Lesson 2: Choosing Your First Bonsai – Finding Your Tree Teacher

Before you shape a tree, it shapes you.

Choosing your first Bonsai is not just a matter of style or species. It is a meeting of spirits. You are not picking a decoration—you are choosing a companion, a silent teacher who will walk with you through the seasons of your own growth.

Listen Before You Choose

Walk slowly through a nursery or Bonsai shop. Don’t rush.

Some trees will stand tall and proud. Others will lean quietly, as if whispering stories of wind and time. Watch. Breathe. See which one calls to you.

Do you feel drawn to the graceful curves of a Juniper? The steadfast trunk of a Pine? The gentle leaves of a Ficus? Let your intuition guide you. Your Bonsai should resonate with something inside you—even if you don’t have words for it yet.

Beginner-Friendly Species

While any tree can become a Bonsai with the right care, here are a few great starter species that are both resilient and expressive:

Ficus (Indoor) – Forgiving and adaptable, thrives indoors

Juniper (Outdoor) – Iconic Bonsai with flexible branches for shaping

Chinese Elm (Indoor/Outdoor) – Elegant and strong, good for all climates

Jade (Indoor Succulent) – Easy to shape and maintain, ideal for dry homes

Boxwood (Outdoor) – Naturally compact and dense

Each tree has its own personality, care needs, and energy. The key is to choose one that feels right—and that you’re willing to care for, not just admire.

Understand Its Needs

Indoor or outdoor? Not all Bonsai can thrive indoors. Research the species.

Light and humidity: Where will you place it? Does it get natural light?

Time commitment: Are you ready for a long-term relationship? Bonsai can live for generations.

When you choose a tree, you’re not beginning a project. You’re starting a friendship.

The Bonsai will teach you to slow down, to feel the passing of time in leaves and roots, and to find stillness in care.