My top vote for the easiest of the indoor bonsai trees and a super choice for a beginner is the bonsai most often called the Mini Jade. While it’s actually not related to the Jade tree houseplant they look so much alike who’s going to argue the name.

The leaves are an easy-to-read care barometer. When they take on a leathery look versus the smooth and shiny “happy” leaf, you’ve probably been underwatering. But like most bonsai in the hands of the beginner, the more frequent killer is overwatering and letting these trees sit in water will rot the roots. Even then, i kniow of a jade that was so overwatered it dropped virtually all it’s leaves and most of the root ball was a rotten jelled mass and it was still saved with a repotting into dry soil and some extra lighting to stimulate growth. But – while I’m thinking of it, not fertilzed. Never fertilize an ailing tree.

Album: Easiest Indoor Bonsai
Date: January 10th, 2010