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Hollywood Bonsai – Guaiacum Sanctum (Lignum Vitae)

Intermediate

☀️ Light: Full sun to partial shade; thrives with several hours of direct sunlight daily. Provide some afternoon shade during extreme South Florida heat, especially when young.

💧 Water: Water regularly while establishing, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged soil.

🌡️ Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; well suited to warm, tropical climates with good airflow.

🌡️ Temperature: 70 to 90°F; thrives in warm weather. Protect young trees from cold snaps and frost.

🌱 Soil: Well draining soil, preferably sandy or limestone based, with good drainage. Avoid heavy, consistently wet soil.

🌿 Growth: A beautiful, slow growing tropical evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and parts of South Florida. Known for its dense wood, glossy green leaves, striking blue to purple flowers, and orange yellow fruit. Its naturally sculptural branching and compact growth make it a wonderful choice for bonsai styling.

✨ Mature Size: Can reach 10 to 30 feet or more in nature, but is typically maintained at 6 to 24 inches tall as a bonsai through pruning and training.

🐾 Pet Friendly: ⚠️ Non-Toxic to Pets

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Details

Hollywood Bonsai – Guaiacum Sanctum (Lignum Vitae)
A true star in miniature form, the Hollywood Bonsai—crafted from Guaiacum Sanctum, also known as Lignum Vitae—is both a conversation piece and a symbol of enduring beauty. Known as one of the hardest and heaviest woods in the world, Lignum Vitae means “Tree of Life,” celebrated for its slow growth, dense foliage, and stunning structure.  

Available in: 

  • Valentina Terracotta Pot (approx 6") - a beautiful molded terracotta pot that is porous and fire-glazed to allow plant roots to breathe; color works well with any decor and will develop a beautiful patina color over time. Includes matching dish underneath to catch water drainage and protect surfaces. 

This bonsai thrives in full sun to partial shade, loves warm, humid conditions, and is best suited for USDA Zones 10–11. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch feels dry—avoid overwatering. Its compact size and sculptural form make it perfect for indoor display with access to natural light or a grow light.

✨ Pet safety: Guaiacum Sanctum is considered non-toxic to pets, though it's always wise to keep bonsai trees out of nibbling range due to delicate wiring and pruning needs.
🌿 Whether you’re a bonsai beginner or an experienced collector, this tree brings elegance, patience, and timeless charm to your home or garden.

Plant Care

Botanical Name
Guaiacum sanctum
Common Names
Lignum Vitae, Tree of Life, Hollywood Bonsai
Plant Type
Tropical Evergreen Bonsai
Mature Size
Can reach 1–2 feet in bonsai form
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type
Well-draining bonsai or cactus soil
Watering
Water when top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering
Humidity
Prefers warm, humid environments
Bloom Time
Spring to early summer
Flower Color
Bright blue to purplish-blue flowers
Hardiness Zones
Zone 10-11
Native Area
Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America
Toxicity
Pet Friendly; Non-Toxic to cats and dogs

Shipping & Return

Plants ship from our location in Florida and arrive nationwide within 5-8 business days. All our plants ship exclusively with UPS to ensure they arrive timely and in good condition. For those users in Florida, George, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, shipping may be faster. Estimated shipping dates can be seen in checkout. Plant exclusions may apply.

We monitor the weather in each destination location to maximize the shipping time and utilize thermal protection to ensure that the plant is protected. You can add a heatpack or thermal bag to your order if temperatures at night fall below 40 degrees.

You can visit our shipping policy to learn more.

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