There are a lot of popular bonsai trees grown and raised all over the world, but the most common in the United States is the Chiu Si or Mamejishi, better known as Chiu or Hachi-Chi. This particular tree is native to the mountains of the north Pacific Northwest and used there for its resin and foliage. It is thought that early American settlers learned about this tree from Chinese fishermen when they were seeking to make sails for their ships. They removed the bark from these trees and mixed it with other resins to make a strong material that would not warp or rot.
Mamejishi trees are one of the most widely held bonsai types today. The branches of Mamejishi are twisted and are placed outdoors on trunks and branches to provide shade. They are also used in landscaping and are sometimes planted in groups of three to five in a group. The large branches can be seen over the fence at the front yard of most homes. Mamejishi trees are easily trained due to their stiff branches, which can be bent and manipulated into unique shapes and poses.
Chiu Si, or Chiu Mien is another popular bonsai type. It is an evergreen, meaning it grows rapidly, even in poor soil conditions. This evergreen is quite adaptable, being able to tolerate dry air and humidity. It has dull green leaves with silver-gray colored hairs. The trunk of the Chiu Sinfern is straight and upright and it is one of the easiest trees to maintain. This evergreen is commonly placed outdoors in full sun, being enjoyed by children and grandchildren for many years.
Chiu Yin is another popular choice when it comes to bonsai. This is the Chinese elm species that is known for its climbing ability and for its resistance to different pests. There are two subspecies of this species; the wet-land variety and the dry-land variety. The leaves of this tree have gold colored hairs and it blooms in the spring.
Another common choice when growing a bonsai tree is the Martial Arts type, or Maitreya. This species is quite popular in Bali and is a member of the family of palms. This species is quite popular as a houseplant due to its small size and elegant appearance. Maitreya trees are known for their fiddle-style leaves, which have a tapered appearance and are quite elegant.
Flowering bonsai species must be kept inside, especially if they are grown indoors. Moisture and air must be kept in check, and there should be enough light and indirect sunlight to enable the plant to flourish. These are the perfect trees to grow inside, since they have a thick trunk suitable for pruning and shaping without the risk of damage. The flowers usually bloom during mid-season, and they can remain green all year round, unlike their outdoor counterparts that lose their leaves and flowers in the winter. These trees must also be protected from wind and dust, since they will become susceptible to damage if exposed to them.
One more popular choice for bonsai plants are the evergreen trees, such as the golden and olive trees. These evergreen trees are perfect for bonsai because their needles do not fall off when they are cut, thus allowing you to prune them without having to worry about damaging their main growth. Evergreens also grow very well, so you can choose to have one in your home, and then repot it later, while keeping both the foliage and the needles, if applicable, intact. Potted evergreen trees can be moved to a location of your choice in case you want to move, since they will not get damaged during transport.
There are many other great ornamental value species that would also be great bonsai tree types. For example, the Juniper bonsai tree has wide leaves, making it a great choice for the indoors. If you are growing this tree in containers, it is wise to prune the branches regularly, in order to keep the tree at an appropriate height. Another popular choice for bonsai is the Ash bonsai tree. This species has dark green leaves and a deciduous form that are perfect for the indoors.