If you're a plant-lover or gardener looking for your next challenge, we're almost certain that a bonsai has crossed your mind.
Originating from China, bonsai trees have a unique, near majestic quality making them the perfect addition to your home or garden. If cared for properly, they can provide a lifetime of companionship, bringing a sense of stress relief and zen to any space.
Bonsai trees are a miniature representation of a full-size tree in the wild, symbolising life, harmony and peace. Many tree varieties can be grown as a bonsai, with common species including Juniperus, Chinese Elm and Fig Tree.
Growing a bonsai tree from scratch is a satisfying and rewarding journey, but if you're not ready for the challenge then you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of readily grown bonsais waiting for a home. We've listed a few of the best bonsai trees available for purchase and have also included some bonsai-growing kits for those who want to start from scratch.
Bonsai tree types
The truth is, a large variety of tree plants can be grown as bonsai, given the right potting mix and conditions, but we've outlined the varieties most well suited to bonsai and best for beginners.
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
A common choice amongst beginners, the Chinese Elm has a red-brown trunk that forms a unique S shape. It adapts to the indoors well, but is also suitable for outdoors and is very easy to maintain and care for.
Placement: Indoors or outdoors
Light: Full or partial sun
![bonsai tree](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60db/2ee3/71a1/7fde/4bc3/d064/bonsai%201.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Fig (Ficus retusa)
This is the most popular indoor bonsai plant and is a perfect choice for beginners. The small dark leaves spill over like an umbrella, making for a beautiful geometric shape if pruned regularly. Easy to care for, this tree is low-maintenance and makes the perfect houseplant.
Placement: Indoors
Light: Sun and shade combo
Juniper (Juniperus)
Up there as one of the most common bonsai trees, and part of the cypress family, the juniper genus contains around 50 different species of coniferous trees and shrubs, all of which can be grown as bonsai.
Placement: Outdoors
Light: Bright and sunny
Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa)
This evergreen species boasts tiny dark leaves that are covered in tiny hairs and blossom beautifully. This is great for both indoors and outdoors but requires a sunny location such as a window sill if placed in your home.
Placement: Indoors or outdoors
![bonsai with purple flowers](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60db/2ead/795a/882b/dde0/6946/bonsai.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Light: Sun and shade combo
Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum)
Known for its bright red leaves during autumn, the Japanese Maple is a beautiful species but one that requires a lot (and we mean a lot) of watering. If you're up to it, this species will really liven up your garden and outdoor space.
Placement: Outdoor
Light: Partial sun
Cotoneaster
This is a great species for outdoor bonsai, with small dark green leaves. The cotoneaster grows delicate white flowers during spring and cheerful round fruits come autumn.
Placement: Outdoor
Light: Full sun
Best bonsai trees UK
![Chinese Elm, Bonsai,](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/3d85/caa3/5d78/9c4f/5dea/chinese%20elm%20bonsai%20tree.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Chinese Elm Bonsai
A brilliant choice for beginners, the Chinese Elm is uncomplicated to grow and maintain. This little tree is seven years old and has a boatload of rave reviews due to its beautiful trunk and canopy.**Care info:**If placed indoors, ensure the bonsai is exposed to lightWait until topsoil is dry then water generously (approx every two days)Fertilise during growing season Review: "I got this plant on a whim, I have always loved the idea however never found the perfect tree. After reading all of these mega positive reviews, I took the plunge. I am SO thankful that I did, it is absolutely beautiful. Packaged so well, china pot and dish to sit on included. Would definitely 100 per cent recommend to other potential buyers!! Quick delivery, well packaged, still alive and very happy!!"
![Bonsai Tree Kokedama House And Desktop Plant](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/4301/62ee/e245/6fc5/1709/bonsai%20tree%20kokedema.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Bonsai Tree Kokedama House And Desktop Plant
If you're looking to stand out in the world of bonsais, a Kokedama is a great choice. Directly translating to 'moss ball' a Kokedama bonsai is made by removing the plant's roots and shaping them into a ball with a special soil mix, which is then bound by moss. The result? A beautiful accent tree which requires no pot, just a simple tray.**Care info:**Place somewhere with direct sunlightSubmerge in water every six to nine days Review: "I can't tell you how cute, unique and beautiful this bonsai tree is. I would definitely recommend buying you won't be disappointed. It comes with clear instructions and it's packaged very well. It's smaller than I expected but perfect for any home."
![Ficus Ginseng Decorative Indoor Bonsai](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/48ae/62ee/e2f1/12c5/175e/fig%20tree%20bonsai.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Ficus Ginseng Decorative Indoor Bonsai
Channel all your love and nurturing into this beautiful Ficus Ginseng, otherwise known as the fig bonsai. Much like the Elm, care for the Ficus is minimal and straightforward making it ideal for bonsai novices. The dark green leaves are dense and glossy and will add a tropical touch to any room in an instant. Care info:Place in a brightly lit areaWater until soil is dry at about 2cm deepReview: "Very pleased with my Ginseng plant, lovely shape to it, came well packed & in beautiful condition, lovely exposed chunky root system leading to a short well-proportioned trunk with two main offshoot branches full of well-sized leaves with new growth coming through all over."
![Bonsai Carmona Fukien Tea](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/4d0e/62ee/e280/7fc5/1795/fukien%20tea%20bonsai%20tree.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Bonsai Carmona Fukien Tea
A perfect indoor bonsai, the Fukien Tea has small green leaves that are well-proportioned, growing elegant white flowers during the summer months. The Fukien thrives in hotter climates and requires moderate maintenance and regular pruning.Care info:Place next to window for lots of natural light Thrives in warm climates above 20CWater once soil turns light brownReview: "Very pleased with my little bonsai tea plant - amazingly doing very well - it has even produced flowers in October which I wasn't expecting - good value."
![Chinese Elm Broom Style Bonsai Tree](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/5203/e487/8135/7587/b43b/chinese%20elm%20broom%20style%20bonsai.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Chinese Elm Broom Style Bonsai Tree
Another fabulous Chinese Elm, this one is 'broom style', meaning the trunk is straight and upright rather than the classic S shape. Fast-growing and durable, this bonsai strikingly represents a full-size tree in nature. A cream or blue 12cm ceramic pot is included, as well as a matching ceramic tray.Care info:Place in bright location Water when soil looks light brown Prune once new shoots have grown 2-3cmReview: "This is a beautiful bonsai tree, very happy with it, bought it at Christmas and all new shoots are all growing. It was so well packaged and arrived in tip top condition. Would recommend 100 per cent."
![Pepper Tree Bonsai](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/54bf/caa3/5d41/a34f/5f1c/chinese%20pepper%20bonsai.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Pepper Tree Bonsai
For species less commonly found on the market, head to Greenwood Bonsai Studio. The Pepper Tree bonsai is native to the Himalayas, Japan and Korea and is very common outdoors. The leaves are small, dark and glossy, and a citrus fragrance can be detected when pruned. **Care info:**Best kept outdoors all year round Water thoroughly during summer Liquid fertiliser once a fortnight from spring to autumn
![Grow Your own Bonsai kit](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/5736/62ee/e2e7/7ec5/1845/grow%20your%20bonsai%20kit.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Grow Your own Bonsai kit
Keen to start your bonsai journey from scratch? This starter kit includes everything you need to grow four of the most popular types of bonsai tree, including the Japanese Maple, Wisteria, Japanese Pine and the Judas Tree. The kit comes with detailed instructions on how to germinate bonsai tree seeds, as well as how to nurture and grow your bonsai no matter how beginner or advanced you are.Kit contains:Premium bonsai potBiodegradable pots Soil discsFour types of bonsai seedsBonsai tree clippers Manual and E-bookReview: "I bought this as a present for my wife who loves gardening and bonsai. She has a few established bonsai but I thought it would be a nice alternative to grow from seed, although this will obviously be a long term project! The kit has good instructions and provides everything that is needed to start bonsai from seed. Very nicely packaged and all supplied items look to be of good quality. My wife is very pleased with my purchase!"
![Plant Theatre Bonsai Kit Trio](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/60b7/6da1/e487/811b/0387/b6a0/bonsai%20kit.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Plant Theatre Bonsai Kit Trio
Offering different seed varieties, you can grow three distinctive types of bonsais all with this kit. Individual packs of Silver Birch, Red Maple and Mountain Pine are included, with enough seeds for multiple sowings. Kit contains:Six growing potsSix peat blocksSix plant markersInstruction manualReview: "Great gift purchased for my partner to grow with our little one. Great packaging easy instructions an all-round good buy well worth the money as an unusual gift."
How long does a bonsai tree take to grow?
Growing a bonsai is a lengthy process that requires lots of patience. If you're growing your bonsai from a seed, it can take between five to ten years before your tree starts to resemble a bonsai.
If you're not willing to wait, ready-grown bonsais are typically around five or seven years old and can last a lifetime.
More popular articles
Best garden products and furniture deals on Amazon after Prime Day