Best Bonsai Tree Kits for the Ultimate Zen Garden
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.
Best Bonsai Tree Kit: A Buying Guide
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.
What to Consider When Choosing Bonsai Tree Kits
Time requirements
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.
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.
Space
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.
Tree types
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.
Tools
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.
Instructions
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.
Comparing the Leading Bonsai Tree Kits of 2022
Grow Buddha Bonsai Tree Kit
– Best Overall
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:
- The Japanese Red Maple, which grows into an umbrella shape. This species offers a unique and enchanting look that is easily recognizable.
- The Wisteria, which is an excellent choice for outdoor growing with a unique scent and thick trunk. It is relatively free of disease and pests and displays delightful purple blossoms.
- The Japanese Black Pine, a classic bonsai species that are popular in Japan. It is hardy with good resistance to varying conditions. The tree has thick long needles which can be kept short by regular trimming.
- Judas Tree, which offers a gorgeous display of deep pink flowers in spring when ready to blossom.
- The kit includes bonsai tree clippers
- Seed batches have been tested to ensure quality
- A comprehensive bonsai e-book is included as well as a paperback manual providing you with all the information you need about the world of bonsai growing
- Biodegradable pots allow you to plant the tree in a bigger planter without disrupting the roots
- Only one larger planter is included so you will have to get more when your trees are ready for replanting
Plant Theatre Bonsai Tree Kit
– Runner Up
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:
- Silver Birch – a great beginner’s tree with green and purple foliage. It has a slender and upright look with unique bark on the tree trunk.
- Maple Tree – The native American maple tree is a deciduous tree with gorgeous red foliage as it matures.
- Mountain Pine – The evergreen mountain pine tree has needles that appear in small bundles. They are especially popular to grow as bonsai.
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor growing
- The kit provides you with enough pots to plant two of each type of tree
- No experience needed
- The pots are biodegradable which allows you to put them straight into the soil with the plant once they are big enough to be replanted. This avoids damaging the roots and is gentler on your plant
- You may have to stratify your seeds before planting them. All the instructions will be in your user manual
Natureit Bonsai Tree Kit
– Honorable Mention
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:
- Siberian Elm – Once mature the tree develops wide branches with round, small green leaves which turn extraordinary colors during autumn.
- Colorado Blue Spruce – This tree is a member of the pine family, native to the North American Rocky Mountain regions. The trees can last for centuries and are named for their silver-blue color attributed to a white powder that forms on the new pine needles.
- Black Spruce – Also a member of the pine family, these trees develop a trunk with rough and rugged bark which gives them a beautiful antique look.
- Loblolly Pine – The Loblolly Pine is an evergreen tree known to grow at a fairly fast rate.
- Open-pollinated, 100% non-GMO seeds
- The expandable peat soil discs contain fertilizers already, so you don’t have to add any fertilizer to your growing soil
- Biodegradable pots allow you to plant the tree in a bigger planter without disrupting the roots
- No experience needed
- No bonsai care tools (such as clippers) are included. You will have to purchase these separately at a later stage.
Loako Bonsai Tree Kit
– Also Consider
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:
- Japanese Black Pine – This tree is native to Japan and is popular to grow as a bonsai. Its rough bark gives it a charming aged look.
- Silver Wattle – This tree is a fairly fast-growing evergreen compared to some other tree species. Once ready to flower it produces bright yellow blossoms.
- Jacaranda Mimosifolia – This sub-tropical tree produces long-lasting violet color flowers when mature.
- Black Spruce – Black Spruce naturally has a cone shape although this may change depending on how you trim it as it matures. It has blue-green foliage, and the bark has a pink tinge.
- The kit includes an instruction booklet with detailed step-by-step directions
- Every order comes in a wooden herb planter box designed to hold the bamboo pots or to plant the seeds into directly
- Soil pellets are nutrient-enriched which means you don’t need to worry about adding fertilizer
- Bamboo fiber pots are robust and more durable than peat pots but still natural
- No bonsai clippers included
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:
- Flame Tree – This tree has a natural umbrella shape and blossoms with bright red flowers making it an extraordinary display of color.
- Spruce – The spruce tree is an evergreen member of the pine family and a great option to grow as a bonsai.
- Bristlecone Pine – These pine trees are known for their long lifespan. They are resilient species and stand up well to harsh conditions.
- Jacaranda Mimosifolia – This sub-tropical tree produces long-lasting beautiful violet flowers when mature.
- Includes drip trays and fertilizer
- Non-GMO seeds and peat
- No experience needed
- Each seed is fresh and ready to germinate
- No bonsai clippers included
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:
- Flame Tree – This tree has a natural umbrella shape and blossoms with bright red flowers making it an extraordinary display of color.
- Black Spruce – This member of the pine family is a classic bonsai species and its rugged bark texture and trunk give it a charmingly aged appearance.
- Jacaranda Mimosifolia – This sub-tropical tree produces long-lasting beautiful violet flowers when mature.
- Colorado Blue Spruce – The Blue Spruce is a member of the pine family and can last for centuries. It is named for its silver-blue color attributed to a white powder that forms on new pine needles.
Alternatively, you may get seeds for Brazilian Rosewood, Buddha Tree, Japanese Black Pine, Siberian Elm, or Dawn Redwood.
- 100% non-GMO
- Ideal for any experience level, plus enough seeds to plant a second time
- Wooden planter box included
- Clipping tool included
- Growing bags are not biodegradable and prone to mold formation, so you will have to re-pot when ready
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:
- Rocky Mountain Pine and Norway Spruce – These pine trees are known for their long lifespan. They are both green with beautiful thick tree trunks.
- Flame Tree – This tree blossoms with bright red flowers making it an extraordinary display of color.
- Jacaranda –This tree blossoms in a violet flower display when mature.
- The kit includes bonsai tree clippers
- Biodegradable pots allow you to plant the tree in a bigger planter without disrupting the roots.
- No experience needed
- Magnificent color variety of trees
- The seeds need some preparation and soaking in hot water a day before planting, however, you will find all the instructions in the manual
People Also Asked
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.
