Japanese Zelkova Bonsai Tree

A Living Symbol of Balance, Strength & Serenity

Bring timeless elegance and mindful beauty into your space with the Japanese Zelkova Bonsai Tree (Zelkova serrata). Celebrated for its delicate, serrated leaves and graceful branching structure, this bonsai is a true expression of harmony between nature and art. It’s an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned bonsai lovers looking to cultivate patience, balance, and tranquility.  Comes in our classic Zen Planter that has dimensions of 8.5" x 6" x 3".  

Native to Japan and East Asia, the Japanese Zelkova is often admired for its natural broom-style canopy, symbolizing unity, resilience, and growth. In Feng Shui, bonsai trees are believed to attract positive energy, encourage focus, and promote a sense of grounding—making this plant perfect for your home, office, or meditation space.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

• Beginner-Friendly Bonsai – Hardy and forgiving with proper care

• Symbol of Balance & Longevity – Represents strength, patience, and harmony

• Seasonal Beauty – Lush green foliage in spring and summer with beautiful autumn color

• Pet Friendly – Non-toxic to cats and dogs

• Living Art – Each tree is uniquely shaped and trained by nature

🌞 Bonsai Care Guide

Light:
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some gentle morning sun. For best results, place near a sunny window or in a well-lit room.

Water:
Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Proper drainage is essential.

Humidity:
Enjoys moderate humidity. Occasional misting is beneficial, especially in drier environments.

Temperature:
Prefers cooler indoor temperatures. Protect from extreme heat, cold drafts, and frost.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning is key to maintaining the Zelkova’s iconic shape. Trim new growth regularly during the growing season to encourage fine branching and a dense canopy. Wiring can be used carefully to guide branch direction, but always monitor to prevent damage.

Repot every 2–3 years in early spring using a well-draining bonsai soil mix to keep roots healthy and compact.

🌿 A Thoughtful Gift

Whether you’re gifting to a plant lover or starting your own bonsai journey, the Japanese Zelkova Bonsai Tree is a meaningful, long-lasting gift that grows more beautiful with time.

✨ Each bonsai is unique—shape, size, and character will vary, making your tree truly one of a kind.

🎍 Learn Bonsai with Us!

Ready to deepen your bonsai journey?
✨ Be on the lookout for our upcoming Bonsai Workshop!

🗓 November 12, 2026 at 6 PM
Join us for a hands-on, guided experience where you’ll learn bonsai care, pruning techniques, and styling tips from our experts.

👉 Register here:
https://www.verdantlyfe.com/collections/workshops/products/bonsai-workshop-november-12th-at-6-pm

Botanical Name

Zelkova serrata

Common Names

Japanese Zelkova Bonsai, Zelkova Bonsai Tree

Plant Type

Deciduous Bonsai Tree

Mature Size

Typically 8–12 inches tall when trained as bonsai; size varies by age and pruning

Sun Exposure

Bright, indirect light; can tolerate gentle morning sun

Soil Type

Well-draining bonsai soil mix

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry; do not allow to fully dry out

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity; occasional misting is beneficial

Bloom Time

Spring; flowers are small and inconspicuous

Flower Color

Greenish-yellow, not ornamental

Hardiness Zones

Zone 5–8 outdoors; commonly grown indoors as bonsai

Native Area

Japan, Korea, and East Asia

Toxicity

Pet Friendly; Non-Toxic to cats and dogs

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.