Wondering what Bonsai trees are and which one to choose? This article covers different Bonsai trees and the best ones to have. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

What Are Bonsai Trees?

Bonsai is the type of tree or plant grown in a container in a way that’ll look prettier than the trees growing in the wild. Also, growing a Bonsai plant is an artistic hobby and traditional Japanese art. Bonsai is more popular than growing any type of potted plant in Japan. Plus, growing Bonsai requires physical and emotional commitment.

Besides, you can use different trees and shrubs to grow a Bonsai. More precisely, you can use any type of plant as a Bonsai that can easily grow in a small container. Maples, cherry, plum, quince, and persimmon are popular varieties to plant as a Bonsai.

How Many Types of Bonsai Trees Are There?

There are variations when it comes to the type of Bonsai tree. Let’s take a look at it.

Artificial Bonsai: Nowadays, artificial Bonsai trees are becoming popular because many people are attracted to Bonsai trees but do not have much time to commit. Therefore, an artificial Bonsai tree can help you enjoy the art. So, it’s a nice way to get the piece of nature close to you in the form of art.

Bahama Berry: This is also known as Nashiainaguensis, Moujean Tea, Pineapple, and Verbena. It originates from the Bahama Islands of Inagua and is a tropical tree from the Vervain family. The best part is that it smells amazing but also requires high maintenance.

Bald Cypress: This Bonsai tree grows in wet, swampy soil, just like on the riverbanks. This tree follows a circular shape while growing. You’ll also see the needle leaves growing in rows of two along with the slender stems.

Bamboo Bonsai: It’s a Nandina domestic plant also known as bamboo. This is not a tree but grows in shrubs. Therefore, when it’s planted as a Bonsai, it grows like a small bamboo tree.

What Bonsai Is the Best for Indoors?

If you look on Pinterest, you’ll find tons of pictures of beautiful Bonsai trees, which go well on office desks or bookshelves. Regardless of keeping them indoors, most Bonsai trees require direct sunlight and outdoor temperature to develop well.

However, if you’re looking for indoor Bonsai, there are tons of them. But you need to make the right choice in choosing from the variety of Bonsai trees. They are Ficus, Carmona, Schefflera, Chinese Elm, Crassula (Jade), Serissa Japonica (Snow Rose), etc.

What Is The Most Popular Bonsai Tree?

Japanese Maple

They are the stunning Bonsai trees with colorful leaves. The Japanese Maple also comes in tons of variety and can be plated in different styles. Besides, they need direct light and should be in an airy position. All you need to know is that even though they are frost-hardy, you should keep them safe from intense frost.

However, you need to water this plant daily in the growing season. Also, don’t forget to water several times during the summer season because the plant is healthy only when the soil is drained.

Larch

Larch is a popular Bonsai tree because of their thick trunk, yellow color, and small cones. Plus, they grow better in full sunlight. You can also keep them in a semi-shaded area. But keep them away from too much water during the winter season.

Moreover, when it comes to fertilizing, you need to feed the plant after the buds are open during the spring. It’s good to use high nitrogen products to help develop new shoots. After this, you can choose a balanced product. You can also use liquid fertilizer once a week or solid organic fertilizer once a month.

Cypress

These are tall trees with reddish-brown bark. When grown, it has soft, needle-shaped leaves that develop in a nice auburn color during autumn. They also need lots of sunlight and warmth, so they should be kept in direct sun when growing. You can also keep them outside during the warm season; they need to be safe from cold winters.

In addition, they need tons of water during summer. You can also keep the Bonsai pot in a water-filled bowl if you can’t water them regularly. However, when the leaves of Cypress fall during winter, they require less water but never dry them out.

Juniper

Juniper comes in about 50 to 60 varieties of species and is evergreen, and they also have two types of leaves, needle-like and scale-like. You can place this Bonsai outdoors throughout the year because they don’t thrive indoors. But take care of your Juniper Bonsai in winter when the temperature drops below 15 °F.

Additionally, you need to be careful not to water the Bonsai. Always check the soil if it’s dry before watering the plant again. You also should regularly do the misting. This is important when you repot the plant.

Pine

Pine Bonsai is one of the popular Bonsai trees. They are evergreen trees with needles that grow in bundles of two to five. You can place the pine Bonsai outdoors in full sunlight. Although Pine trees are hard, you still need to keep them safe during winter because they’re cultivated in a small container.

However, always remember not to water them too much because pines don’t like moisture all the time. You should always maintain good drainage so water won’t stay in the container long. Also, keep it protected from too much rain because this causes the pines’ needles to grow longer than they require.

Schefflera

Schefflera is also known as the Hawaiian Umbrella tree and is a popular indoor Bonsai. You can keep them inside a room with a temperature range of 65° F to 70° F.  Also, you might want to keep the plant’s soil moist. You can supply liquid fertilizers to the tree weekly.

Gardenia

Gardenia is a flower-bearing Bonsai with a strong smell. They are native to Asia and South Africa.  Also, it can bear fruits if it’s pollinated. You might want to be careful as it requires light but avoid any kind of strong direct sunlight.

In addition, rainwater is perfect for the Bonsai as it thrives in acidic conditions. You can use a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. Also, you can repot the plant every two to three years with some root pruning.

Chinese Elm

Chinese Elm is an indigenous Bonsai to China and South Asia, having fine branches and small leaves. They thrive in full or partial sunlight and can survive outdoors in the winter season.

You might want to water them regularly as they require consistent moisture. In addition, supply the plant with plenty of fertilizers while it grows. Also, you must prune them frequently as they grow thick and fast.

Black Pine

The scientific name of the Black Pine Bonsai is Pinus thunbergii. They have needle-shaped leaves that grow in pairs. Also, they produce small red flowers and brown cones during springtime. Also, they can survive high temperatures and sunlight except for the roots.

This Bonsai can go long without water making it great for someone who travels frequently. In addition, you don’t have to supply fertilizers that often. Once a month is enough for the Bonsai.

Red Maple

Red Maple is a beautiful-looking Bonsai native to China and Japan. You might want to put it out during the morning and evening sunlight but avoid direct sunlight during the day. Also, this Bonsai prefers moist land, and you might have to water daily with proper drainage.

Ficus

Ficus is a type of fig tree native to Southeast Asia. This plant has a unique appearance due to its thick root, easily visible above the soil level. Also, this Bonsai is easy to maintain and good for beginners. You can grow this Bonsai indoors with warm and indirect sunlight.

You should check and water it daily as it requires moist soil to flourish. They tend to grow faster, and regular pruning is necessary. Also, you can use organic liquid fertilizer or diluted chemical fertilizer.

Azalea

Azalea is a plant that falls in the genus Rhododendron. They flourish in sunlight but must be kept from rain and hot sun. It is important to check if the plant is moist and should be watered carefully if the soil is too dry. Also, you should avoid using tap water due to its acidic nature.

They need special Rhododendron fertilizer; if you’re using liquid fertilizer, use it every week. In addition, you need to start pruning from branches near to base as they are basally dominant.

Fukien Tea Tree

Fukien Tea Tree is an indoor Bonsai that also can thrive outside. They have small dark-green leaves with white dots. This Bonsai tree needs a lot of light, so keeping it next to the window is a good idea.

However, you need to be careful as it is unsuitable for the plant if the temperature falls below 70 °F. Also, Fukien Tree needs to be moist, so you might have to water it regularly.

Conclusion

Now, we have reached the end of the article. We hope to have cleared everything regarding the types of Bonsai trees. Also, we have explained the different types of Bonsai trees and which is best for you. You can follow this article and start growing one.