List of the 22 most popular Bonsai

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

Bonsai is a form of garden art in which various plants, usually shrubs or trees, are transformed into a miniature version of themselves through targeted cultivation and pruning of roots and branches. We will introduce you to the most popular types of bonsai and their special care requirements.

Which species are suitable as bonsai?

There are no strict restrictions – the main thing is that the plant used can be deliberately constrained and kept small. Small-leaved trees and needle tree species are particularly suitable for this, because the fine greenery goes perfectly with the rest of the bonsai's miniature design, creating an optimal overall picture. Good cutting tolerance is also an benefit, because only through regular pruning of the bonsai you can achieve an impressive and creative design of the different bonsai styles. Over the centuries, classic bonsai species have developed that decorate Japanese gardens and rooms. In this article, we will give you a brief insight into the diversity of bonsai and present the most popular species for indoor and outdoor use.

The most popular indoor bonsai species

The indoor bonsai is probably the best-known form of the miniature trees in our culture. Most indoor bonsai are small exotic plants that reside all year round on the windowsill. In summer, you can do most species a favor by occasionally moving them to a sunny place outside. They should only spend the winter protected, as the species are usually not winter hardy and sometimes have problems at temperatures below 59°F. Otherwise, there is a wide range of different plants that are suitable for beginners and professionals alike and, thanks to their different growth habits and wide variety of leaf shapes, allow for a broad spectrum of bonsai styles.

1. Chinese fig / laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng')

This plant, known as the Chinese fig or laurel fig, is the quintessential beginner's indoor bonsai: the ficus is very robust and is characterized by rapid growth, high adaptability and high tolerance to pruning. These characteristics, combined with its affordability, make it the perfect bonsai for beginners.

Origin: Southeast Asia
Growth: Fast-growing; in very high humidity, e.g. when grown under a glass bell, the ficus can develop aerial roots; strikingly thick root system
Foliage: Evergreen with oval, glossy dark green leaves
Soil: 1:1:1 akadama, lava grit, humus; 2:1:1 potting soil, akadama and pumice
Location: Sunny without direct sunlight; no place above a heater
Wintering: Not winter hardy; hibernate at 54-72 °F
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; takes wire very well; not very versatile in terms of design
Special features: Needs high humidity (e.g. by spraying the plant), never allow the substrate to dry out; if the ficus spends the summer (> 59 °F) outside, it should be pruned beforehand to reduce evaporation.

2. Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

The Chinese elm is also wonderfully suited for beginners. The plant is very forgiving of minor care mistakes and is characterized by a high degree of robustness and adaptability.

Origin: China, Korea, Japan
Foliage: Elliptical to ovate in glossy green; semi-evergreen when grown indoors
Soil: Akadama soil
Location: Full sunny window seat to partial shade
Winter storage: 32 – 50 °F is ideal
Pruning/training: Tolerant to pruning; branches quickly thicken
Special features: Very easy to care for

3. Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinensis)

The Chinese privet also thrives in slightly shadier spots and is extremely undemanding in terms of care – only the location of this bonsai should be warm. The Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is also wonderfully suited for training into an indoor bonsai. If you want to place a privet bonsai in the garden, it is better to use Ligustrum ovalifolium, L. lucidum or the common privet (Ligustrum vulgare). These are hardy to at least 14 °F and will recover well after freezing back.

Origin: China
Growth: Fast growing; bears white flowers in summer
Foliage: Summer green; small and dark green
Soil: 1:2 basic bonsai soil and akadama soil
Location: Bright location without direct sunlight; place in partial shade in summer
Wintering: If possible, overwinter at 59 °F
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning
Special features: Very easy to care for

4. Fukien Tea (Carmona microphylla, also Ehretia microphylla or Ehretia buxifolia)

The Fuke tea, which is heavy with flowers, is also suitable for careful bonsai beginners in terms of its care requirements. Only when it comes to shaping it, a little experience is needed, because the plant should definitely be wired to maintain a harmonious shape.

Origin: China
Growth: Brown-grey bark with fine cracks on the trunk and grey, smooth bark on the branches; flowers almost all year round.
Foliage: Evergreen; small and dark green with white hairs below and dots above.
Soil: 2:1 Akadama and basic bonsai soil.
Location: A bright location without direct sunlight at over 68 °F; in summer, sun to partial shade
Winter storage: Overwinter at 54–75 °F
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; absolutely wire
Special features: Only use organic fertilizer, as the roots are very sensitive; ensure sufficient humidity by spraying

5. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

The gardenia has a particularly tropical appearance, but this only comes into its own when the plant is treated properly. Therefore, this sensitive plant is considered more of an advanced bonsai.

Origin: Asia to South Africa
Growth: Creamy white, fragrant flowers in summer; orange fruits in fall
Foliage: Evergreen; glossy dark green with spots
Soil: Soil for acid-loving plants, e.g. Kanuma
Location: Light, airy location without direct sunlight; reacts very sensitively to changes in location
Wintering: If possible, overwinter at 59 °F
Pruning/training: Tolerant of pruning; prune from May after flowering; do not prune from August onwards to avoid removing flower buds

6. Banyan fig (Ficus retusa)

The Banyan fig is the second Ficus on our list. However, it is not offered as often as the Ficus ˈGinsengˈ, which can sometimes be found even in discount stores. However, this Ficus is much better suited for designing a bonsai than its more prominent relative. Its overall appearance is much more harmonious and beautiful aerial roots are also formed under indoor conditions.

Origin: East India, Ceylon
Growth: Whitish-grey bark
Foliage: Dark green, leathery leaves with a short blunt tip (laurel-like)
Soil: 2:1 basic bonsai soil and akadama soil
Location: Sun to partial shade
Wintering: Hibernate at 59–72 °F
Pruning/training: All shapes possible except the literate form; suitable for planting on rocks due to its aerial roots
Special features: Regular spraying

7. Jade tree (Portulacaria afra)

The Jade tree is a succulent plant with fleshy, shiny leaves that immediately catch the eye. As a small bonsai, it combines Asian precision with the exotic look of a plant from the African savannah.

Origin: South Africa
Growth: reddish branches; thick trunk; fine branching; bark changes from green to reddish brown with age; white flowers in fall after dry periods in summer
Foliage: evergreen; succulent, broad, oval leaves; with red edges in a sunny location
Soil: 1:1:1 Akadama, basic bonsai soil and lava granules
Location: Sunny location; outside in summer sun to partial shade
Wintering: Hibernate at 46–72 °F
Pruning/training: Tree shape and forests; avoid wiring, use tensioning instead
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.

8. Schefflera or Brazilian palm (Schefflera actinophylla, Brassaia actinophyla)

The umbrella plant brings the rainforest to your windowsill in miniature format, with its aerial roots and leaves that shine in bright green all year round. This tropical plant needs it to be nice and warm and can also withstand radical pruning without any issues. This makes the Schefflera ideal for training into an indoor bonsai.

Origin: Australia, Southeast Asia
Growth: Fast-growing; forms aerial roots (rock shape possible)
Foliage: Evergreen; long-stemmed, radiating leaves in a glossy dark green
Soil: 1:2:2 loam, sand and peat; 1:1 akadama soil, basic bonsai soil and some kiryu soil
Location: Sunny (the more sun, the smaller the leaves)
Winter storage: Not below 59 °F
Pruning/training: Tolerant to pruning; spread pruning over several days, as the plant secretes a lot of milky wound sap at the pruning sites; radical pruning instead of wiring
Special features: Regular spraying

9. Olive tree (Olea europaea)

If you want to bring a bit of the Mediterranean into your home or onto your balcony with a bonsai olive tree, you will need a lot of patience. However, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, gnarled appearance that is well worth the wait. Because of its small leaves and stocky growth, the wild olive tree (Olea europaea sylvestris) is particularly suitable for creating a bonsai.

Origin: Asia Minor, Mediterranean region
Growth: Robust; slow-growing; bark forms cracks and furrows later
Foliage: Evergreen; elongated leaves with dark green upper and silvery gray underside
Soil: 1:2 Akadama and pumice gravel
Location: Bright location; sunny outside in summer
winter storage: at 41–68 °F with as much light as possible
pruning/training: tolerates pruning very well; only annual shoots can be wired
special features: allow the substrate to dry out completely between watering, very sensitive to waterlogging

10. Large-leaved yew or “Buddhist pine” (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

Conifers such as the yew can also be shaped into bonsai. These are pruned a little differently than deciduous bonsai, but this does not make the design more difficult or less diverse. The choice is not limited to just one species; P. chinensis is also often trained as a bonsai tree.

Origin: Japan, China
Growth: Slow growing
Foliage: Evergreen conifer
Soil: Slightly acidic substrate; 2:2:2 loam (or akadama), peat and sand (or lava granules)
Location: Bright location without direct midday sun
Wintering: Bright at around 50–68 °F; keep rather dry
Pruning/training: Tolerant to pruning
Special features: Prefers acidic substrates

11. June snow or “thousand-star tree” (Serissa foetida)

The “thousand-star tree” owes its name to its summer blossoms. These are also abundant in the bonsai and have a strong scent.

Origin: China, southern Japan
Growth: Abundant flowering in June; develops a cracked bark even as a young plant
Foliage: Very small green leaves, which have yellow edges or veins depending on the variety
Soil: 1:1:1 Akadama soil, basic bonsai soil, sand (very permeable)
Location: Very bright without direct sunlight; outside in summer sun to partial shade; sensitive to changes in location
Winter storage: Bright at 54–68 °F; not above the radiator
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; roots give off an intense odor when pruned
Special features: Needs consistent location conditions, temperatures, and water; mist when not in bloom

The most popular bonsai species for the garden

There are a number of species that can be beautifully trained as bonsai and can be kept outside all year round. You should be aware, however, that there are pitfalls to growing them in a pot in winter. Since the bowl freezes through quickly due to the small volume, even completely hardy plants should be placed in a sheltered spot in winter and the roots should be well protected from the cold. If this is taken into account, there is nothing to stop you from bathing in the forest all year round in your own miniature wonderland. We present a few particularly beautiful species that are suitable for outdoor bonsai.

12. Maple (Acer)

Let's start with a real bonsai gem: many Asian maple species have uniquely shaped leaves. These include, for example, the red and green Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), the trident maple (Acer buergerianum) and the fire maple (Acer ginnala). The most prominent of the maple species, however, is the Japanese maple (Acer japonicum). Its appearance and high tolerance of 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 shrub, short trunk, wide spreading crown; reddish-purple flowers when the leaves appear.
Foliage: Summer green in bright green; 7- to 11-lobed leaves with toothed leaf margin; red autumn foliage color.
Soil: 4:1 Akadama soil and pumice gravel.
Location: Partial shade; full sun in fall and spring; protected from wind
Winter storage: Moderately winter-hardy (14 °F)
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning and easy to shape; prune in winter
Special features: Very tolerant of temperature fluctuations; may need to be watered several times on hot days in summer

13. Pines (Pinus)

Just as with the maple genus, there are also a whole range of pine species that can be trained as bonsai. Dwarf forms with particularly small needles are especially beautiful here. The different species require almost the same care. Ideally, pruning should be done in winter, as the least resin leakage and the best wound healing can be expected at this time.

Origin: Mainly spread in the northern hemisphere
Growth: Cracked bark on older plants
Foliage: Evergreen needles; arranged in bundles/clusters
Soil: 2:1:1 Akadama, Kiryu soil and pumice gravel
Location: Full sun, needs a lot of light
Winterization: Well hardy
Pruning/Training: Very malleable; prune in winter when there is the least resin production
Special Features: Very sensitive to waterlogging

Pine trees that make good bonsai for the garden:

Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora): soft, curved needles, arranged in groups of five
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris): thin, slightly twisted needles, arranged in groups of two; bark on the upper trunk usually reddish
European black pine (Pinus nigra sbsp. nigra): long, sturdy needles in clusters of two; older bark brownish grey with dark cracks, forming a plate pattern
Mountain pine (Pinus mugo): Short, sturdy needles, in pairs in tufts, dark brown bark
Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii): Long, twisted, dark green, sturdy needles, in pairs
Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora): Light green, delicate, slender needles, in pairs

14. Yews (Taxus)

Yews are not only useful as hedge plants in the garden. Instead of hiding views, they can also become a real eye-catcher as bonsai. Due to their easy-care nature, the yew is also particularly suitable for beginners. The native common yew (Taxus baccata), the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) and the Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) are particularly good for this.

Origin: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Growth: Irregular branch growth; grey-brown bark with red inner bark; dark, upright trunk
Foliage: Needle-like and dark green
Soil: 4:1 Akadama and gravel
Location: Sunny, but without direct summer sun; partial shade after pruning; will also grow in the shade, but not as compactly
Winter hardiness: Winter hardy; sunny location
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; very flexible wood
Special features: Very high water consumption; occasional spraying, all parts of the plant except the fleshy seed sheath are poisonous

15. Azalea (Rhododendron)

Azaleas such as the Indian azalea (Rhododendron simsii), the Satsuki azalea (Rhododendron indicum) or the evergreen Japanese azalea (Rhododendron japonicum) are prized as bonsai plants in apartments because of their flowers. These so-called indoor azaleas are not winter-hardy, as they originate from tropical or subtropical regions. This means that they have to be brought indoors, at least during the winter. However, the genus also includes 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: Depending on the species, flowering occurs between March and July
Foliage: Summer green; oval, elongated leaves in light to dark green
Soil: Lime-free, slightly acidic; pure Kanuma is very suitable for azaleas
Location: Sunny, but without direct summer sun
Wintering: Hardy
Pruning/training: Trim the base more than the top, as azaleas are very base-dominant
Special features: likes acidity; water with soft tap water or rainwater

16. Common juniper (Juniperus communis)

The most popular juniper species for bonsai training include the common juniper, the Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) and the Japanese hedgehog juniper (Juniperus rigida).

Origin: Europe, North America, Western Asia
Growth: Reddish-brown bark; black berries used to make gin
Foliage: Very hard gray-green, prickly needles
Soil: 1:1 basic bonsai soil and pumice gravel
Location: Sunny location
Wintering: Conditionally hardy (14 °F); sunny
Pruning/Training: Very tolerant of pruning; can be shaped using wires
Special Features: Allow the substrate to dry well between watering; spray occasionally

17. Wild apple or crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

Even fruit-bearing trees can be grown in miniature form. Apple trees such as Malus sieboldii, Malus halliana or the native variety, the wild apple (Malus sylvestris), are particularly popular for their beautiful flowers, although cultivated varieties with rather small fruits are of course more suitable. This results in a particularly beautiful overall picture.

Origin: Europe, the Near East
Growth: Blossoms in spring; bears fruit in summer or fall; fast-growing; flaky gray-brown bark
Foliage: Summer-green; oval dark-green leaves
Soil: 1:1:1 peat, pumice gravel and akadama
Location: Sunny; provide shade in summer and winter
Winterization: Needs winter protection
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; leave short shoots as these will bear flowers the following year; after flowering, shorten shoots; wire to encourage flowering and as support during fruiting
Special features: High water requirements; reduce fertilization during flowering

18. 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 wych elm (Ulmus glabra) or the dutch elm (Ulmus x hollandica), especially the 'Jaqueline Hiler' cultivar with its particularly small leaves, are suitable for this.

Origin: Europe
Growth: Fairly fast growing; greyish bark
Foliage: Summer green; very small leaves, tapering; strong fall color
Soil: 1:1:1 Akadama, peat and pumice gravel
Location: Full sun
Winterization: Winter protection necessary
Pruning/Training: Easily shaped; tolerates pruning well; usually can be grown without wires
Special Features: Prevent infestation with the elm bark beetle (vector of the fungal disease “Dutch elm disease”)

19. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

The high tolerance to pruning and vigorous growth make the hornbeam our favorite among the native bonsai species for the garden. This deciduous shrub, which is otherwise better known as a hedge plant, is an excellent bonsai for beginners. Apart from C. betulus, the Korean hornbeam (Carpinus turczaninowii) or the Japanese hornbeam (C. japonicum and C. laxiflora) are also suitable for creating a miniature tree in a bowl. The oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) is considered an insider tip among hornbeams.

Origin: Europe, East Asia
Growth: Fast growing; narrow, twisted branches; light gray bark, often with cracks
Foliage: Deciduous; oval with ribbing in bright green; yellow fall color; usually only loses its leaves with the new shoots in spring
Soil: 5:4:1 basic bonsai soil, akadama and sand
Location: Sun to partial shade; provide shade in summer
Winter storage: Hardy
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning; prune no later than August
Special features: Very robust beginner's plant; water with soft water; high fertilizer consumption

20. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster has everything you need for a bonsai. Its naturally low growth, small leaves and excellent pruning tolerance make it an interesting prospect for more than just experts. Beginners can also enjoy the many design possibilities that the plant offers. Cotoneaster conspicuous, C. horizontalis, C. preacox, C. microphyllus and C. congestus are particularly suitable here.

Origin: Europe, Asia, North Africa
Growth: White, pink or red flowers in spring; yellow to red fruits in fall; low-growing
Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves; deciduous or evergreen, depending on the species
Soil: Pure Akadama or basic bonsai soil
Location: Sun in spring and fall; partial shade in summer; airy
Winter storage: Conditionally hardy (14 °F); cover evergreen species in case of heavy frost
Pruning/training: Can be shaped very well and in many different ways; topiary during spring growth; very suitable for wiring
Special features: Tolerates short dry periods; fertilize from April to early September; keep rather dry during leaf sprouting, so the leaves sprout particularly small

21. European larch (Larix decidua)

The European larch is also a native plant species. It is ideally suited to our climate and can be kept in a sunny spot in the garden all year round. This forest giant can also be pruned and trained to form a bowl shape. The Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is also non-native, but is equally resilient. Its grey-green needles and reddish-brown, cracked bark are visually appealing.

Origin: Temperate zones of Europe
Growth: Bark in light brown to reddish-grey-brown with cracks
Foliage: Deciduous; dark green, soft needles that turn golden yellow in the fall
Soil: 1:1:1 akadama, lava granules and pumice gravel
Location: Full sun; the more light, the smaller the needles
Overwintering: Hardy (-40 °F)
Pruning/training: Tolerant of pruning; easy to train; prune from May to September; topiary before budding in spring
Special features: Water generously with rainwater to increase humidity; never allow to dry out

22. Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

The small leaves of the small-leaved lime make it particularly suitable for bonsai styling. The tree will have even smaller leaves after summer pruning, which the small-leaved lime tolerates very well.

Origin: Central, Northern and Eastern Europe
Growth: black root collar; fragrant yellowish cup-shaped flowers in summer; oval to spherical nuts; black-grey cracked bark when old
Foliage: Summer green; round to slightly heart-shaped leaves; golden yellow color
Soil: 3:2 acadama and humus with a good drainage layer of gravel
Location: Sun to shade; the more sun, the smaller the leaves; partial shade to avoid drying out
Winter hardiness: Winter-hardy; overwinter in shade
Pruning/training: Very tolerant of pruning and easy to shape; last pruning in early August; carefully train into a wire; shape pruning from budding to summer
Special features: Very sensitive to salt build-up (use rainwater for watering and organic fertilizers) and dryness