Bonsai Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular bonsai species with care guides, traits, and styling tips.
Featured Bonsai
Showing 33 of 77 species(25–33)
© albert kok / CC BY 3.0Rhododendron
Evergreen shrub with gorgeous flowers. Large flower clusters color spring. Alpine varieties prefer cool conditions, requiring some experience. Post-bloom care is crucial.
© Hayati Mayang Arum / CC BY-SA 4.0Serissa
Serissa japonica
Evergreen shrub covered in tiny white star-shaped flowers. Extremely small leaves perfect for shohin to mini bonsai. Roots thicken well for exposed root style. Indoor capable.
Shimpaku Juniper
Juniperus chinensis
The most prized juniper in bonsai. Known for jin and shari deadwood artistry. Grows wild on cliffs, creating twisted trunks that combine ruggedness and elegance.
© Walter Siegmund / CC BY 2.5Shore Pine
Pinus contorta
Native to North American west coast. Known for resilience against sea winds and naturally curved trunks. Suits literati and windswept styles with distinctive wild charm.
© by Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0Stewartia
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Deciduous bonsai blooming with white camellia-like flowers in summer. Smooth bark develops beautiful mottled pattern with age. Triple appeal: flowers, bark, and autumn color.
© Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
Deciduous tree with gracefully drooping branches full of atmosphere. Enjoy waterside scenery up close. Very fast growth requires frequent care, but unique form is unmatched.
© 3268zauber / CC BY-SA 3.0Wisteria
Wisteria floribunda
Elegant flowering bonsai with cascading purple flower clusters in spring. Cascade or display-shelf styles maximize bloom beauty. Flowering improves with age.
© Nikita from Russian Federation / CC BY 2.0Yuzu Bonsai
Citrus junos
Indispensable citrus in Japanese cuisine. Takes long from seed but grafted stock fruits in a few years. Fragrant flowers and yellow fruits are enjoyable.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Zelkova
Zelkova serrata
The signature broom-style bonsai tree. Fan-shaped fine branching is its greatest charm. The winter silhouette after leaf drop is considered the pinnacle of bonsai aesthetics.
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Bonsai FAQ
- How much do bonsai cost?
- Mini bonsai cost 1,000-5,000 yen, medium bonsai 5,000-50,000 yen, and masterpiece-class large bonsai hundreds of thousands to millions of yen depending on age, size, and form.
- Can beginners start bonsai?
- Starting with small Japanese maple, Shimpaku juniper, or Japanese white pine is recommended. With basic watering and 1-2 annual prunings, beginners can fully enjoy bonsai.
- How long do bonsai live?
- With proper care, bonsai can live for hundreds of years. Japan has many bonsai several centuries old, valued as art pieces passed down across generations.
- What should I check when buying bonsai?
- Look at root spread, trunk movement, and branch balance. Beginners may enjoy starting with affordable raw material trees and shaping them, rather than finished specimens.
- What's most important for bonsai care?
- Daily watering is the most important task. Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, twice daily in summer (morning and evening). Keep outdoors in a spot with good airflow and sunlight.