We present the most beautiful and popular bonsai species for indoors and for the garden - from ficus to maple, there is something for everyone.
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.
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Growth | Fast growing; at very high humidity, e.g. B. by culture under a glass bell, the ficus can form aerial roots; conspicuously thick roots |
| Leaves | Evergreen with oval, glossy dark green leaves |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Akadama, lava chips, hummus; 2:1:1 Potting soil, Akadama and Pumice |
| Location | Sunny without direct sunlight; no space above a heater |
| Wintering | Not hardy; hibernate at 12 - 22 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; can be wired very well; not very versatile |
| Special Features | Needs 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 |
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.
| Origin | China, Korea, Japan |
| Leaves | Elliptical to ovate glossy green; deciduous to semi-evergreen in indoor culture |
| Earth | Akadama Earth |
| Location | Full sun window seat to partial shade |
| Wintering | Ideal is 0 - 10 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Tolerates pruning well; Branches thicken quickly |
| Special Features | Very 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.
| Origin | China |
| Growth | Fast growing; bears white flowers in summer |
| Leaves | Summergreen; small and dark green |
| Earth | 1:2 Basic Bonsai Soil and Akadama Soil |
| Location | Bright location without direct sunlight; place in semi-shade in summer |
| Wintering | If possible, overwinter at 15 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible |
| Special Features | Very easy to care for |
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.
| Origin | China |
| Growth | Brown-grey bark with fine fissures on trunk and grey, smooth bark on branches; almost year-round flowering |
| Leaves | Periwinkle; small and dark green with white hairs below and dots above |
| Earth | 2:1 Akadama and basic bonsai soil |
| Location | Bright location without direct sunlight at over 20 °C; sun to semi-shade in summer |
| Wintering | Winter at 12 - 24 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; be sure to wire |
| Special Features | Only 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.
| Origin | Asia to South Africa |
| Growth | Creamy white, fragrant flowers in summer; orange fruits in autumn |
| Leaves | Periwinkle; shiny dark green with dots |
| Earth | Soil for acid-loving plants, e.g. B.Kanoma |
| Location | Bright, airy location away from direct sunlight; very sensitive to change of location |
| Wintering | If possible, overwinter at 15 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Tolerates 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.
| Origin | East India, Ceylon |
| Growth | White-grey bark |
| Leaves | Dark green, leathery leaves with a short blunt tip (laurel-like) |
| Earth | 2:1 Basic Bonsai Soil and Akadama Soil |
| Location | Sun to partial shade |
| Wintering | Winter at 15 - 22 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | All forms possible except literary form; suitable for planting on rocks due to the aerial roots |
| Special Features | Regular spraying |
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.
| Origin | South Africa |
| Growth | Red twigs; thick trunk; fine branching; Bark turns green to reddish brown with age; white flowers in autumn after dry period in summer |
| Leaves | Periwinkle; succulent, broad, oval leaves; in a sunny spot with red edges |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Akadama, basic bonsai soil and lava granules |
| Location | Sunny location; outside in summer sun to semi-shade |
| Wintering | Winter at 8 - 22 °C|
| Cut/Upbringing | Tree shape and forests; Avoid wiring, prefer rigging |
| Special Features | Succulent, so it can take several days for the top layer of soil to dry before the next watering; very sensitive to waterlogging |
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.
| Origin | Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Growth | Quite fast-growing; forms aerial roots (rock shape possible) |
| Leaves | Periwinkle; long-stalked, radially arranged leaves in shiny dark green |
| Earth | 1:2:2 clay, sand and peat; 1:1 Akadama soil, basic bonsai soil and some Kiryu soil |
| Location | Sunny (the more sun, the smaller the leaves) |
| Wintering | Not below 15 °C |
| Cut/Upbringing | Tolerates 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 Features | Spray 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.
| Origin | Asia Minor, Mediterranean |
| Growth | Robust; slow growing; Bark forms cracks and furrows later |
| Leaves | Periwinkle; oblong leaves with dark green upperside and silvery gray underside |
| Earth | 1:2 Akadama and Pumice |
| Location | Bright location; sunny outside in summer |
| Wintering | At 5 - 20 °C with as much light as possible |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very easy to cut; only annual shoots wireable |
| Special Features | Allow 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.
| Origin | Japan, China |
| Growth | Slow growing |
| Leaves | Evergreen conifer |
| Earth | Slightly acidic substrate; 2:2:2 clay (or Akadama), peat and sand (or lava granules) |
| Location | Bright location without blazing midday sun |
| Wintering | Light at about 10 - 20 °C; rather keep dry |
| Cut/Upbringing | Tolerates pruning |
| Special Features | Loves 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.
| Origin | China, Southern Japan |
| Growth | Plentiful flowering in June; forms a cracked bark even as a young plant |
| Leaves | Very small green leaves with yellow margins or veins depending on the variety |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Akadama soil, basic bonsai soil, sand (very permeable) |
| Location | Very bright with no direct sunlight; outdoors in summer sun to semi-shade; sensitive to change of location |
| Wintering | Light at 12 - 20 °C; not over the heater |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; Roots give off an intense odor when cut |
| Special Features | Needs 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.
| Origin | Mountain Forests of Japan |
| Growth | Picturesque tree-like growing shrub, short trunk, spreading crown; reddish-purple flowers during leaf budding |
| Leaves | Summer green to bright green; 7- to 11-lobed leaves with serrated margins; red autumn leaves color |
| Earth | 4:1 Akadama Earth and Pumice Gravel |
| Location | Penumbra; full sun in autumn and spring; sheltered from the wind |
| Wintering | Partially hardy (-10 °C) |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very easy to cut and malleable; pruning in winter |
| Special Features | Very 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.
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
| Origin | Mainly distributed in the northern hemisphere |
| Growth | Bark of older plants cracked |
| Leaves | Evergreen needles; arranged in bunches/clusters |
| Earth | 2:1:1 Akadama, Kiryu Soil and Pumice Stones |
| Location | Full sun, needs lots of light |
| Wintering | Good hardy |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very malleable; Prune in winter as this is the time when resin production is lowest |
| Special Features | Very sensitive to waterlogging |
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).
| Origin | Europe, North Africa, West Asia |
| Growth | Irregular branch growth; grey-brown bark with red inner bark; dark upright stem |
| Leaves | Needle-like and dark green |
| Earth | 4:1 Akadama and Gravel |
| Location | Sunny, but no direct summer sun; penumbra after cutting; also grow in the shade, but not as compact here |
| Wintering | Hardy; sunny location |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; very flexible wood |
| Special Features | Very 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.
| Origin | Asia, North America, Europe |
| Growth | Flowers between March and July depending on the species |
| Leaves | Summergreen; oval, oblong leaves in light to dark green |
| Earth | Lime-free, slightly acidic; pure kanuma is very effective for azaleas |
| Location | Sunny, but no direct summer sun |
| Wintering | Hardy |
| Cut/Upbringing | Prune the base more than the tip because azaleas are very base dominant |
| Special Features | Acid 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).
| Origin | Europe, North America, Western Asia |
| Growth | Reddish brown bark; black berries used in gin making |
| Leaves | Very hard grey-green prickly needles |
| Earth | 1:1 basic bonsai soil and pumice gravel |
| Location | Sunny location |
| Wintering | Partially hardy (-10 °C); sunny |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; malleable by wire |
| Special Features | Allow 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.
| Origin | Europe, Middle East |
| Growth | flowering in spring; fruits in summer or autumn; fast growing; scaly grey-brown bark |
| Leaves | Summergreen; oval dark green leaves |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Peat, Pumice and Akadama |
| Location | Sunny; shade in summer and winter |
| Wintering | Winter protection necessary |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very 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 Features | High 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.
| Origin | Europe |
| Growth | Quite fast growing; greyish bark |
| Leaves | Summergreen; very small leaves, tapering; strong autumn colors |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Akadama, Peat and Pumice |
| Location | Full sun |
| Wintering | Winter protection necessary |
| Cut/Upbringing | Easily malleable; tolerates pruning well; Wires can usually be dispensed with |
| Special Features | Prevent 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.
| Origin | Europe, East Asia |
| Growth | Fast growing; narrow, twisted branches; Bark light grey, often with cracks |
| Leaves | Summergreen; oval with ribbing in strong green; yellow autumn color; Shedding of leaves usually only with new shoots in spring |
| Earth | 5:4:1 Basic Bonsai Soil, Akadama and Sand |
| Location | Sun to semi-shade; shade in summer |
| Wintering | Hardy |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very pruning compatible; latest cut in August |
| Special Features | Very hardy plant for beginners; pour with soft water; high fertilizer consumption |
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.
| Origin | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Growth | White, pink or red flowers in spring; yellow to red fruits in autumn; low growing |
| Leaves | Small glossy green leaves; deciduous or evergreen, depending on species |
| Earth | Pure Akadama or basic bonsai soil |
| Location | Sun in spring and autumn; partial shade in summer; airy |
| Wintering | Partially hardy (-10 °C); cover evergreen species in severe frost |
| Cut/Upbringing | Can be shaped very well and in many ways; topiary during spring budding; very easy to wire |
| Special Features | Tolerates short periods of drought; fertilize from April to early September; keep rather dry when leaves sprout, so the leaves sprout particularly small |
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.
| Origin | Temperate zones of Europe |
| Growth | Bark in light brown to reddish to gray brown with cracks |
| Leaves | Summergreen; dark green, soft needles that turn golden yellow in autumn |
| Earth | 1:1:1 Akadama, Lava Granules and Pumice Gravel |
| Location | Full sun; the more light, the smaller the needles |
| Wintering | Winter hardy (-40 °C) |
| Cut/Upbringing | Tolerates pruning well; easy to wire; cut from May to September; Topiary before budding in spring |
| Special Features | Watering by showering rainwater to increase humidity; never let it dry out |
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.
| Origin | Central, Northern, Eastern Europe |
| Growth | Black root; fragrant yellowish cup flowers in summer; oval to spherical nutlets; black-grey cracked bark in old age |
| Leaves | Summergreen; round to slightly heart-shaped leaves; golden yellow foliage |
| Earth | 3:2 Akadama and hummus with good drainage layer of gravel |
| Location | sun to shade; the more sun, the smaller the leaves; Partial shade to avoid drying out |
| Wintering | Hardy; winter in the shade |
| Cut/Upbringing | Very easy to cut and malleable; last cut early August; wire carefully; Shape cutting from budding into summer |
| Special Features | Very 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!