Whether you're a self-confessed plant parent or just a plant lover in general, the thought of purchasing a bonsai has definitely crossed your mind - and we don't blame you.
Originating from China, bonsai trees have a unique, near majestic quality making them the perfect indoor and garden plant. 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, and as such, symbolise life, harmony and peace. All sorts of 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 up to 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 also thrown in some bonsai-growing kits for those that want to go all in.
Before heading to our round-up, we've included a quick section on different bonsai tree types for beginners, to give you an idea of what would be best suited to you. Scroll to the bottom for some must-read care tips, as well as some bonsai tree FAQs.
Related: Best plants for your bedroom
The best bonsai trees shortlist
Editor's Pick: Chinese Elm Bonsai
Best decorative bonsai: Bonsai Tree Kokedama
Best fig tree bonsai: Ficus Ginseng Decorative Indoor Bonsai
Best Fukien tea bonsai: Bonsai Carmona Fukien Tea
Best Pepper Tree bonsai: Pepper Tree Bonsai
Best bonsai kit: Grow Your own Bonsai kit
Keep reading below for our full detailed list...
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
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 types and part of the cypress family, the juniper genus contains around 50 different species of coniferous trees and shrubs, all 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
Light: Sun and shade combo
Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum)
Known for their 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
The best bonsai trees UK
1 of 8Chinese Elm Bonsai
A beginners favourite, 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!!"
2 of 8Bonsai Tree Kokedama House And Desktop Plant
If you're looking to stand out in the world of bonsais, a Kokedama is the way to go. 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."
3 of 8Ficus 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."
4 of 8Bonsai 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."
5 of 8Chinese 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."
6 of 8Pepper 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
7 of 8Grow 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!"
8 of 8Plant Theatre Bonsai Kit Trio
Offering different seed varieties, you can grow three distinctive types of bonsais all with this one, inclusive 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 to care for a bonsai
Location: First, deciding on the location of your bonsai tree is key. If you opt for an indoor species, this does not mean your bonsai will tolerate consistently low lighting. Make sure your bonsai is placed in front of a south-facing window, exposed to plenty of lighting throughout the day. For outdoor bonsais, a bright and sunny spot will work best. During winter, you may need to shelter your bonsai tree to avoid freezing or very low conditions, but this will all depend on the species you choose.
Watering: The next thing you need to think about is how often to water your bonsai. The watering frequency required will always depend on the type of bonsai tree you have, but as a general rule make sure not to under-water or overwater. Under-watering is a frequent mistake due to the shallow soil layer - to avoid this, use your finger at one-centimetre depth to establish how wet or dry the soil is and act accordingly. You also don't want to drown your tree, so be sure to avoid watering if the soil looks wet.
Pruning: Other than keeping up the aesthetics, pruning is essential to the continual growth and strength of your tree. For a full guide on pruning, see the video below.
What does bonsai mean?
Bonsai directly translates to "plant in a container" but as a whole, bonsai refers to the Chinese art of growing and nurturing miniature trees which represent life-size trees in nature.
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.
Why is my bonsai tree turning yellow?
While seasonal changes including colour change are to be expected in a deciduous bonsai or during autumn, the yellowing of leaves can sometimes be an indication that something is wrong.
Everything from overwatering, lack of light and wrong climate can result in yellow leaves. Make sure to read up on your specific species, adapt your practice and await results. If in doubt, reach out to your supplier for more information.
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Marina Avraam is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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