One of the coolest things people don’t often realize until they get into bonsai is that any species of tree can be a bonsai tree, although some are more challenging than others. We always suggest starting out with a beginner bonsai tree and then progress to something more challenging.
Make sure that growing bonsai is for you before dedicating money to growing a tree that you may not be up for. Rare trees can be expensive and it is more of a tragedy for them to die than others.
Are you up for the challenge of owning a rare bonsai tree? We have searched the internet, forums, and more to try and determine the rarest bonsai species that are available today.
Giant Sequoia Bonsai
Giant sequoias are the biggest trees in existence and they are seriously endangered. There are currently under 100 giant sequoia groves left on Earth, all near the West coast where they are increasingly being threatened by drought and dryer conditions.
Giant Sequoia bonsais are such a great idea because, not only do they help to preserve an endangered species, they also make it possible for people around the world to get to see one of these majesties first hand, although a smaller version.
These are fairly easy to come by in seed or sapling form. You can buy a giant sequoia sapling here.
Marijuana Bonsai
Marijuana bonsai plants aren’t historically mainstream but they probably existed. Since the recent medical advances of cannabis and the change in legal status in many US states, we are seeing them more.
Cannabis bonsai can be great for someone who needs it for medicinal or recreational purposes, as long as it’s legal in their area. It’s also a beautiful and unique-looking plant. Leafly.com has an excellent article on growing marijuana bonsai plants, in case you’re so inclined.
Judean Date Palm
A truly ancient tree, Judean Date Palms have been extinct for about 2,000 years, however at one time they were extremely popular for the fruit’s medicinal properties. Amazingly the Arava Institute has managed to bring these trees back from thousands of years ago! Finding old preserved dates from this tree and germinating them with modern science, there are now thousands of them!
These may be hard to get currently, but more and more are becoming available. Keep an eye out and you may be able to own a piece of ancient history as a Judean Palm bonsai tree! Check out the video below for more information on this miracle of modern science.
Baobab Bonsai Tree
Baobabs are quite rare as bonsai trees due to certain needs they have. Native baobab trees are found in sub-Saharan Africa where it is always warm and sunny, so the bonsai form will need similar conditions. The good news is that they are relatively low maintenance, only needing to be watered a few times a year.
Baobab Bonsai Trees are interesting and unique looking. They have amazing roots and even bloom. They could be the perfect bonsai tree for travelers, due to their low watering needs and slow growth. As long as your house stays warm, and has a good window, they will be fine.
Dragon’s Blood Bonsai Tree
One of the best words to describe a Dragon’s Blood bonsai tree would be “Epic”. The branches are like lightning, the leaves like swords, and this thing bleeds red sap. It looks like something from a fantasy story. It’s hard to find a lot of dragon blood bonsai trees because of the rarity of the tree species, but there’s no reason that you can’t have one of your own.
