We present the most beautiful and popular bonsai species for indoors and for the garden - from ficus to maple, there is something for everyone.

Many different plants are suitable for bonsai design

Bonsai is a garden art in which various plants, usually shrubs or trees, are transformed into a small format of themselves through targeted cultivation and cutting of roots and shoots. In the following we present the most popular bonsai species with their special care requirements.

Which species are suitable as bonsai?

There are no strict restrictions - the main thing is that the plant used yields well to being squeezed and kept small. Small-leaved trees and coniferous species in particular are in the foreground, because the filigree greenery fits perfectly with the remaining dwarf design of the bonsai and thus offers an optimal overall picture. Good pruning tolerance is also an advantage, since an impressive and imaginative design for the different bonsai shapes can only be achieved through regular pruning of the bonsai. Over the centuries, classic bonsai species have emerged that adorn Japanese gardens and rooms. And a few species native to us have also established themselves as bonsai over time. In this article we give you a little insight into the variety of bonsai and present the most popular types for the room and garden.

The most popular types of bonsai for indoor use

The indoor bonsai is probably the most well-known type of mini tree in our country. Most indoor bonsai are small exotic species that sit enthroned on the windowsill all year round. However, you can do most species a favor if you move them outside to a sunny spot in the summer. They should only spend the winter protected, as the species are not usually hardy and sometimes have problems at temperatures below 15 °C. Otherwise there is a large selection of different plants that are suitable for beginners as well as for professionals and allow a wide range of bonsai shapes due to their different growth and their strongly varying leaf shapes.

Tip: In the following profileswe also name suitable soils for each bonsai. Traditionally, special soils containing lava rock from the far-off Orient are often used. But substrate manufacturers from Germany also offer high-quality base soils for bonsai. The clay granulate it contains does not necessarily come from China or Japan, but the bonsai doesn't care where its soil comes from anyway, as long as the quality is right. And it is always better for the environment if the raw materials used come from Germany and are not flown in from Asia.

Chinese fig / bay fig (Ficus microcarpa ˈginsengˈ)

This plant, known as Chinese fig or laurel fig, is the ultimate indoor bonsai for beginners: The ficus is very robust and is characterized by rapid growth, high adaptability and high tolerance to pruning. This and its affordability make it the perfect bonsai for the novice.

OriginSoutheast Asia
GrowthFast growing; at very high humidity, e.g. B. by culture under a glass bell, the ficus can form aerial roots; conspicuously thick roots
LeavesEvergreen with oval, glossy dark green leaves
Earth1:1:1 Akadama, lava chips, hummus; 2:1:1 Potting soil, Akadama and Pumice
LocationSunny without direct sunlight; no space above a heater
WinteringNot hardy; hibernate at 12 - 22 °C
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; can be wired very well; not very versatile
Special FeaturesNeeds high humidity (e.g. by spraying the plant), never let the substrate dry out; if the ficus spends the summer (> 15 °C) outside, the leaves should be pruned beforehand to reduce evaporation
Ginseng
The classic beginner bonsai Ficus 'Ginseng' makes a big impression for little money

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

The Chinese elm is also great for beginners. The plant also forgives a little care mishap and is characterized by a high level of robustness and adaptability.

OriginChina, Korea, Japan
LeavesElliptical to ovate glossy green; deciduous to semi-evergreen in indoor culture
EarthAkadama Earth
LocationFull sun window seat to partial shade
WinteringIdeal is 0 - 10 °C
Cut/UpbringingTolerates pruning well; Branches thicken quickly
Special FeaturesVery easy to care for

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinensis)

The Chinese privet also feels at home in slightly shady places and is extremely easy to care for - it should only be warm at the location of this bonsai. The Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is also wonderfully suited for training as an indoor bonsai. If you want to put a privet bonsai in your garden, you should rather plant Ligustrum ovalifolium, L. lucidum or the common privet (Ligustrum vulgare). These are hardy down to at least -10 °C and thrive well after freezing back.

OriginChina
GrowthFast growing; bears white flowers in summer
LeavesSummergreen; small and dark green
Earth1:2 Basic Bonsai Soil and Akadama Soil
LocationBright location without direct sunlight; place in semi-shade in summer
WinteringIf possible, overwinter at 15 °C
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible
Special FeaturesVery easy to care for
The Chinese privet impresses with its naturally very small leaves and its high cut tolerance

Tip: Basic bonsai soil is a special universal soil that can be used on its own or as a base enriched with other ingredients. Their ingredients are put together in such a way that the special requirements made by bonsai culture can be met. At the end of this article you will find our recommendation for a particularly good bonsai soil.

Fukientee (Carmona microphylla, also Ehretia microphylla or Ehretia buxifolia)

The flowering Fukientee is what itsIn terms of care requirements, it is also suitable for careful bonsai beginners. You only need a little experience with the design, because the plant should definitely be wired to get a harmonious shape.

OriginChina
GrowthBrown-grey bark with fine fissures on trunk and grey, smooth bark on branches; almost year-round flowering
LeavesPeriwinkle; small and dark green with white hairs below and dots above
Earth2:1 Akadama and basic bonsai soil
LocationBright location without direct sunlight at over 20 °C; sun to semi-shade in summer
WinteringWinter at 12 - 24 °C
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; be sure to wire
Special FeaturesOnly use organic fertilizers for fertilization, as the roots are very sensitive; ensure sufficient humidity by spraying

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

The Gardenia offers a particularly tropical appearance, but this only comes out when the plant is properly cared for. Therefore, the sensitive little plant is more of a bonsai for advanced users.

OriginAsia to South Africa
GrowthCreamy white, fragrant flowers in summer; orange fruits in autumn
LeavesPeriwinkle; shiny dark green with dots
EarthSoil for acid-loving plants, e.g. B.Kanoma
LocationBright, airy location away from direct sunlight; very sensitive to change of location
WinteringIf possible, overwinter at 15 °C
Cut/UpbringingTolerates pruning well; cut from May after flowering; do not cut from August to avoid removing flower buds
Special Features

Banyan fig (Ficus retusa)

The banana fig is the second ficus in our list. However, it is not offered as often as the ficus ˈginsengˈ, which can sometimes even be found in discount stores. However, this ficus is much more suitable for designing a bonsai than its prominent relative.Its overall picture is much more harmonious and beautiful aerial roots are formed even under room conditions.

OriginEast India, Ceylon
GrowthWhite-grey bark
LeavesDark green, leathery leaves with a short blunt tip (laurel-like)
Earth2:1 Basic Bonsai Soil and Akadama Soil
LocationSun to partial shade
WinteringWinter at 15 - 22 °C
Cut/UpbringingAll forms possible except literary form; suitable for planting on rocks due to the aerial roots
Special FeaturesRegular spraying
Banyan
Because of its aerial roots, the banyan fig is suitable for planting on rocks

Jade Tree (Portulacaria afra)

The jade tree is one of the succulents and immediately catches the eye with its fleshy, shiny leaves. As a small bonsai, it combines Asian accuracy and the exotic appearance of a plant from the African savannah.

Winter at 8 - 22 °C
OriginSouth Africa
GrowthRed twigs; thick trunk; fine branching; Bark turns green to reddish brown with age; white flowers in autumn after dry period in summer
LeavesPeriwinkle; succulent, broad, oval leaves; in a sunny spot with red edges
Earth1:1:1 Akadama, basic bonsai soil and lava granules
LocationSunny location; outside in summer sun to semi-shade
Wintering
Cut/UpbringingTree shape and forests; Avoid wiring, prefer rigging
Special FeaturesSucculent, so it can take several days for the top layer of soil to dry before the next watering; very sensitive to waterlogging
Jade
The fleshy leaves of the jade tree retain water, making it the perfect choice for bonsai enthusiasts who tend to forget to water

Rainy Aralia or Varnish Foliage (Schefflera actinophylla, Brassaia actinophyla)

The radiant aralie bringswith their aerial roots and leaves, which shine bright green all year round, the rainforest in miniature on the windowsill. The tropical plant needs it nice and warm and tolerates radical pruning without any problems. The Schefflera offers ideal conditions for training as an indoor bonsai.

OriginAustralia, Southeast Asia
GrowthQuite fast-growing; forms aerial roots (rock shape possible)
LeavesPeriwinkle; long-stalked, radially arranged leaves in shiny dark green
Earth1:2:2 clay, sand and peat; 1:1 Akadama soil, basic bonsai soil and some Kiryu soil
LocationSunny (the more sun, the smaller the leaves)
WinteringNot below 15 °C
Cut/UpbringingTolerates pruning well; Distribute pruning over several days, as the plant exudes a lot of milky wound juice at the cutting points; radical pruning instead of wiring
Special FeaturesSpray regularly

Olive tree (Olea europaea)

If you want to bring Mediterranean flair into your apartment or balcony with an olive tree as a bonsai, you need a lot of patience, but you will be rewarded with a wonderful gnarled overall picture that is worth waiting for. Because of its small leaves and squat growth, the wild olive tree (Olea europaea sylvestris) is particularly suitable for designing a bonsai.

OriginAsia Minor, Mediterranean
GrowthRobust; slow growing; Bark forms cracks and furrows later
LeavesPeriwinkle; oblong leaves with dark green upperside and silvery gray underside
Earth1:2 Akadama and Pumice
LocationBright location; sunny outside in summer
WinteringAt 5 - 20 °C with as much light as possible
Cut/UpbringingVery easy to cut; only annual shoots wireable
Special FeaturesAllow substrate to dry completely between waterings, very sensitive to waterlogging

Large-leaved stone yew or "Buddhist pine" (Podocarpusmacrophyllus)

Coniferous trees such as the yew tree can also be designed as bonsai. Although these are pruned somewhat differently than the deciduous tree species, they do not make the design more difficult or less varied. The selection is not limited to just one type, P too. chinensis is often raised as a bonsai.

OriginJapan, China
GrowthSlow growing
LeavesEvergreen conifer
EarthSlightly acidic substrate; 2:2:2 clay (or Akadama), peat and sand (or lava granules)
LocationBright location without blazing midday sun
WinteringLight at about 10 - 20 °C; rather keep dry
Cut/UpbringingTolerates pruning
Special FeaturesLoves rather acidic substrates

June Snow or "Tree of a Thousand Stars" (Serissa foetida)

The "Tree of a Thousand Stars" owes its name to its summer blossoms. This is also evident in bonsai and exudes a strong scent.

OriginChina, Southern Japan
GrowthPlentiful flowering in June; forms a cracked bark even as a young plant
LeavesVery small green leaves with yellow margins or veins depending on the variety
Earth1:1:1 Akadama soil, basic bonsai soil, sand (very permeable)
LocationVery bright with no direct sunlight; outdoors in summer sun to semi-shade; sensitive to change of location
WinteringLight at 12 - 20 °C; not over the heater
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; Roots give off an intense odor when cut
Special FeaturesNeeds constant site conditions, temperatures and water; spray outside of the flowering period

The most popular bonsai species for the garden

There are a whole range of species that can be wonderfully trained as bonsai and can be left outside all year round. You should note that the culture in the bowl in winter has its pitfalls. Since the shell due to the small volumequickly freezes through, care should be taken in winter for a sheltered place and good protection of the roots from the cold, even for completely hardy plants. If this is observed, nothing stands in the way of year-round forest bathing in your own miniature wonderland. We introduce you to a few particularly beautiful species that are suitable as outdoor bonsai.

Maple (Acer)

Right at the beginning a true bonsai gem: Many Asian maple species have uniquely shaped leaves. These include, for example, the red and green fan maple (Acer palmatum), the trident maple (Acer buergerianum) and the fire maple ( Acer ginnala). However, the most prominent of the maple species is the Japanese maple (Acer japonicum). Its appearance and its high tolerance to temperature fluctuations make it the ideal outdoor bonsai, which is why we are presenting it here as an example.

OriginMountain Forests of Japan
GrowthPicturesque tree-like growing shrub, short trunk, spreading crown; reddish-purple flowers during leaf budding
LeavesSummer green to bright green; 7- to 11-lobed leaves with serrated margins; red autumn leaves color
Earth4:1 Akadama Earth and Pumice Gravel
LocationPenumbra; full sun in autumn and spring; sheltered from the wind
WinteringPartially hardy (-10 °C)
Cut/UpbringingVery easy to cut and malleable; pruning in winter
Special FeaturesVery tolerant of temperature changes; in summer, repeated watering may be necessary on hot days

Pine (Pinus)

Just like the maple genus, there are also a whole range of pine species that can be trained to become bonsai. Dwarf forms with particularly small needles are particularly beautiful here. The different species hardly differ in their care. Ideally, the cut should be made in winter, as this is when the least amount of resin escapes and the best healing of the wound can be expected. Below is a small selection of pine trees that make excellent outdoor bonsai.

Scots
The Scots pine can be shaped into wonderfully gnarled bonsai

Pine trees suitable as bonsai for the gardenown:

  • White Pine (Pinus parviflora): Soft, curved needles, five together
  • Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris): Thin, possibly slightly twisted needles, in pairs; Bark on the upper stem mostly reddish
  • European black pine (Pinus nigra e.g. nigra): Long, strong needles in clusters of two; older bark brownish gray with dark fissures forming a plate pattern
  • Mountain Pine (Pinus mugo): Short, strong needles, 2 in clusters, dark brown bark
  • Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii): Long, twisted, dark green, firm needles, in pairs
  • Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora): Light green, delicate, slender needles, in pairs
OriginMainly distributed in the northern hemisphere
GrowthBark of older plants cracked
LeavesEvergreen needles; arranged in bunches/clusters
Earth2:1:1 Akadama, Kiryu Soil and Pumice Stones
LocationFull sun, needs lots of light
WinteringGood hardy
Cut/UpbringingVery malleable; Prune in winter as this is the time when resin production is lowest
Special FeaturesVery sensitive to waterlogging
The Japanese yew has lush green needles like the European species

Yews (Taxus)

Yews are not only usable as hedge plants in the garden. Instead of keeping looks away, they can also become real eye-catchers as bonsai. Due to its easy-care nature, the yew is also particularly suitable for beginners. The native yew (Taxus baccata), the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) and the Japanese yew () do particularly well here Taxus cuspidata).

OriginEurope, North Africa, West Asia
GrowthIrregular branch growth; grey-brown bark with red inner bark; dark upright stem
LeavesNeedle-like and dark green
Earth4:1 Akadama and Gravel
LocationSunny, but no direct summer sun; penumbra after cutting; also grow in the shade, but not as compact here
WinteringHardy; sunny location
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; very flexible wood
Special FeaturesVery high water consumption; spray occasionally, all parts of the plant except for the fleshy seed sheath are poisonous

Azalea (Rhododendron)

Azaleas like the Indian Azalea (Rhododendron simsii), the Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indicum) or the evergreen Japanese Azalea ( Rhododendron japonicum) are valued for their flowers as bonsai in apartments. These so-called room azaleas are not hardy because they come from tropical or subtropical regions. Thus, they must be brought indoors at least in winter. But the genus also has a few hardy species. Garden azaleas such as the Japanese azalea (Rhododendron obtusum) or the yellow azalea (Rhododendron luteum) can be cultivated as bonsai in the garden all year round.

OriginAsia, North America, Europe
GrowthFlowers between March and July depending on the species
LeavesSummergreen; oval, oblong leaves in light to dark green
EarthLime-free, slightly acidic; pure kanuma is very effective for azaleas
LocationSunny, but no direct summer sun
WinteringHardy
Cut/UpbringingPrune the base more than the tip because azaleas are very base dominant
Special FeaturesAcid loving; water with soft tap water or rainwater

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

In addition to the common juniper, the most popular juniper species for bonsai training include the Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) or the Japanese porcupine juniper (Juniperus rigida).

OriginEurope, North America, Western Asia
GrowthReddish brown bark; black berries used in gin making
LeavesVery hard grey-green prickly needles
Earth1:1 basic bonsai soil and pumice gravel
LocationSunny location
WinteringPartially hardy (-10 °C); sunny
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; malleable by wire
Special FeaturesAllow the substrate to dry thoroughly between pours; sprinkle occasionally

Wild apple or crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

Even fruit bearing trees can be miniaturized. Apple trees such as Malus sieboldii, Malus halliana or - the local variant - the wild apple ( Malus sylvestris) is used, whereby cultivated forms with rather small fruits are of course particularly suitable. This results in a particularly beautiful overall picture.

OriginEurope, Middle East
Growthflowering in spring; fruits in summer or autumn; fast growing; scaly grey-brown bark
LeavesSummergreen; oval dark green leaves
Earth1:1:1 Peat, Pumice and Akadama
LocationSunny; shade in summer and winter
WinteringWinter protection necessary
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; Leave short shoots as they will bear the flowers in the following year; after flowering shorten shoots; wire to encourage flowering and support fruiting
Special FeaturesHigh water demand; Fertilize reduced during flowering

Elms (Ulmus spec.)

As mentioned above, the Chinese elm is one of our most popular indoor bonsai species, but elms can also enrich your green oasis in the garden as bonsai. Hardy species such as the field elm (Ulmus minor), the mountain elm (Ulmus glabra) or the Dutch elm ( Ulmus x hollandica), especially the variety ˈJaqueline Hilerˈ with its particularly small leaves.

OriginEurope
GrowthQuite fast growing; greyish bark
LeavesSummergreen; very small leaves, tapering; strong autumn colors
Earth1:1:1 Akadama, Peat and Pumice
LocationFull sun
WinteringWinter protection necessary
Cut/UpbringingEasily malleable; tolerates pruning well; Wires can usually be dispensed with
Special FeaturesPrevent infestation with Dutch elm bark beetle (transmitter of the fungal disease Dutch elm disease)

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

The high level of pruning tolerance and vigor make the hornbeam our favorite among the native bonsai species for the garden. Otherwise known as a hedge plant, this deciduous tree is an excellent bonsai for beginners. Except for C. betulus, the Korean hornbeam (Carpinus turczaninowii) or the Japanese hornbeam (C. japanicum and are also suitable C. laxiflora) to create a miniature tree in the pot. The oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) is an insider tip among the hornbeams.

OriginEurope, East Asia
GrowthFast growing; narrow, twisted branches; Bark light grey, often with cracks
LeavesSummergreen; oval with ribbing in strong green; yellow autumn color; Shedding of leaves usually only with new shoots in spring
Earth5:4:1 Basic Bonsai Soil, Akadama and Sand
LocationSun to semi-shade; shade in summer
WinteringHardy
Cut/UpbringingVery pruning compatible; latest cut in August
Special FeaturesVery hardy plant for beginners; pour with soft water; high fertilizer consumption
Hornbeam
The hornbeam has a silvery, smooth bark and spring-green foliage

Cotoneaster or Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)

The cotoneaster has everything that is needed for bonsai training. The already low growth in combination with the small leaves and the very good pruning tolerance make the cotoneaster interesting not only for experts. Even beginners can enjoy the diverse design options that the plant offers them. Cotonaester conspicuous, C are particularly suitable here. horizontalis, C. preacox, C. microphyllus and C. congestus.

OriginEurope, Asia, North Africa
GrowthWhite, pink or red flowers in spring; yellow to red fruits in autumn; low growing
LeavesSmall glossy green leaves; deciduous or evergreen, depending on species
EarthPure Akadama or basic bonsai soil
LocationSun in spring and autumn; partial shade in summer; airy
WinteringPartially hardy (-10 °C); cover evergreen species in severe frost
Cut/UpbringingCan be shaped very well and in many ways; topiary during spring budding; very easy to wire
Special FeaturesTolerates short periods of drought; fertilize from April to early September; keep rather dry when leaves sprout, so the leaves sprout particularly small
The Cotoneaster has a whimsical growth habit, which makes it interesting as a bonsai

European Larch (Larix decidua)

The European larch is also one of the native plant species. It is therefore ideally adapted to our climate and can stand in a sunny spot in the garden all year round. The actual forest giant can also be shaped into a shell thanks to its good cut compatibility and wireability. The Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is also not native, but is nevertheless hardy.

OriginTemperate zones of Europe
GrowthBark in light brown to reddish to gray brown with cracks
LeavesSummergreen; dark green, soft needles that turn golden yellow in autumn
Earth1:1:1 Akadama, Lava Granules and Pumice Gravel
LocationFull sun; the more light, the smaller the needles
WinteringWinter hardy (-40 °C)
Cut/UpbringingTolerates pruning well; easy to wire; cut from May to September; Topiary before budding in spring
Special FeaturesWatering by showering rainwater to increase humidity; never let it dry out
The female flowers of the larch have a high ornamental value

Leaf linden(Tilia cordata)

Among the linden species, the small-leaf linden is particularly well suited for bonsai design because of its small leaves. The tree gets even smaller leaves after leaf pruning in summer, which is well tolerated by the small-leaved lime.

OriginCentral, Northern, Eastern Europe
GrowthBlack root; fragrant yellowish cup flowers in summer; oval to spherical nutlets; black-grey cracked bark in old age
LeavesSummergreen; round to slightly heart-shaped leaves; golden yellow foliage
Earth3:2 Akadama and hummus with good drainage layer of gravel
Locationsun to shade; the more sun, the smaller the leaves; Partial shade to avoid drying out
WinteringHardy; winter in the shade
Cut/UpbringingVery easy to cut and malleable; last cut early August; wire carefully; Shape cutting from budding into summer
Special FeaturesVery sensitive to salinity (pour with rainwater and fertilize organically) and drought

Once you have found the right bonsai for you, the next step is proper care. You can find out how to water your bonsai correctly here.

Many thanks to Floragard for the support!

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