There are few more fascinating plants one can grow than a tree in bonsai. The bonsai, a replica of a natural tree in miniature form, can provide an elegance to anyone’s home with both its beauty and life. Many people who have been privileged to see a good bonsai specimen will often want to begin cultivating bonsai plants themselves.

However, bonsai is a complex art, and sometimes it is difficult to know how to choose the best bonsai plant for you. Choosing bonsai trees breaks down into three basic components – tree type, age of tree, and how much time you can spend on your bonsai plants.

When deciding on the type of tree, you will be able to choose between a deciduous tree (one that loses its leaves), or an evergreen. Evergreens are a popular choice because they give a consistent green look that is reminiscent of the ancient Orient. They often grow tiny cones and can be fascinating to look at. White pine, juniper and spruce are common choices because the species are both hardy and lovely. But when choosing bonsai trees, try not to neglect the deciduous tree! While these trees will lose their leaves in the fall and winter, the foliage in fall can be spectacular. Maples of all sorts are a popular bonsai tree choice, as do oaks, beeches and ashes. Anyone who has seen a weeping willow tree in bonsai cannot help but be impressed by its beauty. Even trees that have fruit and flowers can make excellent bonsai plants, but these are not for the novice. It is better to become experienced on a pine or plain deciduous tree in bonsai.

The older and healthier the tree, the more expensive it is. But don’t go for the most expensive tree you can find when choosing a bonsai tree. Plenty of younger specimens are hardy and healthy. The best thing to do when choosing a bonsai tree is go to a nursery that has some experience in bonsai trees and explain that you are a beginner, so want a hardy plant. You can find many trees in bonsai that will suit your needs and the nursery workers will be able to help you. Avoid getting an antique specimen (and these trees can be as much as 100 years old!) until you are experienced in caring for bonsai plants. You want a tree that is a few years old and established, so that you will not have to do anything too complex for its care, but you do not want one that is so old that it requires special care.

A tree in bonsai actually does require more care than most houseplants. During the hot season, a bonsai plant must be watered at least daily and often twice daily. It is better to choose a drought-resistant bonsai plant if you intend to be away from home for more than a day or two during the growing season. These bonsai plants would include most of the evergreen bonsai plants. Evergreens also require less trimming and fertilizing than the deciduous, flowering or fruit-bearing varieties, making it the best choice for a beginner bonsai plant.

But, whatever you decide when choosing a bonsai plant, rest assured you will get a unique and lovely plant for years to come.