Ornamental Horticulture

Plants suitable for indoor bonsai

Ficus retusa (Fig Tree)
Ligustrum nitida (Chinese Privet)
Nandina domestica (Sacred Bamboo)
Podocarpus chinese Yew (Buddhist Pine)
Sageretia theezans (Chinese Bird Plum)
Serissa foetida (Tree of a Thousand Stars)

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Tropical plants

Members of the genus Ficus are among the most versatile, while many succulents can be grown in a similar fashion.
Ficus benjamina: the Weeping fig is a popular indoor tree that lends itself to the classical, upright form. It is one of the few tropicals that are accepted as "true" bonsai. The miniature cultivars like 'Too Little' are well suited for bonsai. It forms aerial roots and can be shaped as a banyan tree. Ficus are intolerant to branch down-pruning; one must start with a small tree and keep it small. They are sensitive to stress.


Ficus neriifolia : according to Jerry Meislik, "the most useful fig for bonsai is the willow leafed fig. The small leaf is in excellent scale for bonsai and the tree has good branch ramification, good basal rootage and excellent aerial root formation."



Schefflera arboricola: the Hawaiian umbrella tree is a popular, hardy houseplant that is ideal for irregular, banyan or roots-on-rock forms. Since it can sprout on old wood, an old specimen can be pruned back to a stockier shape with thick trunk and roots. It tolerates root exposure very well, is drought-resistant and requires a moderate amount of light. Under high humidity conditions, it produces aerial roots and can therefore be shaped as a banyan tree.


Crassula ovata: the jade plant is a very robust and drought-resistant house plant. The miniature cultivars like the baby jade plant (C. ovata arborescens) is considered the best plant for a first bonsai This plant will sprout on old wood. Thus, an old specimen can be pruned back to a stockier shape with thick trunk. It is kept dry in winter, placed outdoors in summer for full growth. Its roots are thin and cannot be exposed.




Portulacaria afra : the dwarf jade looks a lot like a baby jade plant and is used similarly.




Dracaena marginata: the dragon plant has an interesting palm-like shape. It can sprout on old wood. It does not tolerate root exposure.






Schlumbergera: the holiday cactus does not have a real trunk but easily lends itself to a cascade-type bonsai shape. It tolerates shade, not drought Small succulents may be used as accent plants.
Rhipsalis (Hatiora) salicornioides

Plants of other climatic origins:
With proper care, a number of non-tropical plants can also thrive as indoor bonsai.

1. Carmona microphylla: the sturdy trunk and glossy green leaves of the Fukien Tea make an attractive indoor bonsai.
2. Boxwood: found on nearly every continent, boxwood varieties are tough but attractive bonsai.
3. Serissa: this is a delicate flowering plant with tiny leaves that can grow indoors year round.