so you have arrived at the edge of the bonsai path, young sprout. You seek your first tree—your botanical companion on this quiet journey of snips, seasons, and soulful staring. Many choices lie ahead, but fret not! I, Master Mori, have gazed deep into the roots of time and selected five noble species for beginners such as yourself.
Let us begin.
1. Ficus (The Forgiving Fig)
Ah yes, the Ficus. A friend to the forgetful, a teacher to the enthusiastic. This tree is like a wise old monk with a high tolerance for your… experiments.
It thrives indoors, tolerates low light, and doesn’t fall into dramatic tantrums if you miss a watering. Ficus will even sprout aerial roots, just to show off a little.
Master Mori’s Note:
If bonsai had training wheels, this would be them—with a helmet and elbow pads.
2. Chinese Elm (The Resilient Student)
This one is a noble warrior in disguise. Hardy, adaptable, and known to survive both frost and forgetful owners. It grows quickly, so you’ll get plenty of trimming practice without years of meditation between cuts.
Master Mori’s Note:
Treat it well and it will forgive your beginner blunders. Treat it poorly… and it will still forgive you. But do better anyway.
3. Juniper (The Drama Queen of the Pines)
Ah, the Juniper—beloved and beautiful, but not without sass. This tree demands outdoor light and a little reverence. Overwatering? It frowns. Indoors? It sulks. But in the right hands, it becomes a sculpted masterpiece worthy of tea ceremonies.
Master Mori’s Note:
Do not mistake its silence for permission. It will die quietly if you treat it like a houseplant.
4. Jade (The Succulent of Simplicity)
Not technically a traditional bonsai, but who’s counting? Certainly not Jade—it’s too chill for all that. As a succulent, it stores water and forgives inconsistent care. It’s also said to bring wealth, though that may be from not having to replace it every month.
Master Mori’s Note:
Water it once, then go have lunch. Come back next week. Maybe water it again. Maybe.
5. Japanese Maple (The Gentle Poet)
Ahh, the Maple. A tree of seasons. Its leaves burn like lanterns in autumn, then drift like ancient haiku in the breeze. Slightly more advanced than the others, but still beginner-friendly if grown outdoors with love and shelter from strong winds.
Master Mori’s Note:
A tree for the patient soul. Or for those who wish to become patient.
🌿 Final Thoughts from the Old Master
Whichever tree you choose, remember: you’re not just growing a bonsai… you’re growing yourself.
So pick a species that speaks to your spirit. Not just the one that looks good on Instagram.
And remember my final rule:
“The best beginner bonsai… is the one that survives your enthusiasm.”
— Master Mori
