What are the easy to care for bonsai?

Would you like to have a bonsai but you have no idea how to take care of it so that it doesn’t die? If so, the best thing you can do is acquire a resistant species, but of course, if you do not know which are the most interesting, many doubts may arise in this regard. But, calm down! It has a solution.

I am going to tell you right now which are the easy to care for bonsai ; that is, those with whom, located abroad and giving them a minimum of knowledge that I will provide you, you will be able to enjoy this world a lot.

Index

  • 1 List of bonsai for beginners
    • 1.1 Evergreen
      • 1.1.1 Buxus or Boxwood
      • 1.1.2 Cotoneaster
      • 1.1.3 Ficuses
      • 1.1.4 Ligustrum
    • 1.2 Deciduous
      • 1.2.1 Steel
      • 1.2.2 Carpinus
      • 1.2.3 Punica granatum
      • 1.2.4 Ulmus and Zelkova
  • 2 What care do they need?

Bonsai list for beginners

Evergreen

Buxus or Boxwood

Boxwood is a plant with small leaves perfect for bonsai

Image – Wikimedia/AlbertHerring

Boxwood is a plant native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia that grows quite slowly , which is perfect for controlling its development. In addition, as it has small leaves, it is ideal for forming bonsai with vertical styles, although it adapts to practically everyone.

It resists up to -5ºC.

cotoneaster

The Cotoneaster can be worked as a bonsai

The Cotoneaster is a shrub native to the temperate regions of Europe, Africa and Asia that has an easily controllable rate of growth and development. It has small leaves, and also produces very decorative white or pink flowers and red, orange-yellow or black fruits that also attract a lot of attention.

It resists up to -7ºC, but it is advisable to protect it a little from frost.

ficus

Ficus rubiginosa bonsai, a plant suitable for beginners

Ficus are trees and climbers native to Asia. It has a slow growth but they are very resistant plants ; in fact, they are the best ones to start with. There are many varieties, with F. retusa being the most recommended as it has small leaves and a trunk that thickens easily.

Hardiness will depend on the species. For example, F. retusa can withstand temperatures down to -3ºC, but F. benghalensis or F. ginseng can not withstand frost.

Ligustrum

Ligustrum bonsai, an ideal plant for beginners

The Ligustrum is a tree or shrub native to China, Japan and Europe that has very beautiful green leaves . It is usually marketed as an indoor bonsai, but the reality is that it does not adapt very well to these conditions, which is why I have included it in this list.

It resists up to -2ºC.

Fallen Leaf

steel

Acer palmatum bonsai view

Maples are trees or small trees native to the temperate regions of the world, both in North America, Europe and Asia. They have very pretty palmate leaves that turn red, yellow or orange in the fall , making owning a bonsai of them a joy.

They resist frosts up to -7ºC.

Carpinus

The hornbeam can also be worked as a bonsai

Image – Flickr/Cliff

The hornbeam is a tree native mainly to East Asia that has highly ornamental green leaves that turn yellowish in autumn . It is a very beautiful and interesting plant for beginners, since it is not difficult at all to take care of.

It resists up to -5ºC.

Punica granatum

Pomegranate bonsai, ideal for beginners

The pomegranate is a small tree native to the Irano-Turania region that has very small lanceolate leaves and some 5cm reddish-colored fruits when ripe. During the fall he dresses in his yellow autumnal outfit before entering his winter rest.

It resists up to -4ºC.

Ulmus and Zelkova

Beautiful elm bonsai that you can have for a little care

Image – Flickr/Cliff

Elms and Zelkova are native to the temperate regions of the globe. They have leaves of about 2-3cm, of a very nice green color. Their growth rate is quite fast, and I can also tell you that they are almost indestructible. During the fall they turn yellow or reddish depending on the species.

They resist frost down to -5ºC.

What care do they need?

Chinese elm bonsai, a plant that will give you a lot of satisfaction

We have seen which are the easiest bonsai trees to take care of, but… what care do we have to provide them so that they are really good? Well, if you want to know, keep reading:

  • Location : outside. Depending on the species, it will have to be placed in partial shade (Ficus, Acer, Carpinus) or in full sun (all the others).
  • Substrate : There is a mixture that will work for all of them and it is 70% akadama with 30% kiryuzuna. 
  • Irrigation : they must be watered very often, since the substrate loses moisture quickly, especially in summer. Therefore, they should be watered every 1-2 days in summer and every 4-5 days the rest of the year. To do this, you can use a bottle whose cap you have previously drilled, or with a specific watering can for bonsai.
  • Subscriber : from spring to summer they should be paid with a liquid fertilizer for bonsai following the instructions specified on the package. 
  • Pruning : Evergreens are pruned in late winter, while deciduous ones can also be pruned in autumn when they have lost their leaves. We must remove the dry, sick or weak branches, those that intersect, those that grow towards us, and also those that are growing too much must be cut.
  • Pinzado : it consists of trimming the branches a little -for the green part-. It can be done throughout the year.
  • Wiring : only if necessary. In spring, the wire will be placed and it will be checked weekly so that it does not embed itself in the branch. It is advisable to remove it in winter, or when you have already achieved what you wanted.
  • Transplantation : they must be transplanted every 2-3 years, in spring.

Has it been useful to you? I hope that from now on you can enjoy the world of bonsai.

What are the easy to care for bonsai?

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