Where can I buy a Bonsai tree?
Most large garden centers sell cheap Bonsai trees, although these are often of questionable quality. If you look carefully however, you can sometimes find some nice material at these places. Many specialized (online) Bonsai shops sell Bonsai trees as well, though at slightly higher prices. If you are interested to read more about the value of Bonsai, see our article on "what does a Bonsai tree cost?". In the remainder of this article we'll discuss some things to keep in mind when purchasing a Bonsai tree. But if you are looking for a store near you, you can proceed directly to this article: Bonsai for sale.
What to look for?
Some basic advice for buying Bonsai trees:
- Buy a tree that is suitable for the place where you intend to put it; only indoor (sub-tropical) trees will do well indoors, just like outdoor trees will only do well when placed outside (check the list of recommendable species below)
- With techniques like pruning and wiring you'll be able to change the shape of the plant, but usually the trunk and the root flare (nebari) are fixed. When purchasing a tree make sure you select a tree with a trunk that appeals to you.
- Do not start with buying a species of tree that is hard to care for; it is recommended for beginners to start with an easy-to-care for tree. Check our Tree species guides or ask before purchasing a tree!
- Do not forget to ask what species of tree you bought; this is important to look up information about how to care for it properly.
- Make sure you are selecting a healthy plant, that shows vigorous growth.
- Check the pot for damage.
Selecting your tree
As mentioned above, the key thing to keep in mind when buying a Bonsai tree is where you want to place your tree. When you intend to keep it inside your living room, select an indoor Bonsai (like a Ficus, Jade or Carmona). If you intend to place your tree outdoor your options are far greater; popular and safe choices are Junipers, Maples and Elms. We recommend these tree species for you to start with:
