---
type: category
name: "Tropical Bonsai Trees"
species_count: 10
url: "https://www.bonsailist.com/categories/tropical"
---

# Tropical Bonsai Trees

Tropical bonsai don't go dormant, which means they grow year-round and make excellent indoor trees in temperate climates. Ficus, jade, and fukien tea are the most popular tropical species. They need warmth (above 60°F), humidity, and consistent moisture, but they're generally forgiving and fast-growing.

## 10 Tropical Bonsai Trees

| Species | Scientific Name | Difficulty | Environment |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ficus Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/ficus) | *Ficus microcarpa* | beginner | both |
| [Fukien Tea Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/fukien-tea) | *Carmona retusa* | intermediate | indoor |
| [Bougainvillea Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/bougainvillea) | *Bougainvillea glabra* | intermediate | both |
| [Bamboo Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/bamboo) | *Bambusa ventricosa* | intermediate | both |
| [Schefflera (Umbrella Tree) Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/schefflera) | *Schefflera arboricola* | beginner | indoor |
| [Brazilian Rain Tree Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/brazilian-rain-tree) | *Pithecellobium tortum* | intermediate | both |
| [Buttonwood Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/buttonwood) | *Conocarpus erectus* | intermediate | both |
| [Jacaranda Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/jacaranda) | *Jacaranda mimosifolia* | intermediate | both |
| [Money Tree Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/money-tree) | *Pachira aquatica* | beginner | indoor |
| [Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai](https://www.bonsailist.com/species/hawaiian-umbrella) | *Schefflera arboricola 'Luseane'* | beginner | indoor |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can tropical bonsai go outside in summer?

Absolutely — tropical bonsai love spending summer outdoors. The increased light and humidity accelerate growth. Just bring them inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 50-55°F.

### Why is my ficus dropping leaves after I moved it?

Ficus shed after any change of scene — new room, new house, in from the patio. It's a stress response, not a death spiral: expect 2-4 weeks of falling leaves, then regrowth once the tree adjusts. Pick its brightest spot, leave it there, and don't compensate with extra water — a half-bare tree uses less water, not more.

### What temperature is too cold for a tropical bonsai?

Below 50°F starts causing stress; frost kills. Tropicals like ficus, jade, and schefflera have no dormancy mode — a single night below freezing can finish one. Bring trees in when fall overnight lows approach 50°F and don't put them back out until spring nights hold above it. Watch windowsills too: against cold glass, temperatures run 10-15 degrees below the room.

---

*Source: [BonsaiList](https://www.bonsailist.com/categories/tropical)*