The number of different plant types that can be grown as bonsai is truly astounding. Before choosing which bonsai variety is right for you, it helps to familiarize yourself with the different types of bonsai trees, including their visual qualities, whether they blossom and fruit, and what environment they are most suited to. Many bonsai tree types can only be grown outdoors, but some will thrive happily indoors, given the right care and attention.
Many people imagine that bonsai trees are tricky to look after. In truth, while their care is indeed a labor of love, it is one that just about anyone can master. To help you begin this rewarding journey, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite types of bonsai trees as well as handy tips on the best bonsai trees for beginners. Read on to discover if growing bonsai is your calling!
Are Bonsai Trees Special Dwarf Varieties?
It is a common misconception that bonsai trees are special miniature varieties. In reality, most are normal trees that are simply treated differently to create the unique and beautiful shapes and structures that make bonsai growing so compelling. While bonsai trees are usually kept small enough for us to move their pots around or fit them comfortably within our living spaces, some specimens certainly get quite large indeed!
Of course, there are certain tree species that have been found over centuries and even millennia to suit life in bonsai form particularly well. Some of the plants used to create bonsai trees are not actually trees at all but are rather shrubs, such a Buxus, or climbers, such as Bougainvillea. In fact, it is the artistic flair of the bonsai creator that helps each of these plants take on a strikingly elegant tree-like structure. Meanwhile, others are prized as bonsai because of their naturally small leaves or needles that lend divinely to bonsai design.
Knowing the Botanical Names of Bonsai Trees
Whether identifying bonsai tree types for your wish list or investigating how to keep a bonsai that you have already purchased, it is important to know the botanical or Latin name of the species in question. The simple reason for this is that most bonsai trees have common names that are used every day, but these can get lost in translation between different cultures and can sometimes lead to misidentification.
For example, certain elms and pines require completely different conditions in terms of whether they can live indoors or only outdoors and what kinds of temperatures they can tolerate. This is why, for each listing below, we include common names and botanical names.
The Best and Most Beautiful Types of Bonsai Trees
No matter if you are a beginner within the world of bonsai or a veteran looking to take on a new challenge, there is bound to be a tree on our list that will spark your inspiration. We will cover bonsais suitable for both indoors and outdoors, those that provide the most striking flower displays, and a diversity of leaf types. If you do decide to keep a bonsai tree indoors, be sure to check out our guide to indoor bonsai tree care.
Ficus Bonsai Tree
Ficus are certainly the most popular type of bonsai, thanks to their ability to adapt well to life indoors or out—given the right conditions—and fantastic trainability. Not only is it possible to create all sorts of stunning trunk shapes with Ficus trees, but it is also possible to encourage aerial root growth by placing the tree in a high humidity environment.
There are many types of Ficus within the Moraceae or mulberry family, and popular varieties for bonsai growing include Ficus Retusa, Fecus Benjamina, and Ficus Ginseng. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that Ficus can’t stand the cold and will be damaged by temperatures lower than 60ºF (15ºC).
Japanese Maple Bonsai
The Japanese Maple tree, or Acer Palmatum, is truly an iconic presence within the world of bonsai. These trees can only be kept outdoors, but offer fantastic variety in leaf color and size, and lend spectacularly to the creation of traditional bonsai shapes.
Japanese Maple tolerates frost quite well, but can be damaged by very harsh sunlight. If the thermometer climbs above 85°F (30°C) in the summer, it’s best to place them in a sheltered spot.
Chinese Elm Bonsai
Chinese Elm, or Ulmus Parvifolia, is an excellent choice for those keeping bonsai trees indoors, although it will appreciate a turn in the garden during summer months. This bonsai type doesn’t like to overheat but does like plenty of light. If placed outside year-round, it will tolerate a light spell of frost.
Satsuki Azalea Bonsai
If your quest for bonsai includes the desire for spectacular flower displays, then the Satsuki Azalea is sure to delight. A member of the Rhododendron Indicum genus, this dazzling tree offers a choice of blossom colors including pink, white, and red.
Satsuki Azalea bonsai trees are not suited to life indoors, preferring abundant sunlight with only a little protection in the hottest of climes. They require acidic soil and will tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4.5°C).
Sweet Plum Bonsai
There are not many indoor bonsai options that offer leaf colors other than green. A champion among them is the Sweet Plum bonsai, or Sageretia, which showcases spectacular red fresh leaf growth that gradually transitions to green in maturity.
Each spring when new foliage begin to grow, some older leaves will also turn yellow in preparation for falling, providing a wonderful three-color display. In winter, the environment of this bonsai tree must not be allowed to fall below 53°F (12°C).
Birch Bonsai Tree
Birch, or Betula, makes for a wonderful outdoor bonsai tree, not least because of its beautiful silver bark. These deciduous bonsai trees are exceptionally hardy, tolerating harsh frosts and sunshine well, as long as they get enough water and never become waterlogged.
Juniper Bonsai
Juniper trees, or Juniperus, are prized in bonsai circles for their various scale-like or needle foliages and adaptability when trained. The shades of green to be discovered among these evergreen bonsai vary from vibrant yellow-green to deep blueish hues. Juniper bonsai trees are an outdoor type, responding well to bright, humid locations and regular misting.
Beech Bonsai Trees
Beech trees, botanically known as Fagus, are a type of deciduous tree that you will likely have encountered in their larger form as standing trees or hedges. As bonsai, there are many varieties to choose from, some of which retain their leaves long after they have changed color, and some of which have interesting coloring all year round, like purple-tinged Fagus Sylvatica f. Purpurea, otherwise known as Copper Beech.
Beech bonsai trees have smooth silvery bark and are impressively frost tolerant. However, do note that they require careful pruning and dedicated watering during summer months.
Pine Bonsai Trees
There are countless pine varieties that any beginner bonsai grower could happily care for. Japanese Red pines, Black pines, and White pines are all popular choices, as are Mugo pines and Scots pines.
All pine bonsai trees are only suited to growing outdoors with only a single exception. The Buddha Pine, or Podocarpus, can cope very well in an indoors setting and is considered very good luck in China.
Carmona or Fukien Tea Bonsai
Ehretia microphylla, otherwise known as the Fukien Tea or Carmona bonsai, is a wonderful beginner’s bonsai that can be kept both indoors and outdoors, although it will respond well to a spell in the garden or even on a windowsill during the summer months if living mostly inside.
This attractive and malleable bonsai tree not only features either deep green or variegated leaves but also small white flowers and dark red fruits. Carmona likes a great deal of light and does not tolerate underwatering. It is also sensitive to cold and should never fall below 40°F (4.5°C).
Japanese Holly Bonsai
Japanese Holly, or Ilex Crenata, might not look like a conventional holly bush, but it is indeed a true holly. While it leaves lack spikes and festive red berries, you will spot tiny black berries among its foliage. While Japanese Holly will cope with the occasional frost, it is not as tolerant of very low temperatures as its holiday-associated cousins.
Snow Rose Bonsai
The Snow Rose bonsai, or Serissa Foetida, is a small shrub in its natural form, suited to a subtropical setting. Thanks to its tiny white flowers that bloom throughout spring and summer, it is often also called the tree of a thousand stars.
This type of bonsai tree should be grown outdoors in a sunny spot that is also sheltered from the wind. Alongside plenty of light, the Snow Rose is partial to humidity and must never be allowed to fall below 50°F (10°C) in temperature.
Bald Cypress Bonsai
The Bald Cypress, or Taxodium Distichum, is a proudly tall-standing tree with small needle-shaped leaves that turn a deep brown before dropping in the winter. These fast-growing bonsai trees do well in frost-free humid outdoor climates and appreciate a sunny aspect. They absolutely love water so overwatering is never a concern but underwatering should be carefully avoided.
Cotoneaster Bonsai
Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, and the varieties that we tend to use for outdoor bonsai include small trees, shrubs, and even ground cover plants. Cotoneaster microphyllus is particularly popular, thanks to its delicate small leaves.
What all Cotoneaster bonsai trees share in common is beautiful bulbous fruit that appears in red, orange, or yellow. The dark green foliage of the Cotoneaster are also interspersed with white flowers during spring time. These trees can handle sub-zero temperatures when planted in the ground but should be protected from frost when growing as bonsai in pots.
Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai
Just as the name implies, the Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai, or Schefflera Arboricola, forms a fantastic umbrella-shaped canopy. This type of bonsai is usually grown inside as it naturally grows in tropical climates and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
For those seeking an indoor bonsai able to survive in a relatively dim indoor setting and with less frequent watering, the Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai is well worth considering.
Brazilian Rain Bonsai
Having traveled far and wide from the Brazilian rain forest, this beauty among the popular types of bonsai trees offers wonderful interest with fragrant pink or white pompom-like flowers and compound leaves that close at night.
Here, we find another light-loving specimen that can be kept inside for some of the year, but likes to spend the growing season outdoors. Bring this bonsai tree inside if temperatures might drop below 45ºF (15ºC).
Boxwood Bonsai
The Boxwood bonsai, or Buxus, is a slow-growing evergreen that is often seen used for topiary. Among its many varieties, Chinese boxwood or European common boxwood are favored for bonsai training. Prone to frost burn and preferring to winter at around 50°F (10°C), this bonsai tree is often kept outside in the summer and in a bright greenhouse during the winter.
Olive Bonsai
Many of us enjoy eating olives as a snack, and perhaps even love the sight of Olive trees dotted across a hillside, however, most don’t realize that Olea Europaea or the European Olive is well suited to life as a bonsai tree.
An Olive bonsai tree prefers to remain outside but can survive well inside your home or workplace if kept in a cool but well-lit spot in the winter. Outdoors, while their ground-rooted siblings can tolerate quite heavy frost, the Olive growing in a bonsai pot should not be allowed to dip below 32°F (0°C) by too much or for too long.
Bougainvillea Bonsai
Originally hailing from South America, Bougainvillea (its Latin name is one and the same) is a gorgeous but thorny ornamental vine that makes for perhaps the showiest of bonsai trees. Appealing once more to those who hunger for bright blossoms, this bonsai tree type can deliver breathtaking displays of magenta, pale pink, or orange flowers.
In order to ensure the best possible floral display, Bougainvillea should be placed outside in full sun during its growing season. During the winter, it fares best when kept above 59ºF (15ºC), making this a bonsai tree suited to only the warmest locations—whether indoors or out.
Larch Bonsai
The Larch, or Larix, is a deciduous conifer that is treasured for its artistic sprays of pine needles, highly textured bark, and small cones. In the autumn, the needles turn a glorious yellow shade before dropping. This bonsai tree is also popular because its trunk thickens quickly.
True Larix are fantastically frost hardy, making them ideal for just about any ourdoor setting—although they don’t appreciate over watering so good drainage is essential. It’s important to note that far less robust Pseudolarix varieties can easily be mixed up with this bonsai type.
Jade Bonsai
The Jade bonsai, Crassula bonsai, or Portulacaria Afra to use its Latin name, is often also referred to as the Money Tree—and we would certainly hope that its owner is rewarded with good fortune! This type of bonsai is actually a succulent, which means it stands up far better than most if watering is neglected from time to time.
Jade bonsai do very well indoors and prefer not to be overwatered. They dislike the cold and prefer to be kept comfortably above 50ºF (10ºC) during the winter. Unfortunately for pet owners, you should note that these trees are highly toxic to cats and dogs.
Japanese Pepper Bonsai
The Pepper Tree, or Zanthoxylum Piperitum, is a phenomenally versatile bonsai tree, adapting well to inside living and tolerating the occasional frost outdoors, although it prefers to remain above 50ºF (10ºC).
This striking bonsai displays compound leaves that emit a citrusy aromatic fragrance when touched. It also flowers in summer but the tiny crimson blossoms are so small that they are easy to miss!
Which Types of Bonsai Trees Are Best for Beginners?
While a dedicated newcomer to the art of bonsai may well succeed with any of these types of bonsai trees, there are a certain few that may be easier to manage. Choosing the best bonsai trees for beginners depends upon what climate you live in and whether you would prefer an indoor or outdoor bonsai type.
Excellent indoor beginner bonsai choices include ficus and jade. Those with sights set outdoors will likely achieve success with a Juniper, Pine, or Chinese Maple. While if flowers or fruit are your objective, the Snow Rose Bonsai or Cotoneaster are friendly bonsai varieties with which to hone your craft.
Of course, if you’d rather take on one of the other types of bonsai trees on our list, or another species entirely, you can always do further research and even join bonsai growing communities online to look for tips on how to master their care.
How Long Will My Bonsai Tree Take to Grow?
Different types of bonsai trees grow at very different rates, and while some might reach maturity after just a few years, others may take decades to reach the aspired-to size.
When thinking about how long it will take for your bonsai tree to grow, it is important to consider the lengthy lifespan of the tree and to try to look at its cultivation as a spiritual practice—one that creates a living artwork that may well be tended by others long after you are gone.
The oldest bonsai trees in the world are hundreds of years old, and a few have even passed the one thousand year milestone. In a sense, when buying a bonsai tree and spending time tending to it, you become a guardian to an heirloom that showcases your dedication. When we are able to take this perspective, how long our bonsai trees take to grow no longer seems so important!
After such a comprehensive tour of bonsai tree types, which ones caught your eye? As you begin your journey in looking after them, be sure to check back here at Keep Bonsai for the latest facts, care tips, and fascinating insights into the ever-evolving tradition of growing bonsai trees.