Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Bonsai
• Method 2 of 4: Keeping Bonsai Healthy
• Method 3 of 4: Bonsai Formation
• Method 4 of 4: Demonstrating Bonsai
• Tips

Bonsai is an art that has been practiced in Asia for centuries. Bonsai are grown from the same seeds as life-size trees. They are grown in small containers, cut and shaped so that they remain small and graceful. Learn how to grow a bonsai tree, study it in one of the traditional bonsai styles, and take care of it to keep it healthy for many years.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Bonsai

1. 1 Select the type of tree. When choosing the type of tree to grow, you need to be sure that the environment in your area is suitable for keeping it. The climate in the region and the home environment should be considered when choosing a tree. Just in case, choose a species that is native to your area.
   • Deciduous species such as Chinese or Japanese elms, magnolias, oaks and apple trees are a good choice if you want to grow bonsai outdoors. Just make sure the species you choose can grow to full size in your area.
   • If you prefer conifers, junipers, pines, spruces or cedars are excellent choices.
   • If you want to grow your tree indoors (or if you live in hot climates), consider tropical species. Jade, snow rose and olive trees can be grown as bonsai.
2. 2 Decide whether to plant the tree from seed. Planting bonsai from seed is a slow, enjoyable process. If you plant a tree, you will have time to allow it to take root and gain strength before you start pruning and shaping. Depending on the type of tree you have planted, this can take up to five years. Many find the extra effort and patience worth it, as seeds are inexpensive and the grower can control the tree at every stage of growth. To grow bonsai from seeds, follow these steps:
   • Buy a bag of bonsai seeds. Soak them overnight before planting. The soil should be well-drained and with the correct nutrient composition for the selected tree. Plant the tree in a planting container (as opposed to a ceramic display container, which is used only once, when the tree is grown and matured).
   • Give the planted tree the required amount of sun, water and a constant temperature, which is separately set for different tree species.
   • Give the tree a chance to grow strong and strong before starting to form.
3. 3 Consider foraging bonsai. This method of harvesting bonsai is highly regarded as caring for the bonsai you find in the wild requires a lot of skill and knowledge. If you like a collectible tree that started growing in nature, consider the following factors:
   • Select a tree that is young enough with a sturdy trunk. Old trees do not adapt in a container.
   • Choose a tree with roots that spread evenly in all directions, rather than growing sideways or intertwining with the roots of other trees.
   • Dig a hole around the tree and take as much soil and roots as possible. This will prevent the tree from dying from shock when it is moved to the container.
   • Plant the tree in a large planting container. Take care of it according to the needs of the particular species. Wait about a year for the roots to get used to the container before starting to form.
4. 4 Choose among trees that have already been partially formed. This is the easiest way to get started with bonsai art, but also the most expensive. Bonsai, which have been grown from seed and partially formed, take a lot of time and care, so they tend to be quite expensive. To buy bonsai, look online, at local nurseries, bonsai stores.
   • If you are buying a partially formed bonsai from a store, talk to someone who knows specifically about your needs.
   • When you bring your bonsai home, before you start working with it, give it a few weeks to get used to the new environment.

Method 2 of 4: Keeping Bonsai Healthy

1. 1 Pay attention to the seasons. Bonsai, like all trees and plants, respond to the changing seasons. If you keep the bonsai outside, then it will have a stronger reaction to changes in temperature, sunlight and rainfall in the region. In some regions there are four seasons, while in others, seasonal changes are subtle. In any case, you need to understand how trees react to the seasons in your area, and let this information tell you how to properly care for bonsai.
   • During the winter, trees are dormant, they do not grow leaves and they do not grow on their own, so they do not need a lot of nutrients. During this time, watering is all the bonsai needs. Avoid heavy pruning, as the tree will not be able to regain its depleted nutrients until spring.
   • In the spring, trees begin to use the nutrients they have stored during the winter in order to grow new leaves and grow on their own.Since the tree is in development during this time of year, this is a good time to replant the plant (adding extra nutrients to the soil) and start pruning.
   • Trees continue to grow throughout the summer with the help of stored nutrients. Be sure to water them abundantly during this time period.
   • In the fall, tree growth slows down and nutrients begin to accumulate again. This is a good time for pruning and replanting.
2. 2 Give the tree sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Place it outdoors in direct sunlight in the morning and in a shady place in the afternoon. This rule applies to most bonsai, but not all, so make sure you know that your tree needs different combinations of sun and shade. Some may try to move the bonsai indoors / outdoors every day, so if the tree is indoors next to a window, be sure to rotate it 90 degrees every few days so that all the foliage on the tree can receive an equal amount of light.
3. 3 Protect the tree from extreme temperatures. It is normal for a tree to spend most of its time outdoors during the summer. When the temperature drops below 5 degrees, bring the bonsai indoors overnight. When preparing for winter, help the tree acclimate to the indoor environment. Bring him indoors for several hours, increasing the time he spends inside every day, until you move him completely.
4. 4 Provide fertilizing and watering. Fertilize the tree with a special fertilizer to keep the bonsai trees healthy. Do not let the soil dry out. When the soil looks dusty, water the bonsai. A little water every day is the best way to keep the tree from drying out and avoid over-watering.

Method 3 of 4: Bonsai Formation

1. 1 Decide on the style. There are several traditional styles to choose from for wood. Some are meant to resemble a tree in nature, while others are more stylistic. There are a variety of bonsai styles to choose from. Some of the most popular are:
   • Sokan... This is a formal vertical form; imagine a tree growing, sturdy and with straight branches that extend evenly around it.
   • Moegi... This is an informal vertical shape, the tree is more naturally inclined rather than growing straight up.
   • Shakan... It is an oblique shape - the tree looks as if the wind tilted it.
   • Bundzings... This is a literary style. The trunk is often long and curved, with minimal branches.
2. 2 Form the trunk and branches. Bend the trunk and branches gently in the direction you want them to grow. Wrap copper wire around the trunk and branches to start shaping them into a specific shape. Use thicker wire at the bottom of the trunk and thinner wire on the branches.
   • Wrap the wire at a 45 degree angle using one hand to keep the tree stable while you work.
   • Trees have different needs to be wrapped with wire, depending on the time of year and whether or not they will be replanted.
   • Do not wrap the wire too tight, it will bite into the wood and damage it.
   • Over time, the tree grows and begins to take the shape you gave it. You will have to change the wire on the tree and keep shaping it until it holds its shape without the help of the wire.
   • During the formation period, the tree must remain in the planting container.
3. 3 Cut and trim the tree. Use a small strategic pruning tool to help the tree grow in a specific way. Each time you prune, it stimulates growth on a different part of the tree. Knowing where to prune and how often is part of the art of bonsai, and it takes a lot of practice to know how to prune.
   • Prune during times of the year when the tree has a lot of nutrients, such as spring or fall.
   • Over-pruning can damage the tree, so be careful not to trim too much.

Method 4 of 4: Demonstrating Bonsai

1. 1 Move the tree to the demo container. When you think that the tree has reached the desired shape, it's time to move it out of the planting container. Beautiful ceramic and wooden containers are the best way to display bonsai. Pick one to complement the bonsai style you have created. Be sure to repot very carefully to avoid damaging the roots, and use a container large enough to hold enough soil (and nutrients) to keep the tree healthy.
2. 2 Try adding other details to the container. While bonsai should be the star of the show, adding a few extra elements can add beauty to the bonsai. Rocks, shells and tiny plants can be used to make the tree look like it is part of a forest or seaside.
   • Make sure rocks and other objects are not pressing against the roots.
   • Adding moss is a great way to create an intriguing demo.
3. 3 Set up the bonsai on the display stand. A beautiful bonsai deserves to be displayed like any other piece of art. Choose a wooden or metal display rack and place it against an empty wall for the bonsai to stand out. It is a great idea to place it next to a window, as the bonsai will need sunlight during the exhibition. Keep watering, fertilizing, and caring for your bonsai and your artwork will live for years.

Tips

• Pruning is what makes a bonsai small. Otherwise, it will not fit in the container.