Cultivating Your Bonsai

Bonsai is known as the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees by growing them in containers or pots. And bonsai growing is fast becoming a popular hobby these days as a form of relaxation and stress reducer. Here are the basics in turning your small tree into a work of art.

Prepare the pot.
Choose your tree. If you are new to this, you can start with a ficus tree, an indoor tree that is very easy to grow. After selection, trim the roots of the tree and anchor it into the pot using wire and soil.

Wire the tree.
Floral wire or aluminum wire can be used in this process. Twist the wire around the branches, including the main trunk. Then gently bend the wired branch to the desired direction you want them to grow into.

Pruning.
Prune your bonsai once a year, minimum. Start pruning the top of the tree until the outer shape of the tree stands out and provides a silhouette.

Keeping your tree small.
To keep your tree looking like a miniature, cut the roots and put the tree back into it's same container. Do this depending on the speed of growth of the tree. Every two to five years is an ideal timeframe.

Constant attention and care.
Constant care should be showered upon your bonsai. Bend the wired branches to your desired shape or direction, and add wire to any new branch that has grown. Do not neglect your bonsai as the tree depends upon you for it's survival and demands needs and care from you.

Watering.
Take care not to over-water your bonsai. Water is needed only when the soil is dry, and give it just enough for the soil to be moistened.

These are just basic tips for growing a bonsai, and following these basic steps carefully and showering your bonsai with attention as well as affection are enough for your bonsai to last for years, even for generations.