How Much Does a Bonsai Tree Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A bonsai tree is used in the art form of bonsai.  Although this art form originated in Japan, it is growing popular in many other countries.

The art of bonsai can be enjoyable whether you enjoy landscaping and gardening.  After all, growing a bonsai tree offers a different form of relaxation and achievement.  However, there are some people who use bonsai trees for different reasons other than the art form.  Some people grow them just for fun and for decorative purposes, while others grow them to sell as an extra source of income.

Bonsai by grongar, on Flickr
Bonsai” (CC BY 2.0) by  grongar

How much does a bonsai tree cost?

The price of a Bonsai tree will wildly vary depending on the species, its age and where you purchase it from.  A simple tree grown in a one-gallon pot found at your local gardening center can cost as little as $5, whereas a 15-year-old tree can cost as much as $1,250.  Refer to our table below to see what the average Bonsai tree could cost you.  However, for a Bonsai tree that’s five to 10 years old, you should plan on spending anywhere from $250 to $400.  A Bonsai tree older than 10 years old can almost always cost more than $500.

At Walmart, for example, most Bonsai trees for sale inside the garden center retail for $30 to $60.

This eBay guide says pricing a Bonsai tree is kind of like pricing a piece of artwork.  The prices will usually increase the tree gets older and reaches high heights.  The size of the trunk and where it’s imported from can increase the price as well.

The most expensive Bonsai tree, for example, was a century old pine that sold for $1.3 million dollars.  Another expensive Bonsai tree sold for $90,000.

BonsaiEmpire.com says Bonsai pots can come at many prices, and the price, like we mentioned, will really come down to its age, how much time was invested into the tree and what it looks like.  Older antique pots coming from China and Japan, for example, can cost thousands of dollars, while a cheaper factory made pot coming from China can cost a few dollars.

TypeAverage Price
Boxwood$150 for 15-17 inches
Brazilian Rain Tree$75 for small
Chinese Elm- $50 for small
- $300~ for 18-22 inch tall
Dwarf Jade$75 for small
Exposed Root Grafted Japanese White Pine- $600 for 13-16 inch tall
Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree$50 for small
Gardenia$75 for small
Ginseng Grafted Ficus$50 for small
Golden Gate Ficus$200 for small
Grafted Japanese White Pine$1,400 for 17-22 inches tall
Green Mound Juniper$100 for small
Harland Boxwood Bonsai$100 for small
Hawaiian Umbrella$75 for small
Jaboticaba$40 for small
Podocarpus$65 for small
Satsuki Azalea$75 for small
Variegated Chinese Elm Grove$300 for 16-20 inches tall



What are the extra costs?

If you order a bonsai tree online, additional shipping fees may apply, especially if you don’t meet the minimum purchase.

Tips to know:

As you can see from the table above, there are many varieties of Bonsai trees, ranging in heights from as little as two inches to several feet tall.  If a cheaper tree is purchased from China, they will often be grown from the cuttings and can be grown up to six feet tall in as little as three year.  Generally, when the trunks are thick enough, it will be chopped off and will be allowed to grow a few new branches.  Doing this is one of the fastest ways to grow a Bonsai tree; however, scars will be visible on the outside.

Juniper, ficus and cypress trees are good trees for those who are beginners.

The term “pre-bonsai” refers the stage when the tree is planted inside a pot at a nursery.

How can I save money?

Consider bonsai seeds instead of buying full grown trees.  Seeds will be much less expensive than grown bonsai trees.  For instance, BonsaiOutlet.com sells bonsai seeds that include a kit used for growing for $27.95.


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