Garden

The best bonsai

Bonsai – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis

The world of bonsai is very broad, so those who enter it begin a path full of learning, knowledge, art, beauty and connection with nature. Thinking about it, specialized nurseries are dedicated to its production, importation and commercialization, in order to spread this ancient art among those who love nature and are attracted by oriental culture. In this sense, the Pollice Verde BM-OE03 could be the one if you are looking for a sober bonsai, with a touch of elegance. Another alternative is the Bonsai Sei BS063, a captivating tree due to its dynamic design.

The 9 Best Bonsai – Opinions 2022

When you want to harmonize interior and exterior spaces of the home, plants are an excellent option, and even more so, when it is a work of art, such as a bonsai, which provides a unique style. Therefore, below, we present a compilation of the best available in the market.

Bonsai Olive Tree

 

1. Pollice Verde Olive Bonsai in a Low Vase

Among the bonsai that stand out for their versatility we have this Olive Tree bonsai, since it is one of the few trees that can be modeled in most styles; and it is that, in addition, it is considered by many as the best bonsai, since it is a tree that brings freshness and an oriental nuance to any room.

Likewise, it offers easy maintenance, since it grows very slowly, and as a consequence its transplant must be carried out approximately every 4 years, so some basic care is less frequent, compared to other species.

However, it needs to be outdoors, so it is convenient to place it in a garden or room, from where it will attract attention due to its small size. In addition, the sophisticated design of its white pot stands out among the various green tones given by its leaves and fruits.

In attention to the exposed characteristics, we invite you to read in the following section its strengths and disadvantages.

Pros

Benefits: Not only does it offer its precious fruit, the olive, but it also provides a pleasant and characteristic aroma that emanates from its flowers.

Size: Because it is a tree of only 20 – 25 cm, it is conveniently integrated into small spaces.

Maintenance: Given its water requirements and slow growth, it requires less maintenance time.

 

Cons

Tolerance to cold: This type of bonsai, being of Mediterranean origin, requires special care in the face of extreme cold and frost.

See this product on Amazon

ficus bonsai

2. Bonsai Sei Ficus Retusa 

The Ficus bonsai is characterized by the emanation of a milky latex from its interior. But, the most attractive thing is its physical appearance, since thanks to its aerial roots and the striking of its foliage it fills any space in the home with naturalness.

Delving into the care of this bonsai, we have that it can be kept inside or outside the house, but always in a place with natural lighting and protected from the cold. Regarding its irrigation, it must be abundant in summer and moderate in winter. Likewise, its transplant must be carried out every 2 years, in spring or summer. Thus, easy to maintain.

If we focus on its appearance, we could see a peculiar composition with a lot of movement, due to the spots on its trunk and aerial roots. In addition, its specialized 25 cm pot, made of dark glazed ceramic, enhances its beauty.

This tree could be cataloged by many as the best bonsai of the moment, so we invite you to learn about some additional aspects.

 

Pros

Decorative: It is a bonsai that aesthetically improves any environment due to its imposing design with irregular curves and aerial roots.

Modeling: This species is recurrent in bonsai cultivation, since it is easy to model and achieve a miniature tree shape.

Placement: It is a tree that can be placed both indoors and outdoors in the home.

Cons

Resistance: Being a tropical climate tree, it is intolerant to low temperatures.

See this product on Amazon

Bonsai Carmona

 

3. Bonsai Sei Carmona Microphylla 

Called Fukien tea tree, this model is among the best bonsai of 2022, not only because of the attractiveness of its foliage, but also because of the short dimensions of its trunk. Aspects for which it is one of the most chosen species to have inside the home.

In general, the Carmona bonsai needs heat and humidity, as well as being at moderate temperatures, for which, for its maintenance, it is enough to place it in a strategic place where it receives indirect sunlight. In addition, it will only require irrigation once or twice a week to avoid the accumulation of water in its roots.

On the other hand, the 20 cm pot that contains it is the appropriate one, but if you want to use one to your liking, it has the convenient measures to adapt to a flowerpot that aesthetically harmonizes with the decoration of the environment where it will be placed.

Below, we present a summary of the most outstanding characteristics of this plant, in order to help you in your purchase decision.

Pros

Spring aspect: This species offers small flowers in spring, which can even appear throughout the year if the plant is well fed and adapted.

Gift: This bonsai stands out for its beauty, which is a good alternative to give to family or friends.

Moyogui style: Its informal vertical design attracts the irregular curves of its trunk, which aesthetically improves any space.

Cons

Natural light: this bonsai requires a bright place, with indirect exposure to the sun.

See this product on Amazon

Bonsai Fig Tree

 

4. Bonsai Sei Fig Tree Ficus Carica

This species of the ficus genus, could be the convenient bonsai to decorate a terrace or balcony, since the sun and moderate cold influence it positively to produce fruits; and it is that this Higuera bonsai stands out for the presence of figs in late summer.

Due to its characteristic large and wrinkled leaves, this bonsai is a striking decorative element that, at the same time, also harmonizes outdoor spaces, since its appearance varies according to the seasons of the year.

As for its care, it is a species that requires abundant watering, but only when the substrate dries out superficially, so it will be more frequent in summer, given the heat of the season. Also, pruning is done in winter, and transplanting every 2 years, so it does not require special care. 

If you don’t know which bonsai to buy for your garden, you might consider this tree. Therefore, we invite you to read its qualities and disadvantages.

Pros

Rustic appearance: Thanks to the curves of its trunk, its large leaves, and the glazed ceramic pot, this model integrates conveniently with the rustic decoration style.

Edible fruit: This species of tree bears figs, which are juicy and have a sweet flavor.

Outdoors: Enjoy direct contact with the sun’s rays in spring and autumn, filling terraces and balconies with naturalness.

 

Cons

Special protection: Because its wood is soft, it must be protected from frost.

See this product on Amazon

Bonsai Ficus Ginseng

5. Flowy Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Indoor Plant

This species of bonsai could be an option if you are looking for a striking and imposing model. In general, it is characterized by a thick trunk, bulbs and irregular aerial roots; It is also evergreen, so it will always stay green.

Now, as for the care that must be taken for this Ficus Ginseng bonsai, they are basic, since as it has a medium humidity requirement, irrigation must be given when the substrate begins to dry, in order to keep its roots healthy. Spraying water on its leaves is also recommended, achieving proper maintenance of the bonsai with simple practices.

On the other hand, being considered an indoor bonsai, it could well be a good option if you are looking for one that can be placed in office spaces and commercial establishments endowed with natural light. 

Flowy could be considered the best bonsai brand. Therefore, we invite you to read more features of this.

 

Pros

Instructions: The brand sends by email, detailed instructions on its care and maintenance, for its durability as an indoor bonsai.

Aesthetic: Thanks to its appearance, this bonsai beautifies any home or office space that is endowed with natural light.

Harmonization: Due to its 70 cm height, twisted trunk, and evergreen leaves, it can conveniently connect offices with nature.

Cons

Toxic: For reasons of toxicity, this species of bonsai should be placed out of reach of pets.

See this product on Amazon

bonsai elm

 

6. Bonsai Sei Chinese Elm Zelkova 

The Elm bonsai is an indoor species that stands out for its small leaves, which are saw-like and pointed. Reason why it is highly appreciated in the cultivation of bonsai and gives it the quality of providing personality to any room.

Its broom-like design with a dense rounded top, together with its small size and specialized pot of only 15 cm, projects delicacy and sobriety, so it could be a good alternative to give to a family member or friend.

On the other hand, this bonsai could be classified as practical, since it can be placed both outdoors, in semi-shade, and indoors near a source of natural light. Likewise, it is an easy species to care for, since its irrigation should only be carried out more frequently if it is located outdoors; and the transplant should be done every 2 years.

When analyzing a comparison, it can be concluded that this bonsai is one of the cheapest on the market. Therefore, it is convenient to know its additional qualities.

Pros

Ornamental: It is a classic bonsai, which due to its fascinating appearance can harmonize any bright space in the home.

Ideal for beginners: Being an extremely hard tree, its care is simple and basic.

Versatility: This species can be placed in any bright environment of the home, establishment or office, and even in outdoor spaces.

Cons

Stains: This type of tree, if it is irrigated with water that contains lime, can present spots on the leaves. Therefore, you must be careful with its watering.

See this product on Amazon

Other products

7. Planeta Orchard Bonsai Carmona Microphylla 

Due to its attractive spring appearance and fragrance, this could well be the tree you are looking for to put it in a large window, since this bonsai is suitable for interior spaces endowed with natural lighting. On the other hand, this species is characterized by its flowering, which can even occur throughout the year.

On the other hand, it is a bonsai that must be watered, but one watering at a distance from the other, avoiding waterlogging. The transplant, for its part, must be carried out every 3 years, at the end of spring, so it does not require frequent special care.

Now, we do not want to overlook the fact that this bonsai, despite being among the cheapest on the list, has unique versatility and beauty, so it could be a good option for a gift.

Next, we have prepared a summary of the most outstanding characteristics of this bonsai, in order to help you in your decision.

Pros

Gift: Thanks to its artistic value and convenient size, it is an excellent option for corporate gifts or events.

Functionality: It not only aesthetically improves an environment thanks to its design, but also provides freshness due to the fragrance of its flowers.

Figure: This Carmona bonsai captivates with its beautiful design with a leafy crown and small size.

Cons

Lighting : This species is considered an indoor bonsai, but it benefits from being placed in a bright and sunny place.

See this product on Amazon

8. Exotenherz BonsaiFukientee Carmona microphylla 

One of the great advantages offered by this Exotenherz bonsai is that, in addition to harmonizing any space with its beauty, color, and oriental touch, it also has a reasonable price. For this reason, it is promoted as the best value for money bonsai on our list.

If you are wondering what care this bonsai requires, we can mention that watering should be done when the surface of the substrate begins to dry. In this order of ideas, in the summer it will be abundant and in the winter it will be moderate. Regarding the temperatures and light that favor it, you should know that it prefers temperate climates and requires special care in the face of intense heat and low temperatures.

In addition, it is a tree from which light-colored flowers and small inedible fruits sprout, which vary in color, according to their maturity; qualities enhanced by the design used in its modeling and general composition.

Next, we have prepared a summary with the most relevant qualities of this Carmona bonsai, so that you can evaluate its pros and cons.

Pros

Dimension: Thanks to its reduced size of 22 cm, this bonsai fits and integrates favorably in small environments.

Appearance: This bonsai attracts people sensorially, through its color and smell that emanates from its flowers.

Versatility: This species of bonsai can be placed in interior spaces with natural lighting, as well as in exterior spaces.

Cons

Cooling: It is vitally important that this species of bonsai be protected from cold and frost in winter.

See this product on Amazon

9. Irun Bonsai Zelkova Parvifolia Chinese Elm 

If you are looking for the best bonsai to harmonize any environment in your home, office or commercial establishment, this Irun Bonsai tree may be a favorable option, since it has the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. 

If we focus on its appearance, the design style is moyogi, where its trunk maintains verticality, and presents curves that soften as it approaches the apex. It also brings a sophisticated oriental touch to any interior or exterior space.

On the other hand, with regard to watering, this should be abundant, especially in the summer, due to the heat; and pruning should be done at the beginning of spring. Likewise, the transplant should be every 2 years, thus being a tree of easy care to carry out and not so frequent.

Finally, we invite you to analyze the following summary, with its strengths and disadvantages, in order to help you in your purchase choice.

Pros

Gift: It is an excellent option to give as a gift, and this tree stands out for being easy to care for.

Adaptability: It is a tree that adapts to different environments, and can be placed both indoors and outdoors.

Showy: This species captivates the eye, due to its small green leaves with serrated and pointed edges.

Cons

Pest: Like all plants, it can be attacked by pests. But with proper care you can stay healthy.

See this product on Amazon

bonsai accessories

 

bonsai pots

 

Potters Damian Canovas Pot for Bonsai

An important element within the composition of the bonsai is the pot, which should enhance the design of the tree. Therefore, the first thing you should know about this product is that it has been manufactured by master potters, which makes each piece unique.

And in this case, it is a red color, with measurements 28x22x10 cm, and for its purchase they give you the plate, which matches this one.

Likewise, it stands out compared to other bonsai pots for its durability and resistance, given by the clay and enamels used, which are of the highest quality.

See this product on Amazon

bonsai substrate

 

Batlle Bonsai Substrate 5l

When it comes to bonsai, it is important to provide them with a substrate that meets the needs of each species. This is how this substrate for bonsai has been developed to provide a culture medium that retains the proportion of water and nutrients that they require, as well as adequate aeration and drainage.

You may also be interested to know that it accelerates rooting, has mini volcanic clay, fertilizer and an appropriate content of nutrients (0.5% nitrogen, 0.3% phosphorus and 0.7% potassium) to favor the vitality of this type of plant. floors. As for its presentation, it consists of a package of 1.8 Kg and yields 5 liters.

See this product on Amazon

Shopping guide

 

In this guide to buying the best bonsai, which we have prepared, you will be able to find guidance as to which aspects to know and consider when choosing one, according to the spaces in your home, the climate where you live, and the appearance of the type of bonsai. tree you are looking for for yourself or as a gift.

Authenticity and design

The word bon-sai is of Japanese origin and means planted in a pot. Bonsai cultivation is considered an art, and derives from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice. There is a false myth that bonsai are genetically manipulated, when in fact they are common trees, which through the use of various techniques are condensed and modeled so that the height of most of them does not exceed one meter.

An important aspect when buying a bonsai is authenticity. Indeed, you should know that these are a reduced version of large species, so that an authentic bonsai will look like a large tree, but in small dimensions.

On the other hand, regarding the design of bonsai, it is important to point out that they must comply with certain general rules, among which we can mention the conicity of the trunk, where the base is always wider and narrows towards the apex. Similarly, branches should be thicker where they start than at the ends. Finally, you will have to analyze the symmetry of the branches, according to the style and their size.

In this same sense, the modeling of bonsai is carried out according to the style chosen for it, where the trunk, branches and roots are taken into account. In this way, the trunk can be straight, curved or inclined; it can have the same base with several trunks, etc. The branches, on the other hand, can be alternated on the sides, giving depth, broom type, with a dense crown, cascading, etc.; and the roots can be on rock or exposed, among others.

Placement

If you are wondering how much the bonsai you want costs, in the market you can get from a cheap one to others of higher cost, but in any case, the important thing is that you buy the one that best adapts to the climatic conditions where you live, and in accordance to the space where it will be placed.

For their part, bonsai can be placed indoors and outdoors, although it should be noted that by nature the trees are outdoors, because they need the sun and air to survive, but for climatic reasons, some species must be placed indoors. since they do not support frost and drafts, so they must be protected; and others should not be exposed directly to the sun, so they should be placed in the shade; although always near a source of direct or indirect natural light, as the case may be.

Hence, before making the purchase, you must determine the space where the bonsai will be placed, whether in a home, office or commercial establishment, as well as whether it will be in a garden, balcony, terrace, window, greenhouse, etc., in such a way that it receives the natural light that most favors it according to its species.

Physical appearance

A point to take into account when choosing a bonsai is its appearance, in such a way that it reflects health, vigor and beauty. To do this, its leaves must be observed on both sides, which must be green and without any visible pest; your shoots should be fresh and firm without any apparent damage; while the trunk, too, must look good and without signs of disease.

Another fundamental element within the bonsai composition is the pot, which provides visual impact and harmony, in such a way that it enhances the concept of the tree. The specialized pots for bonsai are created for exhibition or exhibition of this, and are flat, shallow, have legs and, generally, are made of ceramic.

Also, it is important to know if the bonsai is evergreen. In other words, they have leaves all year round, since they are progressively renewed. Or, if it is deciduous type leaves, which will be completely lost in autumn. The reason for knowing such information is that this condition will drastically change your physical appearance throughout the year.

That is why, when making your choice, we recommend that you make a comparison of bonsai, where you not only notice that they are beautiful and striking, but also that the tree, the design and the color of the pot are integrated, like a everything, to the other elements and decoration of the environment.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: How to make an olive tree bonsai?

To make an olive bonsai, first of all, a severe aerial pruning of the tree must be carried out in spring, eliminating all the upper branches, in order to considerably reduce its size. Then, it is transplanted into a ceramic pot, without touching the roots and with a suitable substrate.

Now, after two weeks, approximately, it is fertilized, and wait until it produces a strong sprouting, after which do a radical reduction pruning. In this way, you can start modeling according to the chosen style.

Q2: How to take care of a bonsai?

Bonsai are trees that require more care to grow properly, since they depend on various factors. But, in general, the most important are: irrigation, fertilizer, transplant, pruning and substrate.

The frequency of irrigation depends on the species and size of the tree. As well as the season of the year, weather, among others. Being trees planted in small pots, they need to be fertilized to renew the nutritional content of the soil they have in them. The transplant is to prevent the saturation of the root soil, and provide it with new nutrients.

Q3: When do you prune one?

Pruning is very important in the care of a bonsai, because it marks the direction that it will follow during its growth, stimulates its development and determines its design in terms of its proportions, order of the shoots, that the light reaches the interior of the tree, among other things. These influence in such a way that it interferes with the trees being healthy, strong and well modeled.

There are two types of pruning, one is training, which is carried out when the tree is young and is modeling itself, such action is carried out at the end of autumn and at the beginning of spring. The other is maintenance, or also called pinching, this is carried out when it is already a bonsai project, which has been worked on and has a defined style and is carried out throughout the year.

Q4: How to water a bonsai?

Each bonsai is different, so the irrigation will depend on various factors, such as the species, size, season of the year, place, etc.; so you should inquire more about the most suitable irrigation for yours, according to these factors. 

Manual irrigation systems are the most indicated, since they provide the amount of water necessary for the tree. Traditional irrigation tools such as the watering can, hose and glass of water are used; performing two or three irrigations per session. Likewise, there are flood irrigations, a recommended and effective technique, where the pot is placed in a container with water for several minutes, which must be totally or partially covered, and then allowed to drain.

Q5: How to transplant a bonsai?

Depending on the bonsai, the transplant technique will be applied. In this sense, we recommend you investigate the appropriate steps for your tree; and if you do not have experience, entrust this task to an expert.

In general, the tree should be lifted out of the pot, removing the old soil and untangling the roots. Afterwards, approximately a third of the roots are cut, in order to plant the tree with new soil, possibly in a larger pot. And finally, it is watered.

Q6: How to recover a dry bonsai?

In the event that a bonsai has dried up, the first thing to do is check if it is alive or not. To do this, a minimal notch is made in the trunk or a branch, if the color of the small wound is green, it means that it is alive, and certain actions can be carried out to heal it.

After this, the tree is defoliated; and in the case that it has several years without being transplanted, this will be done. Then it is watered with water, and it is sheltered in a shady place, to keep it away from the sun’s rays and air currents for between 10 and 15 days, when its buds should already be noticed. During this time you should be aware of the irrigation you need, which is on demand.

Q7: How to turn a pine tree into bonsai?

To turn a pine into a bonsai, first of all, an analysis of its entire structure must be carried out. Then, we proceed to remove branches, and then cut the excess shoots, to compact the tree. Once this is done, we proceed to the wiring, to orient the trunk and branches according to the chosen style. It is important to note that this procedure should be done in late spring.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *