How do you choose the right Bonsai tree species?

Choosing your first bonsai starts with one crucial question: where will you place it? Bonsai aren't houseplants that thrive everywhere. Most species are outdoor trees that require winter dormancy. Only tropical and subtropical species survive permanently indoors. This fundamental distinction determines which trees are right for you.

Click through to all our indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai , or select a specific tree species below.

Indoor bonsai: (sub)tropical tree species

Indoor bonsai originate from warm climates and can therefore be kept indoors year-round. They do need sufficient light, preferably near a window. Here's an overview of what we offer:

Indoor Bonsai Ficus retusa shape green oval pot 29 cm, height ~ 47 cm

Ficus

Highly recommended for beginners. The Ficus is forgiving of care mistakes, easily develops new foliage, and grows year-round.

Buy Ficus bonsai
Binnen Bonsai Zelkova shape groene rechthoekige pot 20cm, hoogte ~ 35cm

Zelkova (Chinese and Japanese elm)

An excellent beginner's choice with small leaves. It quickly develops fine branching, is forgiving of mistakes, and responds well to pruning.

Buy Zelkova bonsai
Indoor Bonsai Carmona microphylla shape green oval pot 24 cm, height ~33 cm

Carmona (Fukien tea)

Glossy dark green leaves with small white flowers. It requires more attention than Ficus or Zelkova, as it's sensitive to improper watering and drafts, but it's beautiful!

Buy Carmona bonsai

Outdoor bonsai

With outdoor bonsai, you have a much wider selection. They do, however, need the seasons: growth in spring, dormancy in winter. Therefore, these trees must be kept outdoors and can only be kept indoors temporarily as decoration. Here's an overview of what we offer:

Indoor Bonsai Ligustrum sinensis shape green oval pot 29 cm, height ~45 cm

Privet

Versatile: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Fast-growing, extremely forgiving, and ideal for beginners who want to experiment with design.

Buy privet bonsai
Outdoor Bonsai Acer palmatum blue oval pot 22 cm, height ~36 cm

Acer (Japanese maples)

A classic with palmate leaves that develop spectacular autumn colors. Easily forms fine branches and is winter-hardy.

Buy maple bonsai
Outdoor Bonsai Juniperus chinensis unglazed rectangular pot 19 cm, height ~31 cm

Juniperus (Juniper)

A truly classic bonsai variety. Strong growth with scale-like green foliage, resistant to rigorous pruning.

Buy Juniperus bonsai
Outdoor Bonsai Pinus thunbergii round unglazed pot 20 cm, height ~37 cm

Pine (Pine)

Iconic in bonsai, but not for beginners. It requires specific knowledge about needle shortening and pruning timing—but well worth the effort!

Buy Pinus bonsai

Azalea (Rhododendron)

Spectacular during their May-June blooms, Satsuki azaleas offer a huge variety of flowers with delicate foliage and vigorous branching.

Buy azalea bonsai

Your choice

Depending on your living situation, start with an indoor or outdoor tree. Do you have a balcony or garden? Choose an outdoor tree for the full bonsai experience, regardless of the seasons. Do you live in an apartment without outdoor space? Go for a Ficus or Zelkova.

As a beginner, always choose robust, forgiving varieties. Success with your first tree will motivate you to continue learning. Later, you can add more challenging varieties like pines to your collection!