Meet Mark – The Heart Behind Tropical Expressions
In 1990, Mark and his wife took a leap of faith, leaving Europe to build a new life in Hamilton, Ontario. With little more than determination and a deep love for plants, they started Tropical Expressions from their basement, working tirelessly to grow their dream. Through hard work and the support of the Hamilton community, they turned that small business into what is now the city's most well-known bonsai and plant shop all while raising two sons.
Today, Tropical Expressions is Ontario’s largest supplier of bonsai trees, offering retail, wholesale, and online sales across Hamilton, Southern Ontario, and beyond. Whether you're searching for the perfect bonsai, a unique houseplant, or expert advice, Mark and his team are here to help. Their shop at 22 E 25th St, Hamilton is more than just a greenhouse, it’s a space where plant lovers can explore, learn, and bring a little piece of nature into their homes.
Despite decades in business, Mark still personally ensures that every tree and plant meets the highest quality standards. When he's not tending to the shop, you might find him training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Joslin’s Mixed Martial Arts, just down the street.
Visit our Hamilton storefront, shop online, or buy wholesale: premium bonsai and houseplants for every space.
Whether you're looking to bring home a bonsai tree, shop for houseplants, or need expert care advice, we’ve got you covered. Visit our Hamilton bonsai shop, browse online, or buy wholesale.
🌿 Visit Us
Step into Hamilton’s top bonsai and plant shop and explore a wide selection of bonsai trees, tropical plants, succulents, and air plants. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect plant for your home, office, or gift.
🛒 Shop Online
Can’t make it to the store? Our
online bonsai shop makes it easy to order high-quality bonsai trees, tropical plants, and accessories from anywhere in
Hamilton, Southern Ontario, and across Canada.
We are Ontario’s largest bonsai supplier, providing wholesale bonsai trees, house plants, and greenery to garden centers, retailers, and businesses across Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and USA. Contact us for bulk pricing and custom orders.
🌱 Plant Care
Need help with your bonsai tree or houseplant? We offer guidance on watering, pruning, light conditions, and pet-friendly plants. We’re here to help your plants thrive. Visit us in person or contact us online.
We get this question from students very often. The short answer is YES! Bonsai trees can thrive in a basement with proper care. Since natural light is limited, LED grow lights are essential to provide 12-16 hours of light daily. Maintain a stable temperature (60-75°F/15-24°C) and increase humidity with a humidifier or water tray. Use well-draining bonsai soil, water only when the soil is slightly dry, and fertilize during the growing season. Keep your bonsai away from drafts or heating vents. With the right setup, you can successfully grow a bonsai tree indoors, even in a basement!
The short answer: whenever they need it! Rather than sticking to a strict schedule, it's best to monitor their condition and adjust based on factors like light, humidity, and temperature.
Key Factors in Watering Air Plants:
Light Exposure: The more light they receive, the more water they need.
Air Circulation & Humidity: Dry environments require more frequent watering.
Plant Type & Size: Some air plants hold water better than others.
Signs Your Air Plant Needs Water:
Leaves curling inward or feeling dry and brittle.
A dull or faded appearance.
How to Water Air Plants:
1. Soak Method (Best for most air plants)
Submerge in room-temperature water for 20-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks.
Shake off excess water and let dry upside down to prevent rot.
2. Misting (For drier environments or between soaks)
Lightly mist 2-3 times a week, ensuring even coverage.
Avoid over-misting, as trapped moisture can cause rot.
Pro Tips:
✅ Always use non-chlorinated water (rainwater or filtered water is ideal).
✅ Increase watering in hot, dry months and reduce in cooler, humid conditions.
✅ If unsure, err on the side of underwatering. Air plants can tolerate dryness better than excess moisture.
By observing your air plant’s condition and adjusting accordingly, you'll keep it thriving! 🌿💦
Yes! Most indoor bonsai plants are pet safe for both cats and dogs. While some sources claim that bonsai trees are toxic to pets, this is generally not the case. However, certain species, such as azalea or jade bonsai, can be harmful if ingested, so it's always best to double-check with us before bringing a new plant into a pet-friendly home.
If you're looking for cat and dog friendly bonsai trees, we’re happy to help! Visit us or send us a message, and we’ll make sure you get the perfect bonsai for your space.
e don’t offer in-person classes because we’re too busy during business hours, but we’ve got you covered! We offer bonsai courses online through Udemy, so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere. Check out our Bonsai for Beginners course here: 🌿 Bonsai for Beginners – Udemy Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—we’re always happy to help!
If you're new to bonsai care, we recommend starting with a hardy, low-maintenance tree like a Ficus, Juniper, or Chinese Elm. These species are forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for beginners learning bonsai pruning, watering, and styling. Browse our collection of beginner-friendly bonsai trees and find the perfect one to start your journey!
Yes! Bonsai trees need well-draining soil to keep their roots healthy and prevent overwatering. Our premium bonsai soil mix is designed to provide the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration. If you're serious about growing a thriving bonsai, using the right soil is essential.
Bonsai care involves proper watering, pruning, repotting, and sunlight exposure. It may seem tricky at first, but with the right tools and guidance, anyone can master it! We offer bonsai care kits and online guides to help you every step of the way.
If you're looking for easy-to-care-for indoor plants, we recommend snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, and peace lilies. These plants thrive in various lighting conditions and require minimal watering, making them perfect for beginners or busy plant lovers.
During colder months, plants need extra care to stay healthy. We recommend using grow lights, humidifiers, and well-draining soil to prevent stress and keep them thriving. Our greenhouse carries everything you need to winter-proof your plants!
MON-FRI 10:00AM - 5:00PM
SAT: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
SUN: CLOSED
(905) 387-3330
22 East 25th St. Hamilton, ON, L8V3A1
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