(Beginner Shopping Tips + Honest Advice)
So you’ve decided to start your bonsai journey—awesome! Whether you were inspired by a peaceful little tree in someone’s home or just love the idea of growing something small and meaningful, a bonsai kit is a popular way for beginners to dive in.
But here’s the thing: not all bonsai kits are created equal. Some are perfect for first-timers. Others are… well, pretty boxes of disappointment.
This post will walk you through exactly what to look for in your first bonsai kit, what to avoid, and how to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. I’ll also include some real-world product suggestions (affiliate links included) to help you make a confident choice.
🪴 Why Start with a Bonsai Kit?
A good bonsai kit simplifies your entry into the hobby. It usually comes with the essentials: a pot, soil, tools, and either seeds or a small starter tree.
The appeal is real:
- Everything in one box
- Designed for beginners
- Less overwhelming than buying supplies separately
But depending on what kind of kit you get, it can also lead to frustration, dead plants, and confusion.
Let’s break it down.
🌱 First Decision: Seed Kit vs. Starter Tree
This is the most important thing to understand before you click “Add to Cart.”
Option 1: Seed Kits
These kits give you a packet of seeds and basic supplies to grow your bonsai from scratch.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Feels like an authentic, long-term project
- Cool to watch from the very beginning
Cons:
- Seeds can take weeks (or months) to sprout
- Most seeds won’t survive or become true bonsai
- Not ideal for people who want quick visual results
Reality check: If you’re a total beginner and want something to care for right away, seed kits will probably leave you frustrated. Most people give up before the tree even breaks the soil.
Option 2: Starter Tree Kits
These kits include a young bonsai tree that’s already grown and pruned into a basic shape.
Pros:
- Instant gratification—you have a living tree from day one
- Much easier to care for as a beginner
- Gives you confidence and experience with basic bonsai care
Cons:
- More expensive than seed kits
- Requires a bit more commitment (watering, light, etc.)
My tip: If you’re serious about learning bonsai and not just curious, go with a starter tree kit. You’ll learn more, faster—and actually enjoy the experience.
🔍 What Should a Good Bonsai Kit Include?
Whether you choose seeds or a live tree, look for these essentials:
1. A Suitable Bonsai Species
Make sure the tree is a good indoor species and beginner-friendly. Great starter species include:
- Ficus – resilient and low-maintenance
- Jade – drought-tolerant succulent
- Chinese Elm – attractive and adaptable
- Schefflera – forgiving and unique-looking
🚫 Avoid kits with junipers, pines, or maples labeled as “indoor.” These are outdoor trees and usually die inside.
2. A Proper Pot
Look for:
- Drainage holes (crucial to prevent root rot)
- Matching saucer or tray
- Ceramic or high-quality plastic
Some kits skip this or include a tiny pot that the tree quickly outgrows. If the pot looks like a teacup—keep scrolling.
3. Good Soil
Bonsai need fast-draining soil, not just regular potting mix. Ideal soil should include:
- Pumice
- Lava rock
- Akadama or grit
Many kits cut corners here, so check reviews to make sure the soil isn’t just a bag of dust.
4. Basic Tools
A good kit might include:
- Mini pruning shears
- Wire for shaping
- Bamboo rake or tweezers
- Spray bottle or watering tool
You don’t need a full toolkit right away, but even one or two decent tools make a difference.
5. Instructions That Actually Help
Check if the kit comes with a clear, beginner-friendly guide (preferably with pictures). Some even include video links or online support, which is a huge plus.
No instructions = Google rabbit holes and stress.
🛒 Real Kit Examples I Recommend (Affiliate Links)
Here are a few well-reviewed starter kits I’ve researched and/or plan to try myself:
🌿 Planter’s Choice Bonsai Starter Kit (Live Tree Edition)
- Comes with a live Ficus or Elm
- Includes tools, pot, soil, and instructions
- Great beginner reviews
✅ Best for: Beginners who want to start strong with a real tree
🌱 Nature’s Blossom Bonsai Seed Kit
- Includes 4 types of seeds, pots, soil discs
- Great gift idea or test run
- Lower cost, but lower success rate
✅ Best for: Hobby dabblers or people who love long-term projects
🪴 Brussel’s Bonsai Live Tree Kit
- Comes with a young Ficus tree
- Includes humidity tray and care instructions
- Well-established bonsai brand
✅ Best for: People who want quality without piecing everything together
❌ Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No reviews or fake-looking reviews
- Seeds only—but labeled as “indoor bonsai” without details
- Junipers listed as “perfect for beginners indoors” (they aren’t)
- No pot included – Some kits call themselves “complete” but only include soil and seeds
If it feels vague or too good to be true, it probably is.
💡 Bonus Tips for Bonsai Kit Success
- Buy a grow light if you don’t have a sunny south-facing window. It’s a cheap way to keep your indoor bonsai alive and happy.
- Get a humidity tray—especially in winter when indoor air is dry.
- Start slow. You don’t need to wire branches and sculpt a masterpiece on day one. Focus on keeping your tree healthy first.
- Name your tree. No really—it helps you build a connection and remember to care for it.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Grow Calm
Your first bonsai kit should inspire you, not frustrate you. When you choose the right kind of tree, a solid kit, and realistic expectations, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Start simple. Learn as you go. And remember—bonsai is about the journey, not just the tree.
I’ll be reviewing and unboxing some of these kits soon here on the site, so stay tuned. If you found this helpful, check out my Best Indoor Bonsai Trees for Beginners guide next!