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Species Guides

In-depth care guides for beginner bonsai species.

Species Library

Find Your Perfect Bonsai Tree

Detailed care guides for the most popular beginner species — covering water, light, pruning, wiring, and seasonal care for each tree.

All Species
🏠 Indoor
🌤 Outdoor
⭐ Beginner

Juniper Bonsai tree
🌤 Outdoor
Beginner

🌲 Juniper Bonsai

Juniperus spp.
⭐ Most Popular
Outdoor Only
Deadwood Styling

The world’s most popular beginner bonsai — and for good reason. Junipers are tough, forgiving, and respond beautifully to styling. Over time they develop stunning deadwood features (jin & shari) that give them an ancient, timeless look. If you’re buying your first bonsai, start here.

💧 Water when slightly dry
☀️ Full outdoor sun
✂️ Prune in spring & fall
🌡️ Hardy to USDA Zone 4

Full Care Guide →

Ficus Bonsai tree
🏠 Indoor
Beginner

🌿 Ficus Bonsai

Ficus retusa / F. microcarpa
🏠 Best Indoors
Low Light OK
Aerial Roots

The #1 indoor bonsai for beginners. Ficus tolerates low light, forgives irregular watering, and adapts quickly to indoor environments. Develops dramatic aerial roots that give it an otherworldly, rainforest look.

💧 Water when top inch is dry
☀️ Bright indirect light
✂️ Prune year-round
🌡️ Tropical — above 60°F

Full Care Guide →

Chinese Elm Bonsai tree
🌤/🏠 Versatile
Beginner

🍃 Chinese Elm Bonsai

Ulmus parvifolia
Indoor/Outdoor
Fast Growing
Fine Branching

Elegant, fast-growing, and forgiving — Chinese Elm is a favorite for its tiny serrated leaves and beautiful fine branch structure. It grows quickly, making it very rewarding for beginners who want to see progress. Can be kept indoors or outdoors, making it extremely versatile for any living situation.

💧 Water regularly, don’t let dry
☀️ Full sun or bright indirect
✂️ Prune in spring
🌡️ Adaptable — most climates

Full Care Guide →

Japanese Maple Bonsai tree
🌤 Outdoor
Intermediate

🍂 Japanese Maple Bonsai

Acer palmatum
Seasonal Color
Temperate Only
Stunning Fall Color

One of the most visually stunning bonsai species, with leaves that shift from green to orange, red, and gold each autumn. Requires cold winters to go dormant

💧 Keep consistently moist
☀️ Morning sun, afternoon shade
✂️ Prune after leaves harden
🌡️ Needs cold dormancy in winter

Full Care Guide →

Not Sure Which to Choose?

Our beginner guide walks you through picking the right species for your climate, space, and experience level.

Read the Beginner’s Guide →

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