The Top 10 Indoor Bonsai Plants for Beginners

Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in containers, It originated in Asia over a thousand years ago and has now become popular worldwide Bonsai trees require frequent pruning and wiring to maintain their compact shape This makes growing bonsai an engaging hobby,

If you’re new to bonsai, starting with an indoor bonsai tree is a great idea Indoor bonsai don’t require as much maintenance as outdoor ones They also give you the flexibility to bring your miniaturized tree indoors if the weather gets too extreme.

Here are the top 10 indoor bonsai plants recommended for beginners:

1. Jade Bonsai

The jade plant or crassula ovata is a succulent that has thick woody stems and shiny green leaves. It naturally grows in a miniature tree-like shape, so little training is required to make it look like a bonsai. Jade plants are extremely easy to care for. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need infrequent watering. These qualities make jade bonsai ideal for beginners.

2. Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai

Also known as schefflera arboricola, the Hawaiian umbrella bonsai has lush dark green foliage that gives it a tropical look. This indoor tree is low-maintenance and quite forgiving when it comes to watering and light conditions. It can tolerate low light and irregular watering, though it thrives in medium to bright indirect light. The resilient Hawaiian umbrella bonsai adjusts well to indoor conditions.

3. Ficus Bonsai

The ficus or fig family includes several popular indoor bonsai varieties like the tiger bark ficus, ginseng ficus, and Taiwan ficus. Ficus bonsai trees have glossy evergreen leaves and minimal care requirements. They grow well in low to medium light conditions. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. The hardy ficus is great for busy beginners.

4. Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese elm bonsai have lovely gray bark and small serrated leaves that turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. These deciduous trees go dormant in winter, so they require very little watering during that time. Chinese elm bonsai thrive in very bright light indoors. They prefer even moisture in the growing season. The Chinese elm is one of the best trees for indoor bonsai.

5. Juniper Bonsai

Juniper bonsai trees come in several shapes like procumbens nana, Chinese juniper, and Japanese juniper. They have needle-like or scale-like evergreen foliage. Junipers make great indoor bonsai if you can provide sufficient light. Place them in a south or west-facing window. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. With the right care, juniper bonsai trees can live indoors for many years.

6. Fukien Tea Bonsai

The Fukien tea tree or carmona microphylla has shiny dark green leaves and dainty white blooms in spring. It is native to China but grows well indoors. Fukien tea bonsai thrive in bright indirect sunlight. Water them frequently in summer and reduce watering in winter. Fukien tea bonsai have graceful movement and are easy to shape with wiring.

7. Ming Aralia Bonsai

Ming aralia is an indoor tree native to China, admired for its thick twisted trunk and dense foliage. It grows well in low to medium indirect light. Water frequently during the growing season, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter. The exotic look of Ming aralia bonsai makes it a unique addition to any indoor plant collection.

8. Ponytail Palm Bonsai

Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not a true palm but a succulent. Its swollen base stores water so it can tolerate some neglect. Ponytail palm has long, curly green leaves that emerge from the top like a ponytail, giving it a fun, whimsical shape. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. The ponytail palm makes an easy-care indoor bonsai.

9. Desert Rose Bonsai

The desert rose or adenium obesum is a tropical succulent that branches easily, taking on a bonsai shape with little effort. In summer, it produces showy pink or white flowers. Desert rose bonsai should be placed in the brightest window available. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Adequate light and dryness between waterings are key to preventing fungal diseases. The desert rose bonsai’s flowering habit makes it a joy to grow.

10. Bougainvillea Bonsai

Bougainvillea are vines that come in several bright colors like orange, purple, red, white, and pink. With regular pruning, they can be trained into compact bonsai shapes. Bougainvillea require maximum sunlight to thrive and bloom indoors. Allow the soil to partially or fully dry out between waterings. Give them a dose of fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer. The vibrant colors and flowers of bougainvillea bonsai brighten any space.

When choosing bonsai plants for indoors, look for trees that naturally grow to a small size like jade, ficus, Hawaiian umbrella, and junipers. Go for hardy varieties that can tolerate low humidity and low light conditions indoors. Succulents like jade and ponytail palm are great beginner bonsai.

Start with young bonsai plants that are easier to shape and train. Read up on the specific care guidelines of the bonsai you select. Provide the required light, water, humidity, soil mix, and fertilizer to help your bonsai thrive. With the right tree and proper care, growing bonsai indoors can be extremely rewarding.