Bonsai trees are fascinating plants. Many people are enthralled by these miniature trees. Ambitious indoor gardeners might even consider trying to raise one themselves. Luckily, with the right bonsai start kit, it’s isn’t as difficult as it appears.
What is a Bonsai Starter Kit?
With one of the best bonsai starter kits, you get everything you need to start the process. This can include seeds, plant markers, starter pots, and more. That way, you can begin cultivating a new tree life without having to buy anything else. You won’t have to worry about another purchase until it’s time to re-pot the bonsai.
The 4 Best Bonsai Starter Kits
There are a ton of bonsai starter kits around, and they aren’t all created equal. If you are looking for one of the best, here are four worth considering.
1. Garden Republic Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit
With the Garden Republic Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit, you get everything you need to grow eight tree species. You’ll receive seeds for the Brazilian Rosewood, Bristlecone Pine, Flame Tree, Black Spruce, Buddha Tree, Japanese Black Pine, Japanese Red Pine, and Dawn Redwood. Along with the seeds, you get bamboo plant markers. That way, you can keep your seedlings straight.
While you do get instructions and access to a free eBook filled with additional tips, this kit doesn’t have as many items as some others. The seed selection is one of the best, but this bonsai starter kit doesn’t come with pots, soil discs, or any tools. If you are already a bit of a gardener, that might not bother you. However, if you haven’t tried to grow anything before, this might not be ideal.
Pros:
- 8 tree varieties
- Free eBook with additional tips
- Wood gift box
Cons:
- Instructions may be a little vague
- No pots, soil, or tools
2. Nature’s Blossom Bonsai Tree Kit
If you want essentially everything you need to get started in a single box, the Nature’s Blossom Bonsai Tree Kit is a great choice. Along with four tree varieties, you get practically everything else you need to get started. If you aren’t afraid of getting your hands dirty, the only other thing you’ll need is water.
In the kit, along with the seeds for four tree varieties, you get soil discs and biodegradable pots. Plus, there’s a grower’s guide with clear instructions about how to get going. However, the manual doesn’t have information beyond the sprouting phase, so keep that in mind.
To help you keep your plants straight, you’ll also find plant markers. They aren’t the most attractive ones, as they are just white plastic, but they do the job.
Pros:
- Everything you need to get started
- Clear, full color, starter instructions
Cons:
- Plant markers are plastic
- Instructions do not include details for long-term care and tree training
3. Grow Buddha Easy Bonsai Starter Kit
The Grow Buddha Easy Bonsai Starter Kit has everything you need to start cultivating the four included tree species. You’ll receive seeds for a Japanese Maple, Wisteria, Black Pine, and Judas Tree, giving you some colorful options. Plus, along with four biodegradable pots and four soil discs, you also get more.
In the kit, you’ll find one plastic pot. While it will only support one tree over the long-term, it’s an addition you don’t find in all of the other bonsai starter kits. Plus, you get a handy tree trimmer tool, an instruction book, and access to an eBook guide. The instructions could be a bit more comprehensive, so you may need to do a little more research to fill in the gaps.
If you do choose this kit, you’ll need to be patient. Two of the tree species have seeds that need to be refrigerated for 4 to 6 weeks before you can even begin germination. This means it could take months before you’ll get to the sprouting phase.
Pros:
- Includes a pot for long-term growth
- Tree trimmer tool included
Cons:
- Some seed won’t be ready for germination for several months
- Instructions are a little vague
4. Planter’s Choice Bonsai Starter Kit
With the Planter’s Choice Bonsai Starter Kit, you get everything you need to grow four kinds of bonsais. You receive Bristlecone Pine, Black Poui, Norway Spruce, and Flame Tree seeds along with enough soil discs and growing pots for each. Just follow the instructions, and you can get started quickly.
To help you keep track of which tree is which, you get a set of bamboo plant markers. These are much more attractive than plastic alternatives. However, if they get too damp, they can break down over time.
For long-term care, you also receive a handy bonsai trimmer tool. As a result, you won’t have to buy anything else until it’s time to replant. Just keep in mind that’ll you need to do your own research at that point, as the instructions don’t cover the period beyond sprouting.
Pros:
- Clear instructions
- Bonsai trimmer tool included
Cons:
- Plant markers may break down
- No long-term care instructions