Are you looking for bonsai trees for sale near you? Then, this quick guide is for you.

Looking for the best and most appropriate bonsai tree for your lifestyle can be quite challenging. Not to mention that some rare species are not always available in many locations.

To help beginners like you conveniently look for a bonsai tree to grow…

Read on to discover:

• Local bonsai nurseries near your area.
• 7 places where you can find bonsai plants available for purchase.
• Physical and online retail stores that sell bonsai trees.
• And much, much more…

7 Places Where You Can Buy Bonsai Trees

As the art form of bonsai continues to spread worldwide, the demand for bonsai trees increases. Today, you can find numerous bonsai trees for sale across the globe sold in physical and online nurseries.

Without further ado, here are some of the best places to look for bonsai plants available for purchase:

1. Local bonsai nurseries

Are you looking for the best quality outdoor or indoor bonsai? Then, you should look into local bonsai nurseries.

As the name implies, these nurseries specialize in cultivating bonsai specimen trees. That said, you can expect that the bonsai trees being sold in these places have good features and are well-trained for bonsai growing.

Finding a local bonsai nursery near you may be easier if you’re part of any local bonsai club or community. Ask your peers, and they might recommend some of their best-trusted nurseries.

Otherwise, you’d have to search for yourself online.

To help you out, here are some of the bonsai nurseries in the US you can visit:

US and nearby territories bonsai nurseries directory: 

Here, you can also buy plant accessories and supplies, like bonsai soil, that are appropriate for miniature trees.

2. Local garden centers

Some general local nurseries also sell bonsai trees, sometimes at a significantly cheaper price. 

However, since general plant nurseries don’t specialize in bonsai cultivation, the quality of some of the bonsai trees they offer is subpar. You’d have to spend more effort and skills to transform their miniature trees into your desired style.

Given that, only buy bonsai trees at local plant nurseries if you’re a beginner and want to practice your bonsai technique skills.

3. Bonsai conventions and exhibitions

If you want to buy a bonsai tree with an already established style and shape, bonsai conventions and exhibitions are the best places to go.

Some bonsai trees showcased at conventions and exhibitions are for sale or auction. Here you can find many evergreens, deciduous, fruit-bearing, and flowering bonsai from the collection of different bonsai artists.

Tip: Buy flowering bonsai trees in spring or summer, so you’ll know what their flowers look like when in bloom.

Given that the bonsai plants available for purchase in such events are well-established, they’re more expensive than those you can get from nurseries or online shops.

…but, don’t lose hope yet!

Most, if not all, of these bonsai events have “sales areas” where attendees can buy bonsai or pre-bonsai specimens at a much cheaper price. You can compare the quality of these specimens to those trees sold in bonsai nurseries.

Further reading: Are Bonsai Trees Expensive to Grow?

Watch this video to see a walkthrough of the sales area at a bonsai convention:

Just watch out for some of the upcoming bonsai conventions and exhibitions in your country by joining local clubs or organizations, and you might score a good bonsai tree.

Here are some of the popular bonsai conventions and exhibitions across the globe:

• US National Exhibition
• The Pacific Bonsai Expo
• World Bonsai Convention
• Australian National Bonsai Convention
• International Bonsai Convention and Exhibition

4. Online bonsai shops

Don’t have time to shop for bonsai trees outside? Then, scroll through the collection of your favorite and trusted bonsai shop online.

Many local and international bonsai shops today are now available and reachable online—making it easier for every bonsai enthusiast to buy bonsai specimens remotely and more conveniently. 

Aside from the fact that you can have it delivered online, most online bonsai shops have a wide collection, from evergreens to deciduous. Depending on the shop you’re looking into, you can also get bonsai supplies and accessories to assist in your bonsai growing journey.

Tip: To ensure that your tree will thrive in your home, buy from an online bonsai shop from your home country, as they are most likely to cultivate specimens native to your area.

Here are some reliable platforms you can check out:

Here are some e-commerce platforms you can explore:

• Bonsai Outlet – It is a specialized online store dedicated to bonsai trees, offering a wide selection of species and accessories for enthusiasts of all levels.
• Brussel’s Bonsai – A reputable site known for its quality bonsai trees, Brussel’s Bonsai provides a range of options, from beginner-friendly to more advanced specimens.
• Eastern Leaf – A niche online store focusing on bonsai trees and related supplies, Eastern Leaf offers a curated collection for bonsai enthusiasts.
• Bonsai Boy – A dedicated bonsai nursery with an extensive online presence, Bonsai Boy offers a variety of bonsai trees for different preferences and skill levels.

5. Online marketplaces

There are also plenty of bonsai enthusiasts that sell their bonsai trees online. You may try looking at some online marketplaces to get a well-maintained young or mature bonsai tree.

Here are some e-commerce platforms you can explore:

• Amazon – A familiar and user-friendly platform where you can explore a variety of bonsai trees read reviews, and choose based on your preferences.
• Walmart – A well-known retail giant, Walmart also provides a selection of bonsai trees online, often with the convenience of in-store pickup.
• Etsy – An online marketplace where individual sellers offer unique and handmade bonsai trees, providing a more personalized shopping experience.
• Shopify – A versatile e-commerce platform where independent retailers offer a diverse range of bonsai trees, accessories, and care products.
• Alibaba – A global marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, offering a vast array of bonsai trees sourced from various regions worldwide.
• Facebook Marketplace – A community-driven platform where individuals buy and sell goods locally, occasionally featuring bonsai trees offered by hobbyists and small-scale growers.
• And the likes…

Since most of these trees are under the care of knowledgeable bonsai growers, you can ensure that the specimens they’re selling have good bonsai features and are well-adapted for container growing.

You can even score a bonsai tree at a very cheap price if you’re lucky!

6. Physical retail stores

Can’t find a bonsai nursery or shop near you? Try looking into some of the retail stores in your area, such as Walmart or Home Depot. 

These types of big retail stores usually have a section for house plants, which often includes bonsai trees—making it convenient for anyone looking for a bonsai plant to place indoors or outdoors.

However, don’t expect top-quality bonsai specimens in these places, as retail stores don’t specialize in cultivating bonsai trees. The best piece you can get is a pre-bonsai tree that’s good for beginners or practicing bonsai techniques.

7. Online retail stores

Many of the big retail stores today have expanded their business online. If you can’t visit your local retail store, you may browse through their e-commerce website to look for bonsai trees for sale. 

Big e-commerce sites like Amazon also provide a wider range of choices, which is perfect for those who want to build a collection composed of different bonsai tree species. Additionally, buying online also makes sending a bonsai gift to someone easier and more convenient. 

Aside from trees, you can also buy bonsai kits, supplies, and accessories at various e-commerce websites—making it a one-stop shop.

Note: However, like garden centers and physical retail stores, you can’t always guarantee the quality of the bonsai trees they’re selling as they don’t specialize in this field. 

Types of Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees come in various types, each bringing a unique charm to your collection. Here are some popular choices:

1. Indoor Bonsai Trees

• Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia): Adaptable and easy to care for, with delicate branches and small, glossy leaves.
• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Elegant and prized for its unique leaf shapes and vibrant autumn colors.
• Ficus (Ficus retusa): Known for its robust nature and glossy, dark green leaves. Well-suited as an indoor bonsai.

2. Outdoor Bonsai Trees

• Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii): Resilient and characterized by distinctive needles, ideal for outdoor trees.
• Cherry Blossom (Prunus serrulata): Symbolic and breathtaking, offering beautiful blooms in spring.
• Jade (Crassula ovata): While often grown indoors, Jade plants can thrive outdoors in warmer climates.

3. Flowering Bonsai

• Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron indicum): Renowned for its vibrant and profuse blooms, available in various colors.
• Dogwood (Cornus Florida): Known for its unique flowers and appealing bark, offering a striking appearance.

4. Bonsai Collection

• Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Adaptable to various climates, featuring feathery foliage and distinctive bark.
• Juniper: Diverse species with needle-like foliage, providing different textures and styles.
• Jade (Crassula ovata): Popular for its resilience and unique appearance, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor bonsai.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bonsai Tree

Selecting the perfect bonsai tree is an exciting yet thoughtful process. Here are straightforward tips to guide you in making the right choice:

Consider Your Space

Assess the space where you plan to keep your bonsai. If it’s indoors, opt for varieties that thrive in indoor conditions. For outdoor areas, choose trees that can withstand local weather.

Evaluate Your Commitment

Bonsai trees have varying care requirements. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to care routines. Some trees need more attention than others, so choose one that aligns with your commitment level.

Choose a Suitable Species

Different bonsai tree species have different characteristics. Research the specific features of each species, such as leaf size, shape, and growth patterns, to find one that resonates with your aesthetic preferences.

Inspect the Trunk and Branches

Examine the trunk and branches for a well-balanced structure. A bonsai with a harmonious and proportionate arrangement will likely be visually appealing.

Check the Roots

Lift the bonsai from its pot to inspect the roots. A healthy bonsai should have a well-developed root system without being pot-bound. Avoid trees with roots circling the pot excessively.

Consider Seasonal Changes

Some bonsai trees exhibit seasonal changes in color or flowering patterns. Consider whether you appreciate these changes and if they align with your preferences.

Look for Signs of Health

Choose a bonsai with vibrant leaves or needles, free from discoloration or pests. Healthy trees have a better chance of thriving under your care.

Budget Wisely

Set a reasonable budget for your bonsai. While some trees can be pricey, there are affordable options that still offer beauty and character.

Remember, choosing a beautiful bonsai tree is a personal decision. By considering your space, commitment level, preferred species, trunk structure, root health, seasonal changes, overall health, and budget, you can find a bonsai that suits your surroundings and brings joy to your bonsai journey.

Conclusion

There are many places where you can find bonsai trees for sale. The only challenge is finding ones with good bonsai features and reasonable prices.

No matter where you are in the world, you can buy bonsai trees from local bonsai nurseries, garden centers, bonsai conventions & exhibitions, and even in some retail stores near you. Thanks to a flourishing e-commerce business, you can now also buy bonsai materials online and have them delivered to your home conveniently and remotely. 

However, if you want a well-established bonsai tree, local bonsai nurseries and bonsai conventions & exhibitions are the best places to start.