Choosing your first bonsai is an exciting part of getting into the hobby, but knowing which tree to start with can make all the difference. Some bonsai are much easier to care for than others, especially when growing them indoors. It’s also worth considering how much work you’d like to do on your bonsai. Bonsai can be easy to care for, as well as being high maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy care and easy maintenance, look for slow growing varieties such as the Ficus.
At Somerset Bonsai, we recommend starting with a tree that is relatively easy to look after and can adapt well to indoor conditions. Here are some of the best indoor bonsai trees for beginners.
1. Ficus Bonsai
The Ficus is one of the most popular choices for indoor bonsai and is a great option for beginners. With its thick trunk, glossy green leaves and interesting root structures, it's an attractive tree that can be enjoyed all year round.
Ficus bonsai are relatively forgiving and can cope with indoor environments better than many other species. They prefer a warm room with plenty of natural light and should be kept away from cold draughts.
Water your Ficus when the soil starts to dry out, making sure excess water can drain away. With regular feeding and occasional pruning, they can produce plenty of new growth and are a great tree to learn with.
Other positives about the Ficus:
1. Don’t require as much natural light as most other species.
2. Tend not to attract pests.
3. It’s slow growing nature means it requires little maintenance.
2. Chinese Elm
Chinese Elms are well known for their small leaves, attractive trunks and delicate branches. They're a popular choice for beginners because they're relatively easy to shape and respond well to pruning.
Although Chinese Elms are often grown outdoors in a protected area in the UK, they can also be kept indoors in a bright, cool room with plenty of natural light. However, they are temperate trees and generally benefit from experiencing seasonal changes, so they aren't always suited to being kept indoors all year round.
They are a particularly fast-growing species making them great fun for those wanting to shape and style their bonsai, or purely just to enjoy some relaxing pruning.
3 reasons why the Chinese Elm is ideal for beginners:
1. -It is one of the most resilient and hardy types of bonsai.
2. - It is very natural looking and represents a real tree growing outdoors.
3. -They are fast growing and easy to prune making them great fun to look after.
3. Jade Bonsai
Jade bonsai are a great option for beginners who want a tree that doesn't need watering as frequently. Their thick trunks and fleshy leaves give them a distinctive appearance, while their ability to store water makes them relatively low maintenance.
Jade bonsai need a bright position, ideally near a sunny window, and prefer warmer temperatures. Allow the soil to dry out between watering, as too much water can cause the roots to rot.
They respond well to pruning and can be shaped over time, making them a rewarding choice for anyone new to bonsai. In the UK, they should be kept indoors during colder months and protected from frost.
3 reasons why they’re great for beginners:
1. - Need less watering than any other species.
2. -Low maintenance due to their slow growth.
-They love the warmth and can therefore thrive in conservatoires or other warm spaces
4. Chinese Sweet Plum (Sageretia)
The Chinese Sweet Plum is another attractive indoor bonsai and very underrated if you ask us here at Somerset Bonsai. Known for its small leaves, fine branching and textured bark, this bonsai can thrive in warm, bright areas of your home. If temperatures get warm enough it can produce tiny flowers and small fruits under suitable conditions.
Although it needs a little more attention than a Ficus, it's a lovely option for beginners who want to try something a bit different. Their new growth often comes through a reddish colour and are moderate maintenance meaning you will have some pruning but it won’t be as full on as the Chinese Elm.
3 reasons why they make a lovely addition to you home:
1. - Striking colour foliage.
2. - Hardy and resilient.
3. - Fruits through the summer months.
5. Pepper Bonsai
The Pepper Bonsai is a lovely choice for anyone looking for something a little different. Known for its small, delicate leaves and attractive branching, it can make a beautiful addition to the home. Its foliage can also release a pleasant, peppery scent when rubbed.
Pepper bonsai prefer a warm, bright position indoors, away from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. They need regular watering, so check the soil frequently and water when the surface begins to dry out, allowing excess water to drain away.
Regular feeding during the growing season will help encourage healthy growth, while occasional pruning will keep the tree looking neat and maintain its shape.
Whilst they are not quite as hardy as the other four species mentioned, it does make up for it in beauty.
3 reason why you should consider the Pepper bonsai:
1. -Incredible zesty smell.
2. -Slow growing and low maintenance.
3. - Enjoy cool or warm temperatures in your house.
