The Best Bonsai Starter Kits For Beginners

Growing bonsai trees is an art form. Bonsai trees grow with beautifully twisted branches and unique trunks, and they fit perfectly into their cute ceramic pots. You heard about bonsais being easy to maintain, and want to give it a go yourself, right? We looked up the best bonsai starter kits to get you started and give you the sense of accomplishment that comes with caring for your own traditional bonsai tree.

While you can purchase bonsai tree starter kits that allow you to grow your own tree from a seed, it can take upwards of five years to get that impressive look of the tree that we’re all going for. For this reason, we’ve found the best kits that come with bonsai starter plants instead of seeds. This way, you can enjoy your impressive plant straight from the get-go without having to wait years for it to grow into its pot. 

Most bonsai projects are just miniature versions of a larger tree that would grow outdoors. When you grow your tree indoors in smaller pots, you can shape and mold the tree and its branches as it grows, to make it look how you want. Some people choose to start from an existing tree, and this method is best for beginners. But there are also many seed varieties if you want to try your hand at growing from seed. 

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Juniper Bonsai Tree 
Baby Jade Bonsai Tree
Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree
Japanese Kingsville Boxwood
Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsai Tree

All of the below bonsai kits come with the chosen tree, a glazed ceramic pot, a training wire, a humidity tray, shears, fertilizer pellets, and a book that will give you a number of tips for caring for your bonsai tree.

You won’t usually find bonsai seeds in a starter kit because most people are looking to start with an existing tree they can begin to shape and tend to. There are many different types of bonsai plants that you may find in a bonsai kit. If you have a preference for a specific type of bonsai tree, keep this in mind first when you’re searching. If you’re starting from scratch and looking for some advice, check out our favorite picks below.

So, you’ve decided that you want to become a bonsai owner, but do you know how long it takes to grow one from seed? Growing bonsai from seeds is harder and can take longer to get started. If you’re ready to dive in right now, you will want a tree that is already sprouted and that has some branches to begin working with. 

Buying a bonsai starter kit will speed up the process. Here’s what you need to know about bonsai starter kits.

Type of tree to pick

There is a large variety of bonsai trees to choose from, each with unique features and beautiful looks. The species you choose will depend on your personal preference, so make sure you check out all of the different options before choosing your bonsai starter tree.

Here are a few of the most popular bonsai tree species:

• Juniper: Juniper bonsai have green leaves which are either like little needles or scales. The younger the tree is, the more likely it’ll have needle-like leaves. They grow little cone-shaped berries, and they are rather robust and hardy.
• Hawaiian Umbrella: The trunks on this type of bonsai are very thin and plentiful, with thin and long leaves that grow in all different directions.
• Willow Leaf: Similar to Hawaiian Umbrella, Willow Leaf comes with thin trunks and thin, long leaves. It gets its name from its striking resemblance to the weeping willow tree.
• Baby Jade: These have small round leaves and look the most like miniature trees that you’d traditionally find in the park or your garden.
• Japanese Kingsville Boxwood: The leaves are the smallest you’ll be able to find on a bonsai, and it is one of the slowest growing bonsais on the market. Its tiny stature makes it highly desirable and therefore more expensive than other species.

What does a bonsai starter kit come with?

The best bonsai starter kits come with all you need to get your bonsai up and running. This includes the tree itself, a well-sized pot for it to live in, high-quality shears, training wire, and a humidity tray. You’ll also want to make sure that your starter kit comes with detailed instructions to ensure you know exactly what you’re doing.

Some kits also come with items that you can use to decorate your pot. Depending on how you want your bonsai tree to look, you may want to check what decorations come with your kit to ensure they fit with your vision. There are so many lovely bonsai trees to choose from, I think you’ll find the perfect one for your needs in one of these kits. 

Quality

You may find that the included items are not up to the quality standards that you were expecting. This may concern fertilizer, soil, or trimming sheers. Organic accessories are often considered higher quality, so it’s a good idea for you to look for kits with organic soil and fertilizer to prevent you from having to repurchase better alternatives.

Bonsai starter kits from Amazon

Nature’s Blossom Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit for Beginner Gardeners. A Complete Indoor Growing Set. Indoor & Outdoor Beginner Seed Kit, Soil Mix, Biodegradable Planter Pots, Plant Markers, Growing Guide Plant Theatre Bonsai Trio Kit, 3 Distinctive Bonsai Trees to GrowPremium Bonsai Tool Kit + Bonsai 101 Book – Set Includes: Wooden Rake, Long & Wide Spades, Scissors, Tweezers, Bamboo Brush, & Pruning Shears

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best bonsai tree for beginners?

All bonsai trees are relatively easy to care for and maintain. However, there are a few species that are hardier than others. Ficus bonsai and juniper bonsai are among the best species for beginners, thanks to their tolerance to overwatering and less than optimal conditions.

How do bonsai trees stay so small?

Bonsai pots play a large part in keeping the tree small. As there isn’t much room to grow in the pot, the roots become root-bound and therefore stunt the growth of the trunk. The top of the plant remains small thanks to the routine pruning that the owner carries out.

How long do bonsai trees live?

It depends on how well you care for it, but generally, they’ll live as long as the parent tree lives.

Do bonsai trees lose their leaves?

Yes, just like their full-size counterparts, most trees will lose their foliage in the fall.

The Best Bonsai Starter Kits – Conclusion

Not too long ago, bonsai was a specialist hobby that only the top horticulturists could experience. Now, thanks to bonsai starter kits like these, anyone can try their hand at bonsai. If you’re a gardener or plant enthusiast who has been considering bonsai, a starter kit like one from this list could be just the thing you need to get you started. With a few basic tools and some patience, you can begin practicing bonsai yourself. Build your own little Zen garden or choose a display table to show off your bonsai!  

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