Top 10 Easiest Bonsai Species for Beginners
Listen — when I first picked up my very first bonsai (a spindly little Chinese Elm that looked more like twigs than a tree), I thought, “Sure, how hard can it be?” Spoiler: harder than it looks. But over the years, I’ve found certain species that are shockingly forgiving — like yoga teachers for bonsai trees, they just *get you*. Some even shrug off mistakes that would’ve killed my first ficus (Does that sound familiar?).
Below, you’ll find the 10 easiest bonsai species for beginners — complete with my own missteps, lessons learned, and honest opinions. And yes — some trees made the list not just because they’re easy, but because they *forgive your mistakes.*
Indoor vs Outdoor Bonsai — Which to Choose?
Before we jump into species, it’s worth mentioning that where you grow your bonsai makes a big difference. Indoor trees thrive in controlled environments, while outdoor trees need seasonal changes and fresh air. According to bonsaitreeforsale.net’s guide, some species like Ficus and Chinese Elm work well indoors, while others such as Juniper and Trident Maple are best suited outdoors.
1. Ficus Bonsai
Why It’s Easy
Ficus species are like the “starter pack” bonsai — tough, responsive, and relatively forgiving. They’re tolerant of inconsistent watering and handle pruning like champs. I once left mine near a west-facing window with erratic watering and it still bounced back stronger than ever.
Ficus trees (including Ficus microcarpa) don’t need perfect conditions to thrive, which makes them ideal for indoor bonsai. They’re also easy to shape due to flexible branches and vigorous growth.
2. Jade Bonsai (Crassula & Portulacaria)
Beginner-Friendly Qualities
Jade bonsai — particularly Portulacaria afra (often called the elephant bush) — have succulent traits that store water in their leaves. This means they forgive a missed watering better than most. I’ve had a jade survive a three-week trip home without drama (while my other ficus sulked).
They’re also visually stunning with thick trunks and glossy leaves — perfect if you want a bonsai that looks robust without being finicky.
3. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
A Classic Beginner Choice
Chinese Elm bonsai are practically in every beginner’s bonsai book (and for good reason). Their small serrated leaves and adaptable nature make shaping and pruning much more manageable. I learned my first wiring technique on a Chinese Elm — and it didn’t die! Pretty impressive.
The species can be grown both indoors and outdoors, which gives new growers flexibility as they learn. And if you’re in a cooler climate, they handle a light chill better than some indoor tropicals.
4. Juniper Bonsai
An Outdoor Beginner Favorite
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor balcony or yard space, Junipers should be on your radar. The dwarf form Juniperus chinensis ’Shimpaku’ has been a bonsai standard for decades and remains popular for beginners.
They’re hardy, respond well to pruning and training, and develop characterful foliage that feels rewarding to shape. Just watch out for over-pruning — early me trimmed too much and had to learn patience the hard way.
5. Schefflera Bonsai
A Survivor with Style
Often called the umbrella tree, Schefflera is tolerant of low light and neglect compared to many other species. Get it in a warm, semi-bright spot and it’ll forgive a lot of beginner errors.
My neighbor swears by this one — she left her Schefflera bonsai on her balcony all summer and only trimmed it when it grew too wild. Came back with happy leaves, no drama.
6. Boxwood Bonsai
Steady and Reliable
Boxwood species (common in formal hedges) are reliable outdoor bonsai trees that take pruning well and build nice ramification. These evergreen shrubs tolerate beginner-level care and reward consistent shaping efforts.
Got a tiny patio? Boxwoods won’t complain.
7. Zelkova Bonsai
Elegant and Easy
Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova) is another species that beginners often fall in love with because of its graceful branching and forgiving nature.
I remember seeing my first Zelkova-trained tree at a local bonsai show — its gentle shape inspired me to stick with the hobby instead of giving up after a few early failures.
8. Cotoneaster Bonsai
Flowers and Berries for Beginners
Cotoneaster offers extra visual appeal with seasonal flowers and berries. It responds to basic pruning and tolerates beginner missteps well.
Plus, who doesn’t love a bonsai that gives you tiny flowers in spring and berries in fall? It’s like a tiny edible forest on your table.
9. Japanese Maple
Aesthetic Beauty with Patience
While not always the *easiest* on this list, Japanese Maple (Acer spp.) can be surprisingly forgiving when given proper light and water. They teach beginners the beauty of seasonal change — fiery reds in autumn and fresh green in spring.
My first maple bonsai taught me more about patience than any other tree — and that’s not a bad lesson!
10. Bougainvillea Bonsai
Vibrant and Rewarding
Bougainvillea glabra is a showstopper for beginners who want blooms. This evergreen shrub responds to pruning and looks spectacular with its bright flowers.
It’s not the most forgiving in cold climates, but in warm regions it’s a fantastic introduction to flowering bonsai.
Wrapping Up — What I Wish I Knew Sooner
If there’s one thing I’ll tell anyone starting out: don’t overthink your first tree. Some of the species above (especially Ficus, Chinese Elm, and Jade) will forgive most early mistakes. And yes — you will make mistakes. Don’t stress about it — even seasoned bonsai growers *mess up.*
Beginners sometimes ask “How soon should I wire my tree?” or “Can I keep it indoors year-round?” My real advice? Watch your tree closely each day — that’s where you learn more than any blog ever will.