More Types of Bonsai Trees

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

Many are listed at the bottom of this page.



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 bonsai 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.

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?

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.

Bonsai tree types vary from zone to zone

Plants for Bonsai

• 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 often has a tree-look 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. (There are over 100 varieties.) They are 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!

• Black olive bonsai - are not created from “black olives”. Scientifically speaking, the dwarf variety is Bucida spinosa. The reason for this common name is unknown.

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