easily, allowing you to create dramatic “Banyan” style designs (roots growing down from branches) in a relatively short time.
Why it’s great for beginners: It is tough, grows vigorously in low light, and responds well to heavy pruning.
9. Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa)
The Fukien Tea tree is a popular indoor Bonsai from China. It has small, shiny dark green leaves and produces tiny white flowers followed by red berries. It looks like a miniature ancient tree right from the start.
Care Note: It is a bit fussier than the Ficus. It hates drying out and will drop its leaves if moved around too much. Find it a bright spot and keep it there.
10. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Do you love the look of swampy, gothic forests? The Bald Cypress loves water. In fact, many enthusiasts grow this Bonsai sitting in a shallow tray of water, making it impossible to overwater!
Why it’s great for beginners: It grows extremely fast and upright, creating a majestic “formal upright” style with ease.
How to Choose Your First Tree
Before you buy, ask yourself one question: “Where will I put it?”
- I want it on my desk/coffee table: Choose a Ficus, Jade, or Schefflera.
- I have a balcony/backyard: Choose a Juniper, Maple, or Pine.
Bonsai is a journey, not a destination. Start with a species that fits your environment, and you will find that caring for these tiny trees is one of the most meditative hobbies you can have.
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,