Putting the Spotlight on the Popular Bonsai Tree Types
Bonsai trees are crafted to represent the age, grandeur, and shape of mature plants found in nature. They are prized for their ability to grow in a small, fragmented glass of soil. Trees that are grown in this manner are stunningly beautiful and have a special timeless quality.
Bonsai trees are available in many species and varieties. While some of the most popular types include ficus, azalea, juniper and pine, virtually any tree or shrub can be used to create a Bonsai.
More and more people are choosing to grow Bonsai trees because of their endless diversity, challenging styles and artistic beauty. If you're a curious and aspiring grower, then the list below explores some of the most popular types of Bonsai trees.
The Lowdown on Different Types of Bonsai Trees
- Juniper (Juniperus)
Junipers are some of the most popular Bonsai trees because of their shape, colour and growth rate. As such, many people who are learning to grow Bonsai will start out with a juniper. The tree is easy to care for and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
There are also different species of juniper Bonsai trees, from Japanese Garden Juniper, Chinese Juniper, Common Juniper, California Juniper, to Sierra Juniper. Despite their subtle differences, all share common needs such as the following:
- Light: Juniper bonsai trees prefer a bright, sunny spot;
- Soil: Juniper bonsai trees like mixed, well-draining soil;
- Water: Juniper bonsai trees need soil that is slightly dry for them to optimally absorb water;
- Pine (Pinus)
Pines are the most popular type of Bonsai tree due to their visually interesting appearance, growing into large bundles with their iconic needs and flaky bark. Pines are prized for their beauty, resilience and adaptability, and there are also varieties to choose from like the Japanese Black Pine to the Chinese Penjing Pine.
- Light: Pine bonsai trees need full sunlight to flourish;
- Soil: Pine bonsai trees prefer mixed, well-draining soil;
- Water: Pine bonsai trees need water once the soil starts to look dry;
- Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum)
Japanese maple bonsai trees deserve the spotlight too because of their brilliant, fiery colours, varying leaf shapes, and rounded shape. Maple trees are prized for their visual appeal, as well as their strength, adaptability, and ease of growth.
- Light: Japanese maple bonsai trees like a bright, sunny spot with partial shade;
- Soil: Japanese maple bonsai trees like soil with good drainage;
- Water: Japanese maple bonsai trees need frequent watering;
- Cherry Tree (Prunus Serrulata)
Cherry trees are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, known for their wonderful ornamental features and no-fuss nature. These trees are also coveted for their size, resilience, and ability to grow in a small, fragmented space.
- Light: Cherry tree bonsai trees need a sunny spot;
- Soil: Cherry tree bonsai trees like a well-draining soil;
- Water: Cherry tree bonsai trees need consistently moist soil;
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Bonsai Tree for You
There are many more species of Bonsai trees, but these four are the most popular among beginners. It's important to learn about the different species to determine which one you like best. Once you've settled on a species, you can start looking for the best Bonsai supplier for your needs.
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