As a houseplant enthusiast, I'm always trying to convert my friends to grow more plants in their homes. But they often tell me they don't feel confident enough to care for trickier plants, like bonsai trees. Well, what if I told you there are loads of bonsai starter kits out there, designed especially for beginners?
As a popular Japanese artform, bonsai tree care is adored for being a mindful activity. However, there's no denying growing a bonsai from scratch requires some perseverance. That's why things like this bonsai starter kit from Amazon are so handy, making it simple for a novice to grow a bonsai tree.
This specific kit includes everything you need to grow not one, but four bonsai trees from seed. It's also currently on sale for just $18.99, a fraction of the price of a singular mature bonsai tree – our readers have been loving this beautiful $70 olive tree from Amazon, for example. Not only is it a bargain, customers also rate this starter kit four stars and say it's 'easy to do and the results look great.'
This bonsai starter kit is the perfect gift for beginners. It includes four seeds to grow: Norway Spruce, Royal Poinciana, Blue Jacaranda, Rocky Mountain Pine, as well as an informative grow guide with pruning advice, labels, growing medium, and pots.
Why shoppers love this bonsai starter kit
The reviews of this Amazon bonsai tree starter kit reveal how well customers have got on with growing their own miniature trees:
'Within the first week I saw the Rocky Mountain Pine sprout then the Blue Jacaranda seeds sprouted soon after,' one reviewer writes.
The kit includes four of the easiest bonsai trees to grow, ideal for first-timers to have a go.
Although, some shoppers warn to 'make sure you know what you're doing' when using the kit.
Of course, bonsai care is very particular, so you do need to know some basics around essential care to be successful. Luckily, the kit it includes an informative grow guide, which includes some care and pruning advice:
'The instructions provided give a comprehensive introduction to bonsai for a novice, and shows how to sow the seeds properly and easily,' one five-star reviewer writes.
'I am only one month into growing my bonsai, but the kit appears to have done its job properly and I cannot fault it,' they add.
It should also be known that before purchasing this kit, any form of bonsai growing requires patience. These trees grow slowly, which is actually a key element of the art of bonsai, and as such it will take time to start shaping and pruning them as they develop.
One downside of this Amazon bonsai starter kit is the fact that it doesn't guarantee results: 'Some failed and some lived,' one person writes.
But, you have to keep in mind it isn't a fool-proof kit. These are seeds for living plants and they won't automatically grow by themselves. To be successful, it's essential to meet their growing requirements and follow instructions carefully to germinate the seeds correctly.
To me, the risk of failing with these seeds seems worth it. For less than $20, you could end up with four homegrown bonsai trees, a bargain in comparison to the almost-$100 singular mature bonsai trees on the market.
Shop more bonsai starter kits:
This Jacaranda bonsai starter kit includes three seed packets to try growing an eye-catching Jacaranda bonsai. It also includes mini bonsai tree tools and a grow an easy-to-follow guide.
Grow your own Norway Spruce bonsai with this starter kit. It includes a pot, growing medium, grow and care instructions, and spray bottle for watering.
This bonsai starter kit comes with five unique, bright flowering bonsai trees to grow, housed in a beautiful wooden planter. It includes essential growing kit and tools.
Bonsai starter kit tips
There are a few bonsai mistakes to be aware of to make your bonsai starter kit efforts a success.
This includes maintaining consistent moisture to aid germination and support bonsai tree health as the seedlings grow.
Different bonsai tree types will also have different pruning needs, so it's worth doing some extra research for the type you have, such as in our guide to growing bougainvillea bonsai trees.
Fertilizing your bonsai tree (with this bonsai tree fertilizer from Amazon) is also key to give it a boost of essential plant nutrients, aiding growth.
Whether you grow a dwarf jade bonsai tree or Japanese maple bonsai tree, the below kit can make your efforts easier – these accessories are also great to pair with a starter kit for gifting:
Olive is the December birth month fruit tree, making this adorable bonsai olive tree a great birthday or holiday gift. It comes in a beautiful green bonsai tree ceramic planter.
These bonsai pruning scissors are made in Japan, specially designed to prune and maintain bonsai trees. With a short rounded but pointed edge, it severs fibers cleanly to aid water absorption and less scarring.
These bonsai food pellets are a slow-release fertilizer, providing bonsai trees with essential nutrients over 12 months.
If you think the challenge of growing a bonsai isn't the right fit, opt for this beautiful jade stone decorative tree instead. It still captures the essence of a bonsai tree with less fuss.
