Types of Bonsai Trees

Bonsai are classified in many ways: shapes, size and by species.

"Types of bonsai trees" on this site means the different plant species used to create these small trees.

Where you live, what kind of space you have and how much time you plan to spend on your tree(s) will determine which are the best kind of trees for you.

Some plants are considered to be "classics".

Occasionally, "new" types of bonsai trees are introduced at shows. Sometimes they are trees we just never thought of trying.

This Neea buxifolia from Puerto Rico is an excellent "new" subject.

It has become a favorite in Florida and the Caribbean.

Christian Casellas won an award for this specimen at the 2007 Bonsai Society of Miami annual exhibit.

Photo by B. Hulnick

Indoor Bonsai or Outdoor bonsai?

If you live in a temperate climate, you may have difficulty with tropicals. (Tropical and subtropical plants are best for indoor growing). See more about how to grow bonsai trees indoors.

In climates with cold winters, tropicals need a place indoors or if you have many, you may need a greenhouse during the cold season.

If you live in the tropics, you will find some northern species difficult, if not impossible to grow.

Over the years, all kinds of plants have been experimented with as bonsai in different climates. Ask around before you waste your time and money on plants that won't work for you.

An article called Ten Steps to Good Bonsai is for newcomers (and old-timers too). If you haven't read it yet, it has good pointers to get started and be successful.

Plants for Bonsai

There is no way to list all the many types of bonsai trees, so, I will begin with some of the most popular:

Juniper - is perhaps the most recognized species. It was made popular with the public in a movie, and became known as "The Karate Kid" bonsai. The plant itself has a tree-look about it and can quickly give the appearance of nature in miniature.
Ficus - or figs, as they are also known, are one of the most popular plants used for indoor bonsai. They are also a favorite for styling canopy style bonsai throughout tropical areas all over the world.
Fukien Tea - Two varieties are commonly used. Both have glossy leaves, are woody, branch easily, have small leaves and bloom periodically throughout the year. The smaller leaf variety is slow to develop a trunk, but bears tiny red fruit prolifically.
Jade Bonsai - Portulacaria afrais much easier to develop as a bonsai tree than the “common jade” plant Crassula argentea. It has shorter internodes and much smaller leaves.
Tropical Mimosa bonsai are created from the Leucaena glauca. It is not the temperate Albizzia, known as the silk tree. Easily and quickly grown from seed.
Bahama Berry is a true tropical, native to the island of Inagua in the Bahamas. Considered a "little touchy" for indoors - it is otherwise an excellent subject.
Powder Puff bonsai are one of the showiest of tropicals. They bloom frequently and are often used indoors!
Serissa Bonsai - as much as I appreciate Serissa as a bonsai, I have never been able to grow them. I recently found out why! If you've had problems too, the Serissa page should help.
Buttonwood - There are many types of bonsai trees collected in the tropics. The Conocarpus erectus is one of the most popular. Many are old and have endured years of windblown sand, tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts and floods.
Bougainvillea is one of the best types of bonsai trees to grow for flowers. It is also one of the easier tropicals to grow. Give it enough light and don't overwater. You will have a winner at show time!