25 of the Best Bonsai Types for Indoor Growers 

Many bonsai species are known to go easy on their caretakers and thrive in an indoor environment, given proper care is provided. 

And while you may think the indoor art of bonsai is strictly limited to bonsai veterans, there are plenty of indoor species well-suited for bonsai beginners.

Our Top 25 Choices for Indoor Bonsai Trees 

1. Ficus Retusa (Ginseng Ficus)

Widely regarded as the most popular choice for indoor tree species, this stellar species of ficus hails from the mulberry family of plants and belongs to all tropical regions of the world. 

Although Ficus ginseng has several different varieties, the retusa is a perfect choice, according to most pro gardeners. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The perfect bonsai to grow indoors for beginners would be an understatement when describing the Ficus retusa. Everyone loves something low-maintenance, and ficus retusa is the epitome of a low-maintenance bonsai. 

Best Positioning: The Ficus retusa loves the outdoors, bright light, consistently warm temperatures, and high humidity to develop its aerial roots. Still, it makes a great addition to indoor spaces due to its adaptability. 

This ficus bonsai tree hates cold temperatures, so you can keep it outdoors if temperatures are above 60°F (15°C). It’s best kept beside a south-facing window when grown indoors. 

Best Watering Regime: Water your Ficus retusa when its topsoil appears dry; no need to water it on a consistent schedule, as its needs are subject to change in different conditions. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: During the growing season in summer months, fertilize at a 2-week interval. During winter months, fertilize following a 4-week interval. 

2. Ficus Benjamina

Commonly known as the ‘Weeping Fig,’ this famous bonsai plant belongs to Asia and Australia.

 Its eye-catching, canopy-like dense foliage is perfect for your indoor living room. Plus, these deciduous trees can be avidly styled according to your taste. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: With beauty and muscle, the ‘weeping fig’ has a stellar umbrella-like canopy that bedazzles everyone. 

From top to bottom, the ficus benjamina is a sight to behold thanks to its impressively tangled roots. Its muscle comes from its sheer durability, as it can grow indoors all year round. 

Best Positioning: This ficus bonsai should be kept indoors as it prefers indirect sunlight and shade. It also thrives outdoors, in the bright light of a sunny environment. 

For its high demand for humidity, you can place it in your kitchen or utilize a humidity tray (pebble tray) or indoor humidifier for plants to increase the ambient humidity. 

Best Watering Regime: Again, do not water by a regime. First, check the topsoil. If it seems dry, only then should you generously water your ficus tree. Lastly, make sure you never let the soil dry during the growing season or winter months; always keep it moist. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Fertilize after every 2 weeks during the growing season and 4 weeks throughout the dormancy period, like the previously listed ficus trees. 

3. Willow Leaf Ficus

Named after the famous weeping willow tree, this ficus species is known for its tall trunk and sharply lengthened green leaves. 

Revered for its low maintenance, striking appearance, and expandability, it is an ideal candidate for your humble abode. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: With its sharply elongated leaves and an umbrella-like canopy with uniquely tangled roots at the bottom, the willow leaf ficus is a twin of the ficus benjamina, making it an apt option to grow indoors, especially for beginners. 

Best Positioning: The willow leaf ficus doesn’t mind being indoors if its high lighting requirements are met. With enough light from the sun’s indirect light and your grow light, it makes the optimal indoor candidate. 

It needs to be kept outdoors during the growing season in spring and summer. Sudden temperature changes are its biggest nemesis. 

Best Watering Regime: Ensure moist soil always prevails, as allowing the soil of this species to dry can be a fatal mistake. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: You should use the fertilizer at half its strength. You can achieve this by dilution. 

Fertilize every 2 weeks during the summers and 4 weeks during the winters (same as other ficus species).  

4. Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree (Ulmus Parvifolia) 

This beautiful bonsai boasts numerous delicate branch ramifications and small dark green leaves, making it quite an alluring sight. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: If you want to master your pruning skills, get yourself a Chinese elm, as it can withstand extensive pruning. 

Still, it is suitable for beginners because it is an incredibly low maintenance option. Its multicolored bark portrays brown, green, rusty, and reddish colors that add versatility to your bonsai arsenal. 

Best Positioning: If you live in a temperate climate, the good news is you can keep this perfect bonsai outdoors throughout the entire year. 

An indoor Chinese elm requires a hefty light, so you should allow it to enjoy full sun or partial shade during the growing season. During winter, bring it inside in a cold room – a south-facing window is best. 

Best Watering Regime: These miniature trees shouldn’t be given too much or too little water. To strike the perfect watering balance, amply water when the topsoil feels slightly dry to the touch. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Catering for new growth, ensure you provide your Chinese elm with plenty of fertilizer during the summer months, almost three times a month, making sure the fertilizer is evenly distributed. 

This bonsai tree species does not require fertilization during dormancy. 

5. Japanese Maple

With its thick trunk and hand-shaped leaves, this type of tree will alleviate your indoor living space tenfold. 

The Japanese maple loves warm climates, mainly sunny environments with enough airflow to keep it from scorching. Just be sure that it isn’t exposed to direct afternoon sunlight in the summer – otherwise, you risk scorching the leaves.

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: During the fall, the Japanese maple produces bright, vividly colored flowers that elevate every indoor environment by being an attention-grabber. 

Its red, purple, burgundy, and maroon small leaves create a picturesque sight that reinvigorates everything near it. 

However, beware; all that vibrant glory requires plenty of watering during the growing season, so be sure to make time for your Japanese Maple Bonsai. 

Best Positioning: When temperatures rise above 85°F (30°C) or below zero degrees F, bring your Japanese maple bonsai inside and let indirect sunlight do its magic. 

While indoors, it is best to keep it beside an open window. 

Best Watering Regime: If your soil has good drainage, you can water your Japanese maple daily during the growing season, especially in warm climates. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: During the growing season, from late spring to summer, fertilize at least twice a month – or every two weeks on a schedule. 

Organic solid fertilizers work best for this deciduous species. 

6. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

Jade trees belong to the dry regions of South Africa. The bonsai is a soft and fleshy species with ovular succulent green leaves, which are immensely attractive. 

A common misconception is that a dwarf jade bonsai is the same as a jade plant bonsai tree; people often confuse them with each other.

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The jade plant is another relieving indoor bonsai to grow with its thick bulbous stem and ovular fleshy leaves. These succulents are robust and do not need intensive care.  

Best Positioning: Jade Bonsais are widely considered an indoor species due to their subtropical origin. 

However, jade plants love the full sun and high temperatures. You’re in good luck if your jade tree’s leaves develop red tips; it means it’s getting enough sunlight. 

Best Watering Regime: Since Jade Trees hold plenty of water in their leaves and fleshy stems, they require relatively less watering. 

So, let the topsoil dry out a little before watering; make sure you don’t go overboard with consistent back-and-forth drying and watering. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Fertilize your bonsai plant every month from spring to summer. 

7. Dwarf Jade

The only difference between a dwarf jade bonsai and regular jade is shape and design; everything else is the same. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: You can sculpt unique shapes and designs by pruning and shaping your dwarf jade bonsai. 

Compared to a standard jade bonsai, a dwarf jade will grow better indoors due to its small foliage. 

8. Juniper 

This evergreen bonsai tree species is known for its unique and astonishing shape. Its proportions can be mind-boggling, making it one of the best indoor bonsai trees for a bonsai lover looking for ornamental attraction. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: You can trim a juniper to your delight, as this hardy bonsai species can withstand the most strenuous trimming sessions. 

This aesthetic bonsai has sharp needle-like foliage protruding perfectly from the bark on each branch, creating an exquisite terracing design. 

Best Positioning: Your juniper bonsai tree should be placed outside for at least part of the year due to its high demand for sunlight and warmth. 

Bring it indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. You can place it on window sills, where it will get enough sunlight to sustain its needs indoors. 

Best Watering Regime: Only water your juniper bonsai tree when the soil feels slightly dry. Ensure you never overwater your juniper because its roots don’t appreciate soil wetness. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: You can either use a liquid fertilizer every week or firm fertilizer pellets once every month. 

9. Fukien Tea 

The Fukien tea is a dwarf plant that loves full sun and likes to be outdoors, but it is widely grown as an indoor bonsai. Its informal slanting trunk and ovular dark green leaves make for a stunning image.

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: This Japanese bonsai prodigy is known for its delicate dark green leaves that shimmer in contrast to beautiful tiny white flowers. 

Fukien tea loves to grow indoors because it prefers moderate temperatures with enough sunlight. 

Best Positioning: Since it loves sunlight, warm temperatures, and humidity, the best thing you can do is place it near a south-facing window. 

The tree shows optimum health when kept at around 70°F (20°C). 

Best Watering Regime: It is crucial to keep your tree’s soil moist at all times. Still, never overwater your Fukien tea. With practice and time, you can strike the crucial watering balance. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Since it is placed in a small container, you will have to fertilize your Fukien tea after every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. 

10. Hawaiian Umbrella (Schefflera Arboricola) 

A mesh of gnarled trunks holds a canopy of dense compounding leaves, striking an astonishing picture. 

The Hawaiian umbrella bonsai, also known as the dwarf umbrella tree, is suitable for all indoor bonsai enthusiasts thanks to its conformity to indoor conditions: the ability to survive in dim light and low humidity. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The Hawaiian umbrella is one of the most distinctive bonsai trees on this list due to its awe-inspiring design. 

Multiple trunks ascend from the topsoil of this bonsai, making it an exciting spectacle. Its small and glossy leaves succeed in providing a lush tropical look. 

Best Positioning: They can be kept inside year-round with regulated temperatures; the Hawaiian umbrella makes no fuss. 

Best Watering Regime: Ensure the soil never dries out, as these indoor plants love moisture. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: A liquid fertilizer can be used weekly during the growing season and once a month during winter. 

11. Japanese White Pine

With its resilience and beauty, characterized by its conical shape and upright branch, the Japanese white pine is one of the most popular indoor pine bonsai trees. 

Unique Considerations Growing indoors: The Japanese white pine screams meaningfulness as this wise tree lives for hundreds of years, making it a generational heirloom for many households. 

Its design is also enticing; its branches grow in impressive wavy patterns, upwards and downwards. 

Best Positioning: Since the tree loves sunlight and warmth but is prone to burning from the scorching sun, you can place it near a bright window with plenty of indirect sunlight. 

Best Watering Regime: The soil should be kept moist, but beware of the risks of overwatering. Watering more during the growing season is natural and recommended. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: During the growing season, fertilize twice a month with a water-soluble fertilizer. This rate should be dropped to once a month during winter. 

12. Norfolk Island Pine  

The striking design of its needle-like leaves swirling around the upright trunk provides an appealing visual. This indoor bonsai type is a robust plant that loves the indoors. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: This hardy bonsai is known for its resilience; it is known as a fighter in the bonsai community as it recovers relatively quickly from even severe damage. 

Being a thoroughbred indoor coniferous tree, it will retain its green color all year round, making it a perfect option for beginners. 

Best Positioning: Since the bonsai tree prefers bright indirect sunlight and high temperatures, place it near a window, as too much direct sunlight can burn its foliage and dry out its roots. 

Best Watering Regime: Simply prevent the soil from drying out, and never have a watering regime to count on. 

During the growing season, watering becomes more extensive because pine trees dry out relatively quickly. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Fertilize once every two weeks during the growing season while bringing the frequency down to once a month during the dormancy period. 

13. Snow Rose 

This subtropical species is known for its small white flowers that appear in the growing season from spring through summer. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The snow rose produces small white flower delicacies, as considered in the bonsai community, during the growing season because of its alluring beauty and sweet scent. 

The white flowers contrasted with its dense, dark green leaves create an intricate look. 

Best Positioning: The snow rose prefers an outdoor placement during the summer because it loves high humidity, sunlight, and soaring temperatures. 

It is best to bring it inside at room temperature in winter. The Snow Rose can’t withstand temperatures below 50°F (10°C). 

Best Watering Regime: The root ball must remain moist. However, don’t go overboard and give it enough time to filter out the water present in the soil after each watering. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: A solid organic fertilizer can be used after a 4-week interval, whereas a low-concentration liquid fertilizer can be used once a week during the growing season. 

14. Ponytail Palm 

This distinctly shaped bonsai has a woody, thick trunk along with tall leaves dropping down from the sides, giving a ponytail feature. It is an attention-grabber for sure. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: Another outstanding design, the ponytail palm has a thick, bulbous trunk base. Its lengthy and waxy leaves descend from the trunk’s top to the topsoil. 

Intriguingly, the tree also develops aerial roots with time. 

Best Positioning: A great choice would be to keep it inside because the plant loves indirect bright sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity. 

The scorching heat of direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves of the ponytail palm bonsai. 

Best Watering Regime: Water until excess water drains out of the pot. Then, wait for the topsoil to partially dry before further watering. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: You can simply fertilize the bonsai after every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. 

Potted Exotics Pro Tip: This is a slow-growing bonsai, so go easy on the fertilizer. 

15. Money Tree 

As a token of good luck, the money tree is one of the most famous tropical bonsai plant species around. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: If you’re getting a money tree bonsai, get the one with a braided trunk, as it significantly boosts its attractiveness. 

Besides being a hassle-free indoor option, the money tree bonsai is also associated with good luck. 

Best Positioning: Known for being low maintenance, you can place your money tree bonsai indoors to receive bright sunlight — a window would do just fine. 

Best Watering Regime: Once you feel the soil is partially dry, it should be ready to be watered. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: These tropical plants like to grow rapidly, so you should not hold back on the fertilizer. 

Using a liquid fertilizer, fertilize it every week during the growing season. 

16. Malyan Banyan 

Aerial roots and a wide trunk are always exciting on a bonsai. The Malyan Banyan bonsai’s trunk also has an alien-like texture, which looks surreal. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The show’s star is its long aerial roots that protrude from the trunk or branches. You can test your creativity’s limits by shaping these aerial roots into various designs. 

Its trunk’s irregular texture and dense, dark green leaves create an astonishing visual in your living room. 

Best Positioning: Since this is a tropical bonsai species, it loves its indirect sunlight and high humidity, so you should keep it indoors in a well-lit and central area with adequate ventilation.  

Best Watering Regime: Water partially dry soil until moist; do not overwater with the hopes of faster or stronger growth. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Since the banyan takes a long time to grow, it should also be fertilized slowly every 4 to 6 weeks for the best results. 

17. Cotoneaster Bonsai Tree 

Thanks to their color variations, these colorful tiny trees are a sight to behold; they have glassy green leaves, small white flowers that emerge during spring, and red, orange, yellow, and green fruits that sprout during autumn. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: Along with being suited to the indoors, the Cotoneaster Bonsai is aesthetically appealing as well. 

During springtime, the tree develops small pink or white flowers that uplift its look. Once the flowers wilt, small, dazzling red berries are produced, further adding to the visual spectacle. 

Best Positioning: They love the full sun. However, you should always protect them from the sun’s scorch on extreme days by keeping them inside. 

The cotoneaster is relatively resistant to frost. 

Best Watering Regime: Although it requires significant water during the growing season, this versatile bonsai can also go through a short drought because of its sheer adaptability. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: You can feed it liquid fertilizer weekly or solid fertilizer every 4 weeks. 

18. Baobab Bonsai Tree 

Belonging to the dry savannas of Africa, this unique bonsai species has a thick furrowed trunk that distinguishes it from the rest of the crowd. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: This is something else. If you want a rare and different bonsai piece, which will add diversity to your interior, the baobab’s swollen trunk is perfect for you. 

Its small yellow leaves are sparse, diverging all the attention to the quirky trunk. Also, it is exceptionally resilient to practically anything – including pruning. 

Best Positioning: Since the species is susceptible to low temperatures, you should never let the temperature drop below 54°F (12°). 

Also, you will have to provide it with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so it is a great idea to use grow lights indoors. 

Best Watering Regime: During the growing season, water them only once, as they store water efficiently in their trunks. There is no need for watering during dormancy. 

Best Fertilizer Regime: Feed the baobab monthly with liquid fertilizer during watering sessions. 

19. Pomegranate Bonsai Tree 

These great trees provide a scrumptious fruit that grows on this superb bonsai with oblong leaves and enticing red flowers.

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The bright red flowers are the MVPs here. These flowers bloom throughout the year in intervals, creating an excellent image. 

Its small, dark green leaves create a stunning contrast to the shiny flowers and red fruit. 

Best Positioning: Although they need a warm, sunny, and airy place during the summers, they should be protected from the scorching rays to avoid potential burns. 

These trees are not resistant to frost either. 

Best Watering Regime: When the flowers bloom during the summer, the tree will require more water than usual. Water regularly when the soil feels dry.

Best Fertilizing Regime: You can apply a solid organic fertilizer once every 4 weeks or use a liquid fertilizer every week during summer. 

20. Brazilian Rain Bonsai Tree

Reminiscent of the Brazilian rainforest, this bonsai species has dense foliage that closes when the sun is out and opens when it shines. It also boasts flowers that have a pleasant scent. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: The Brazilian rain bonsai tree grows in an unusual pattern, creating a distinct and attractive look. 

The tree encapsulates the truest vibe of the Brazilian rainforest with its thick, dense, and rich canopy. Being a tropical species, you will need to mimic its natural habitat closely using heat lamps and humidifiers.

Best Positioning: The tree requires plenty of lighting and warm temperatures, especially during the growing season. 

Bring the bonsai tree indoors during winter because the tree does not deal well with frost. 

Best Watering Regime: Never let the root ball dry entirely, as it can prove fatal for the bonsai. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Fertilizer must be used once weekly during the growing season and monthly during the winters. 

21. East Asian Cherry Bonsai Tree 

Known for their alluring pink and white flowers during spring and mouth-watering fruit in the summer, cherry bonsai trees are a treat to grow. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: This surreal bonsai tree holds immense beauty thanks to its pink flowers that bloom during spring. 

You can prune its branches with relative ease, creating a perfect visual blend with its flowers. 

Best Positioning: Although they require high temperatures and sufficient sunlight, there should be cover from wind and partial shade during extremely hot spells. 

They are best kept inside, given enough lighting, which can consist of a combination of natural and artificial lighting. 

Best Watering Regime: During the growing season, much water is required so the root ball does not dry. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Use a solid organic fertilizer once a month in the growing season. 

22. Bougainvillea Bonsai Tree 

The bougainvillea is a shrub that produces purple or magenta flowers in clusters of three. They provide vibrant colors to your bonsai collection and are a must-have for many. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: It’s all about the colors of life here. 

The bougainvillea turns completely pink and red, given the time of the year. Its malleable trunks can be easily pruned and shaped into something extraordinary for your indoors. 

Best Positioning: Since the Bougainvillea Bonsai requires enormous amounts of sunlight and high temperatures to produce mesmerizing flowers during the growing season, they should be kept mainly outdoors during the growing season. 

During the winters, it should be brought inside to protect from frost. However, grow lights are necessary. 

Best Watering Regime: Water when the soil feels dry. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Use liquid fertilizer once every week during the growing season and once every two weeks during dormancy. 

23. Birch Bonsai Tree 

Known for its white bark and colorful leaves, birch is a no-nonsense species to have. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: Its twisting bark contrasts the delicate foliage above. The birch’s calmingly yellowish leaves give great comfort to the viewer; it is pretty striking.

Best Positioning: They are best left outdoors because they adore the heat and sun. When the situation gets overwhelming, bring them inside for shelter. 

Best Watering Regime: The birch needs substantial amounts of water during peak summer; it is a water guzzler. During the winters, simply keep the soil moist. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Use solid fertilizer once every 4 weeks. 

24. Desert Rose Bonsai Tree 

The desert rose is a small tree with a bulbous base and fleshy leaves. Under suitable conditions, it produces pink and purple flowers. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: A thick and bulbous stem and staggering white and red flowers create an outstanding bonsai for the indoors. 

With proper care, this hardy bonsai can live for numerous years. 

Best Positioning: In a warm climate, the desert rose can be kept outdoors for most of the year. However, it should be brought indoors during autumn and winter, and ample lighting should be provided. 

Best Watering Regime: Since it stores water in its trunk, you can water it once every 7 to 10 days. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: Apply a liquid fertilizer having half the strength once a month. 

25. Cedar Bonsai Tree 

A cedar bonsai tree belongs to a tall and handsome coniferous species that develops a slightly arching main bark with time. Its branches have separate foliages for each, providing a unique terraced sight. 

Unique Considerations Growing Indoors: There are so many wonders going on here. Firstly, its crisply scented foliage exudes a wholesome aroma when touched. 

It is ideal for the indoors because cedars are evergreen, meaning you can have your guests drooling all over them year-round. 

Best Positioning: Cedars prefer full sun and warm temperatures. However, keep them inside during winter to protect against cool and dry winds. 

Best Watering Regime: The growing season requires regular watering, but wait before the soil feels dry. 

Best Fertilizing Regime: You should use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. 

---

Credits:
Photo: Ziggyscoins via Canva.com
Photo: LagunaticPhoto via Canva.com
Photo: PDerrett via Canva.com
Photo: Phanompai via Canva.com
Photo: Benedek via Canva.com
Photo: Seksan44 via Canva.com
Photo: Gyro via Canva.com