Yes, you absolutely can bonsai certain types of house plants, particularly tropical varieties. Many popular indoor plants are well-suited for the art of bonsai.
Suitable House Plants for Bonsai
Not all house plants are ideal candidates, but many common tropical species thrive when trained as bonsai. These plants often have characteristics that make them good for miniaturization and shaping, such as smaller leaves, dense growth habits, and the ability to withstand pruning.
Examples of houseplants commonly used for bonsai include:
- Ficus (various species)
- Schefflera (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
- Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra)
- Serissa (Serissa foetida)
According to David Castro, the curator of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's bonsai collection, "If you can take care of houseplants, then you have a good chance of keeping tropical bonsai happy, healthy, and alive." This highlights that the fundamental care skills for many houseplants translate directly to caring for tropical bonsai.
Why Tropicals Are a Good Choice
Tropical house plants are often recommended for beginners in bonsai for several reasons:
- Resilience: Many are quite forgiving of mistakes.
- Growth Rate: They tend to grow relatively quickly, allowing you to see results from your training efforts sooner.
- Indoor Suitability: As they are already accustomed to indoor environments, they are easier to manage year-round, especially in climates with cold winters.
Choosing a healthy house plant from the suitable varieties mentioned above is the first step to beginning your bonsai journey.
