Indoor Nature: Best Bonsai Kits
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GARDEN REPUBLIC Mini Bonsai Kit -
Planters' Choice Premium Bonsai Kit -
Leaves and Soul Tree Training Wire Bonsai Kit -
GARDEN REPUBLIC 8 Popular Varieties of Non GMO Mini Bonsai Kit -
Buyer's Guide
Bonsai kits are a great way to be one with nature in the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to keep the bonsai in a small apartment or want something that can be placed on your entry table, the best bonsai kits in 2022 are easy to grow and can be maintained all year around. The options on this list are great starter kits to the beautiful practice of bonsai gardening.
Compare The Best Bonsai Kit Of 2022
GARDEN REPUBLIC Mini Bonsai Kit - Top Pick
This kit contains a wide range of seeds to help you start growing your own unique bonsai trees. Sure, it'd be easier to go to your local nursery and buy a bonsai tree that has already grown, but you develop a great bond and appreciation when you grow it yourself. The Garden Republic Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit is the perfect solution to hone your green thumb. You literally have everything you need: 4 different species of bonsai to choose from, burlap sacks to grow them in, soil, and a set of shears to keep them nice and tidy. It's a great overall set and perfect for you or it'd make a great gift.
Planters' Choice Premium Bonsai Kit - Runner Up
If you already own a bonsai tree, you know that the most difficult part is maintaining the tree and keeping it looking like a bonsai rather than just a nice bush. With the kit from Planters' Choice, you'll have everything you need to maintain your beautiful bonsai. In this kit you'll get shears, a brush, spades, a rake, and some tweezers. And if that's not enough, you'll also get a 72-page book detailing the best tips and tricks for keeping your bonsai looking great. Keep in mind this is a beginner's set so the craftsmanship isn't up to par as other kits.
Leaves and Soul Tree Training Wire Bonsai Kit - Honorable Mention
Do you know how some of the most unique bonsai trees get their shape? The tree gets a little help thanks to tree wiring. When you wrap your bonsai, it forces the tree to grow in different directions which you can then shape to truly create a living piece of art. The difference here is that Leaves and Soul uses aluminum wiring rather than the typical copper. Using aluminum is better to prevent scarring on the branches. They also provide multiple lengths, a book, and some scissors to cut the wire.
GARDEN REPUBLIC 8 Popular Varieties of Non GMO Mini Bonsai Kit - Contender
Making a second appearance on the list, Garden Republic offers a bonsai tree growing kit that includes eight different species of bonsai to grow in the convenience of your own home. If you like choice, Garden Republic has you covered. It also comes with seed markers and a great-looking gift box. Also helpful is the included Ebook which you will receive after purchase.
Buyer's Guide
Best Bonsai Kits Buying Guide
Bonsai tree culturing originated from Japan. It is a method to grow a miniature plant of large trees grown in natural conditions. Bonsai trees show similar qualities as normal trees but are so small that they can be grown in a small pot. You can find special bonsai kits in the market that help you to cultivate bonsai species. However, finding quality one for growing a healthy bonsai tree is challenging. That’s why we have compiled a guide on how to select the best bonsai kit.
What Are Some Important Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Bonsai Kit?
Tree Type
Since most common trees can be grown by the bonsai technique, you can find various bonsai tree seedlings in different bonsai kits. Some well-known species are Jacaranda Mimosifolia, Brazilian Rosewood, Colorado Blue Spruce, Delonix Regia, Buddha Tree, and more. Most of them have a beautiful appearance and are suitable for decorative purposes in the room.
On the other hand, you can also find fruit trees that require more care but give tasty fruits after maturation. If you have a pet, then select a pet-friendly tree like Apricot, Cardboard Palm, Baby Jade and more because many bonsai plants can cause allergies to dogs and cats.
Training Wires
You should check that the bonsai kit comes with training wires made from quality materials like aluminum, copper, and more. They are easier to bend and usually do not harm the growth of the bonsai tree. However, you should keep a regular check on these wires as they play a major role in maintaining the shape of the plant.
Guidance
Whether you are a professional gardener or a beginner, you should always refer to the instructions and tips before planting any bonsai plant for better results. Therefore, make sure that the kit you buy comes with an instruction book that guides you through the whole process of growing the vegetation. Some products also provide digital guides or access to their specialized bonsai cultivator community, where you can receive direct guidance from the experts.
Tools
Another essential factor to focus on while selecting a bonsai kit is to check the type of tools provided in the kit. Many products come with a complete set of useful bonsai tools which includes, shears, a brush, different types of spades, a rake, and tweezers.
Besides, check the quality of these tools as they will come in direct contact with your plant, and any harmful material used for their construction can affect plant growth. Bamboo and some metals like stainless steel cause no harm to bonsai trees. In case you already have the toolset, then a simple seed-providing bonsai kit is the best for you.
Quantity of Seeds
There are high chances that seeds planted for the first time might not grow well. Moreover, not every seed has completed its dormant stage and is ready to grow in a new bonsai plant when sown. That’s why it is recommended to invest in a bonsai kit that provides at least five to six seeds for each species so you can experiment and learn the plantation technique.
What Are The Various Growth Shapes Of Bonsai Kit Trees?
The shape of their growth also differentiates bonsai trees. Additionally, the amount of care required for growing a specific tree also depends on its growth shape. There are mostly four types of growth shape:
Full Cascade:
In this type of growth pattern, the tree eventually bends and grows in the downward direction and touches the outer surface of the pot in which it is planted.
Semi Cascade:
The tree grows in a downwards direction, but its apex does not touch the ground outside the pot. It almost develops in a sideward pattern after taking a 90-degree turn.
Slanted Pattern:
Here, the bonsai tree shows growth in a slanted position almost at a 45-degree angle. It is best for the gardeners who love bonsai trees that grow at a minimal inclination without showing full straight-line growth.
Informal Upright:
The bonsai tree develops in almost a vertical pattern but with small curves and turns that are clearly visible. It is almost like a curvy line that is directed in the upward direction.
Formal Upright:
The bonsai plant grows in the exact straight and upward pattern as in the wild. The only difference is that it is small in height and shows the typical bonsai characteristics.
Hence, it is recommended to select the tree species while keeping the growth pattern in mind. Every growth pattern requires different amounts of sunlight and weather conditions. Furthermore, you should trim the tree according to its growth shape.
How Long Does A Bonsai Kit Tree Live?
Once the bonsai tree starts developing and shows healthy growth, it will usually be viable for up to 100 years. Hence, it is similar to a parenting responsibility of your kid for a lifetime. That’s why most gardeners recommend only investing your time and money in developing a bonsai tree if you are up for a serious commitment.
How Much Does A Bonsai Kit Usually Cost?
Most of the quality bonsai kits are priced in the range of 16 USD to 25 USD. The final cost is determined by the various species of tree seeds, tools, fertilizers, and more items provided in the kit. It is suggested that as a beginner, you should start with a low-cost kit and then gradually move to try expensive ones.
Bonsai Kit FAQ
Q: What is meant by a non-GMO bonsai kit?
A: The non-GMO mark indicates that the seeds provided in the kit are generated with the natural breeding of bonsai plants. There is no inclusion of any genetic engineering or artificial technique to produce the seeds.
Q: Can I get fruit tree seeds in a bonsai kit?
A: Yes, there are bonsai kits available in the market that come with seeds for growing bonsai fruit trees. However, bonsai fruit trees require a lot more effort and care than growing a normal bonsai tree.
Q: What are biodegradable pots in a bonsai kit?
A: Biodegradable pots are made from soil that is suitable for the growth of a bonsai tree. Hence, you can initially grow the seedling in that pot and then directly transfer the whole pot to the main plant holder.
Q: Which type of location is suitable to grow a bonsai kit tree?
A: Select a place where the plant can receive adequate sunlight and air and is protected against bugs and animals. It is also suggested that the tree pot should not be placed in an extremely noisy environment as it can hinder its growth. Besides, if you decide to keep your bonsai in a small space in your room, make sure to prune it regularly for an organized growth of the plant.
