The ilex bonsai is another great beginner bonsai that’s both resilient and hardy yet beautiful and easy to grow! Other names include ilex crenata and ilex serrata both of which are native of Japan, Korea and Russia. The variety can be classed in the tropical/sub-tropical category and hence loves warmer humid climates. Northern Australia and Southern parts of the U.S are areas where this plant would do quite well.
As I’ve mentioned, this plant is terrific for beginners and therefore is similar in ease to look after as the varieties including ficus ginseng and the succulent crassula bonsai. Its typically an indoor plant but in warmer climates could flourish outdoors. The plant is well known for its beautiful green leaves and small flowers that produce shiny black berries. However, one important note here is that while children can eat one to two ilex bonsai berries without harm, an estimated consumption of 20 or so can cause illness or even death; as such eating ilex berries is a serious concern for children and pets. The bark, leaves, and seeds are indeed also toxic, so bear this in mind when purchasing such a plant!
Caring for your ilex bonsai is simple – if the plant is to be kept indoors keep near full sunlight or partial shade and water with a mist regularly. The mist, damp conditions will mirror the tropical condition’s required for this plant to flourish. Soil should be good quality and drain easily, so bear this in mind when re-potting every 1-2 years. Trimming roots should be done each re-pot. Branch trimming should also take place when necessary and this plant does handle a good pruning. There are some great photos online on just how much of a pruning this plant can handle.
