If you want to add an interesting and different type of indoor bonsai tree to your collection, take a look at the Madagascar Tree. This tree goes by a number of different names, including the Elephant Tree, the Jabily, or the operculicarya decaryi. It looks similar to a cashew—in fact, the two trees are relatives—but it doesn’t grow nearly as tall. For a bonsai, it has a very thick trunk, something few other bonsai trees feature. The bonsai features dark, shiny, and very fine, small leaves. For a bonsai, the Madagascar tree gets quite large—three foot or so.

As with all indoor bonsai trees, the Madagascar Tree needs to be kept in a warm, humid environment. It can handle some cooler temperatures for short moments, but it really is much happier being warm. It needs light, but don’t put it in direct sunlight if you can help it. When it comes to watering your Madagascar Tree, keep the soil moist but not too wet. One good way to tell if there’s enough water is to stick a small stick down into the pot. If you don’t see any moisture on the stick after pulling it out, your bonsai is too dry.