Start your bonsai journey with our selection of young trees that show great potential. These pre-bonsai specimens are perfect for beginners or enthusiasts looking for a new project.
Every magnificent bonsai begins as a humble pre-bonsai. This beautiful Ficus specimen demonstrates the incredible potential that lies within each of our pre-bonsai trees. With proper care, patience, and training techniques, your pre-bonsai can develop into a stunning mature specimen with character and presence.
Our pre-bonsai trees are carefully selected for their potential trunk development, branch structure, and overall health. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the art of bonsai or an experienced enthusiast seeking new material to develop, our pre-bonsai collection offers excellent starting points for your bonsai journey.
Pre-bonsai trees are young plants that have been identified as having good potential for bonsai development but haven't yet undergone extensive training. They offer an excellent opportunity to develop your bonsai skills from an early stage in the tree's journey. With proper care and training, these trees will develop into beautiful bonsai over time.
A beautiful succulent bonsai with thick trunk and vibrant green leaves. Perfect for beginners.
The Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) is an excellent choice for beginners due to its forgiving nature and drought tolerance. Native to South Africa, this succulent develops a thick trunk with age and features small, round green leaves that create a dense canopy. Unlike true jade (Crassula), the Dwarf Jade has smaller leaves and reddish stems, making it ideal for creating miniature tree forms. With proper care, these pre-bonsai specimens can develop into impressive mature bonsai with gnarly trunks and compact foliage pads.
A smaller version of our popular dwarf jade, perfect for desks and small spaces.
This 6-inch Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) is perfect for those with limited space or who want to start with a smaller specimen. Despite its compact size, it shares all the desirable characteristics of its larger counterparts. These trees are extremely drought-tolerant and can recover quickly from neglect, making them perfect for beginners or busy individuals. The small, round leaves reduce in size with proper bonsai techniques, and the trunk will thicken over time, developing beautiful character and texture.
Our smallest dwarf jade, ideal for beginners and those with limited space.
Our 4-inch Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) is the perfect entry point into the world of bonsai. These young specimens offer tremendous potential for development and are extremely forgiving for beginners. Native to South Africa, these succulents are drought-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. The small, round leaves and reddish stems create a beautiful contrast, and with regular pruning, you can develop dense foliage pads that resemble mature trees. These compact specimens are perfect for windowsills, desks, or small spaces.
A larger specimen with developed trunk and branch structure, ready for styling.
Our 18-inch Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) specimens represent years of development and offer impressive trunk thickness and established branch structure. These larger pre-bonsai trees provide an excellent foundation for creating stunning bonsai with minimal wait time. The thick trunks show beautiful texture and character, while the established branches can be styled into traditional bonsai forms. Despite their advanced development, these trees maintain the hardy, drought-tolerant nature that makes Dwarf Jade so popular among bonsai enthusiasts of all skill levels.
A tropical bonsai with small, willow-shaped leaves and excellent ramification potential.
The Willow Leaf Ficus (Ficus nerifolia) is a versatile tropical species that makes an excellent indoor bonsai. Its narrow, elongated leaves resemble those of a willow tree, creating a graceful appearance. This species is known for its excellent ramification (branch development) and responds well to regular pruning. The bark develops attractive texture with age, and the trunk will thicken over time. These pre-bonsai specimens already show good development and will continue to improve with proper care and training. Ficus species are among the most forgiving indoor bonsai and can thrive in typical home environments.
A striking succulent with a swollen trunk and beautiful pink flowers when in bloom.
The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a striking succulent known for its swollen caudex (base) and vibrant flowers. Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, these plants develop a unique, sculptural appearance that makes them excellent subjects for bonsai. Our 4-inch specimens are young but already showing the characteristic swollen trunk that will become more pronounced with age. With proper care, these plants produce stunning pink to red trumpet-shaped flowers during the warm months. Desert Rose bonsai require less pruning than traditional bonsai but benefit from careful shaping to enhance their natural form.
A hardy species with glossy green leaves, white flowers, and edible red fruits.
The Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is a versatile species that offers year-round interest with its glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and edible red fruits. Native to South Africa, this plant features protective thorns and a naturally compact growth habit that makes it well-suited for bonsai cultivation. Our 4-inch pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good development and branching. With proper training, these trees will develop into attractive bonsai with dense foliage pads. The contrast between the dark green leaves, white star-shaped flowers, and bright red fruits creates a striking display throughout the seasons.
Also known as 'Tree of a Thousand Stars', features tiny white flowers and fine branching.
The Serissa, often called 'Tree of a Thousand Stars' or 'Snowrose', is a popular indoor bonsai known for its tiny white flowers that appear throughout the year. Native to Southeast Asia, this species features fine branching and small leaves that create a delicate appearance. Our 4-inch pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good ramification potential. The bark develops an attractive creamy-tan color with age, and some varieties feature variegated leaves. While Serissa has a reputation for being somewhat sensitive to changes in environment, once established in a consistent location, they make rewarding bonsai that can flower year-round.
An aromatic herb that makes an excellent bonsai with fragrant foliage and blue flowers.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) combines the practical benefits of a culinary herb with the aesthetic appeal of a bonsai tree. Native to the Mediterranean region, this aromatic plant features needle-like leaves and naturally develops a gnarled, aged appearance that's perfect for bonsai styling. Our pre-bonsai specimens already show good trunk development and branching. With proper care, these trees produce small blue flowers in spring and early summer. The aromatic foliage can be harvested sparingly for culinary use without harming the bonsai's development, making this a functional as well as beautiful addition to your collection.
A deciduous bonsai that produces miniature fruits and vibrant orange-red flowers.
The Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous bonsai that offers year-round interest with its seasonal changes. In spring, new leaves emerge with a bronze-red tint before turning green. Summer brings vibrant orange-red flowers, followed by miniature fruits that persist into fall. Winter reveals the tree's elegant branch structure after leaf drop. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good trunk development and branching. With proper training, these trees will develop into stunning bonsai that produce scaled-down versions of the familiar pomegranate fruit. The bark develops beautiful texture with age, adding to the tree's winter appeal.
A fragrant herb with silver-gray foliage and purple flower spikes.
Starlight Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) brings the beloved fragrance and beauty of lavender to the bonsai world. This Mediterranean herb features silver-gray foliage and produces iconic purple flower spikes that attract pollinators. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already developing the woody base that will mature into an attractive trunk. Lavender bonsai require less traditional styling than other species, with the focus being on maintaining their natural compact form while encouraging the development of a thicker trunk. The aromatic foliage and flowers make this a sensory delight in any bonsai collection.
An unusual species with silver-gray foliage and distinctive red flowers.
Parrot's Beak (Lotus berthelotii) is a unique and eye-catching species that makes an unconventional but beautiful bonsai. Native to the Canary Islands, this plant features silver-gray, needle-like foliage that cascades elegantly, making it perfect for semi-cascade or cascade bonsai styles. The distinctive red flowers that give the plant its name resemble a parrot's beak and provide a striking contrast to the silvery foliage. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing their characteristic flowing growth habit. With proper training, these plants develop into unusual conversation pieces that stand out in any bonsai collection.
A classic bonsai species with distinctive bark and needles, perfect for traditional styling.
The Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is one of the most iconic species in bonsai, featured in countless masterpieces and traditional Japanese gardens. Known for its rugged bark, distinctive needles, and ability to develop dramatic deadwood features, this species embodies the essence of classical bonsai aesthetics. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good needle development and structure. With proper specialized care and training techniques, these trees will develop into impressive bonsai with the characteristic aged appearance that makes pine bonsai so sought-after. While more challenging than some species, the results are well worth the extra attention.
A popular evergreen bonsai with blue-green foliage and excellent branch structure.
The Juniper Procumbens 'Nana' is perhaps the most recognizable bonsai species, often featured in beginner kits and commercial displays. This hardy evergreen develops beautiful blue-green foliage that can be shaped into compact pads with proper training. Our 4-inch pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good foliage development and branching potential. The bark exfoliates with age, revealing attractive reddish tones beneath. Junipers are excellent candidates for deadwood techniques (jin and shari), which create the impression of great age and weathering. With proper care and training, these trees will develop into classic bonsai specimens with a timeless appeal.
A tropical species with delicate compound leaves that fold up at night or when it rains.
The Brazilian Rain Tree (Chloroleucon tortum) is a fascinating tropical species known for its unique characteristics. The delicate compound leaves fold up at night and during rain (a phenomenon called nyctinasty), giving the tree its common name. White, thorn-like stipules provide dramatic contrast against the dark bark, and the trunk develops beautiful fluting with age. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good development and the characteristic zigzag branching pattern. With proper care and training, these trees develop into eye-catching bonsai with movement and character. The Brazilian Rain Tree also produces small white puffball flowers when mature, adding seasonal interest.
A jade variety with golden-yellow leaf margins that intensify with sun exposure.
The Golden Jade (Crassula ovata 'Hummel's Sunset') is a striking variety of the popular jade plant, featuring leaves with golden-yellow margins that intensify with sun exposure. Like other jade varieties, it develops a thick, gnarled trunk with age and can live for decades with proper care. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good trunk development and the characteristic variegated foliage. These succulents are extremely drought-tolerant and forgiving, making them excellent choices for beginners. With proper training, they develop into attractive bonsai with a distinctive color palette that stands out in any collection.
A striking jade variety with cream and green variegated leaves.
The Variegated Jade (Crassula ovata 'Variegata') features striking cream and green marbled leaves that create a distinctive appearance. This variety grows slightly slower than the standard jade but develops the same thick, gnarled trunk with age. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good trunk development and the characteristic variegated foliage. Like other jade varieties, these plants are extremely drought-tolerant and forgiving, making them excellent choices for beginners. The variegated foliage adds a unique dimension to bonsai displays and creates interest even without flowers.
Also known as Buddhist Pine, features dark green needle-like leaves and reddish bark.
Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus), also known as Buddhist Pine or Japanese Yew, is a versatile conifer-like tree that makes an excellent bonsai for both indoor and outdoor environments. Despite its common names, it's not a true pine or yew but belongs to its own ancient family. The dark green, narrow leaves create a dense canopy that can be shaped into precise pads with regular pruning. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good development and branching. The bark develops attractive reddish tones with age, and the trunk flares nicely at the base. Podocarpus is more forgiving than true conifers, making it an excellent choice for those wanting the aesthetic of a pine bonsai with easier care requirements.
A tropical species with feathery compound leaves and interesting pod fruits.
The Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a tropical tree known for its feathery compound leaves and distinctive seed pods that contain the tangy pulp used in many cuisines. As a bonsai, this species develops an attractive trunk with fissured bark and a naturally spreading canopy that can be shaped into classic bonsai forms. Our pre-bonsai specimens are young but already showing good development and the characteristic compound leaves. With proper care and training, these trees develop into impressive bonsai with delicate foliage movement and seasonal interest. Mature specimens may even produce the characteristic seed pods in miniature form, adding to their appeal.
