Growing bonsai trees used to be a specialist hobby for the intellectual horticulturist. Nowadays, even inexperienced gardeners can try their hand at nurturing these exquisite little trees with the help of a starter kit and step-by-step manual. The trees are a display of miniature elegance and bring an air of Zen to your indoor or outdoor space. We put together a guide of the best bonsai tree kits in 2022 to get you started on the road to bonsai mastery.
There are various styles of bonsai trees from across the globe with different shapes, colors, textures, and leaf structures. Bonsai trees vary in terms of their maintenance needs. Pine bonsai trees are fairly easy to maintain which makes them ideal for beginners. Japanese maple trees require a little more care and a lot of water. Whether you’re a novice or a bonsai boff, these bonsai tree kits are the perfect way to start growing your Zen garden.
The word ‘Bonsai’ means “planted in a container.” Bonsai is the Japanese practice of cultivating miniature trees in small boxes or containers. The art lies largely in the grower's ability to shape the tree and contain its growth. However, when choosing the best bonsai starter kit for beginners, there are some aspects you will want to keep in mind to make sure your growing project is a success. Here is everything you need to know when choosing the best bonsai tree kit to match your preferences.
Caring for a bonsai tree is not a quick process. Early on it requires consistent watering and once mature enough it takes time and effort to prune and shape the tree. Be prepared to put in 20 minutes of work daily for your trees once they start taking shape.
The tree shape you choose will determine how much time and effort is required to care for it.
Formal upright bonsais look like natural full-size trees in a mini version. Informal upright bonsais have an upright trunk that curves as it rises. Other options are slanted bonsai trees that are grown at a 45˚ angle and the classic semi-cascade bonsai trees with a trunk that's grown sideways at a 90˚ angle.
Consider the amount of space you have to care for your trees. If you are keeping them indoors they need to be positioned so that they can get enough sunlight and so that you have enough room to prune and shape them.
Bonsai starter kits usually include seeds for three or four different types of trees. Some kits have up to eight types. Since not every seed will germinate, make sure you pick a kit that provides a few seeds for each tree type.
Nearly any species of tree can be shaped like a bonsai, but some are better suited than others. Your kit should feature photos of the tree types included so you can choose a variety you like.
Although you won’t need specialist tools until your trees are well on their way, look for starter kits that include basic tools such as bonsai pruning shears and tweezers to avoid having to purchase these separately later on.
Every kit should come with an instruction manual for its specific seed germination procedure, growing essentials, and tips. This can be a hard-copy manual inside your kits or an ebook. Some bonsai kits include both.
If you want a sneak peek of what your bonsai tree will sprout into, check out this video by the GrowBuddha.
The Grow Buddha Bonsai Tree Kit includes everything you need to start your zen garden. The kit comes complete with 4 biodegradable planting pots, 4 expandable soil discs, 4 types of bonsai tree seeds, 5 plant labels, 1 pair of bonsai tree clippers, 1 premium bonsai pot, 1 paperback instruction manual, and a comprehensive bonsai e-book.
The 4 tree types included are:
This bonsai tree kit includes 3 types of bonsai seeds and provides enough pots and soil discs to grow two of each variety. That means you get 6 biodegradable pots for sprouting and growing, 6 peat discs for nutrient-rich soil, and 6 plant markers to keep track of your miniature trees. You also get multiple seeds of each type sealed in foil sachets and a growing guide.
The three tree seed types included are:
Natureit’s bonsai tree kit allows you to grow gorgeous types of bonsai trees from scratch. The kit contains seeds for 4 types of trees, 4 biodegradable growing pots, 4 expandable peat soil discs, plant tags to keep track of your seedlings as they grow, and a comprehensive tree-growing guide.
The 4 tree types included are:
This complete growing kit allows you to grow four different types of bonsai trees indoors. The kit includes biodegradable bamboo fiber pots, tree seeds, expandable nutrient-enriched soil pellets, plant markers, and a comprehensive instruction booklet. The coco coir soil pellets have a neutral PH and are nutrient-rich. They facilitate water retention and absorption, improving the growth rate.
The four seed types included are:
This Japanese-style bonsai kit provides you with everything you need to grow four types of incredibly colorful bonsai trees from seed. The bonsai kit includes 4 x bamboo pots and drip trays, soil peats, fertilizer, and an instruction manual with pro tips.
The 4 seed varieties included are:
Garden Republic’s mini bonsai tree growing kit comes in an eco-chic wooden box ideal for placing your grow bags or using as a planter. The full kit includes seeds for 4 different types of trees, potting soil pods, 4 x burlap growing pots or lined grow bags, bamboo plant markers, a pruning tool, instruction manual, and How-To Video link.
The trees you will grow with this kit are:
Alternatively, you may get seeds for Brazilian Rosewood, Buddha Tree, Japanese Black Pine, Siberian Elm, or Dawn Redwood.
Planters Choice bonsai starter kit is a beginner-friendly all-in-one kit with 4 types of seeds stored in vials for protection. In addition to the seeds, your kit is geared with 4 x biodegradable pots, expanding-soil discs, 4 x bamboo plant labels, 1 x bonsai clipper tool, and an instruction manual. The trees can be kept indoors and outdoors although a moderate climate is suitable especially for the initial stages.
The tree types you will grow with this kit include:
A: Some tools used for bonsai shaping include pruning shears, bud scissors, a knob cutter, root hook, root cutter, training wire, and wire cutters.
A: Yes, if you decide to use fruit trees as bonsai they can bear fruit but will require a lot of maintenance.
A: You can use a liquid fertilizer solution mixed with water every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. For best results do this after watering and don't fertilize straight after repotting a bonsai.
A: The most common types of soil used for bonsai trees are a mix of Akadama soil, peat soil, or Kanuma soil.