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Bonsai Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia of popular bonsai species with care guides, traits, and styling tips.

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Showing 6 of 77 species

Fig© Trew, C.J / Public domain

Fig

Ficus carica

Beginner

Deciduous tree with distinctive large leaves and smooth white trunk. Root spread and trunk thickness are bonsai highlights. Easy to propagate from cuttings. For warm climates.

BeginnerFruit bearingThick trunk
Gardenia© Queerbubbles / CC BY-SA 3.0

Gardenia

Gardenia jasminoides

Intermediate

Evergreen shrub with pure white fragrant flowers. Single-flower types bear orange fruit in autumn, enjoying both blooms and berries. Popular from shohin to mini bonsai.

IntermediateFloweringFragrant
Hawthorn© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0

Hawthorn

Crataegus cuneata

Beginner

Deciduous tree with white spring flowers and red autumn berries. Perfect bonsai candidate with flowers, fruit, and autumn color. Thorns require gloves when styling.

BeginnerFloweringFruit bearing
Japanese Pepper© Miya / CC BY-SA 3.0

Japanese Pepper

Japanese pepper

Intermediate

Familiar deciduous shrub from Japanese cuisine. Small leaves and branch thorns create delicate bonsai character. Early summer flowers and red autumn berries. Unique fragrance.

IntermediateFruit bearingFragrant
Japanese Privet© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0

Japanese Privet

Japanese privet

Beginner

Evergreen with small glossy leaves in dense clusters. White flowers and dark purple berries add interest. Extremely hardy and tolerant of pruning. Good root spread.

BeginnerEvergreenFruit bearing
Mulberry© Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / CC BY 3.0

Mulberry

Beginner

Deciduous tree known for silkworm farming. In bonsai, exposed roots and hollow trunks are highlights. Sweet berries are a bonus. Hardy and tolerant of pruning.

BeginnerFruit bearingExposed roots
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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.