Bonsai tree cultivation has been a Japanese tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Translating literally to “tray planting,” growing a bonsai tree involves actively working to shape a tree into a dwarfed, artistic version of itself.  A bonsai tree is not a special dwarf or hybrid species of a common tree; they’re genetically the same as their much bigger brothers and sisters.  It’s the careful cultivation that keeps these trees miniture is size.  However, the trees are not sick or damaged.  In fact, given the proper attention, the dwarfed version of a tree can live longer than the same tree if it was allowed to grow in the wild.

Bonsai trees can either be grown from seeds or from cuttings of trees, and they usually range from two inches to three feet in height.  They are kept miniture through pruning both branches and roots.  They’re also repotted periodically, and new growth is frequently pinched off. 

Cultivating bonsai trees is actually as much about art as it is about horticulture.  Bonsai trees are not only kept small, they are also shaped into pleasing forms.  They often follow a number of different growth patterns, from simple triangles to waterfall shapes cascading down over their pots.  The shapes are normally a result of both the pruning of the tree and through the wrapping the branches and trunk with wire, shaping the tree into its desired form.  The pots themselves are part of the art as well, chosen to compliment the shape and color of the tree itself.  Rocks and mosses are frequently added to the base for aesthetic appeal. 

Cultivating a bonsai tree is more complicated than cultivating most houseplants.  Since the bonsai has has a smaller root system than most plants, it needs fertilizer and water more frequently than the majority of garden-variety houseplants.  Pruining is also essential occasionally, since without pruning the bonsai tree would grow into just a normal big tree.  Also, if wire is used to help mold and form the tree, it is important to take care that the wire doesn’t dig into the bark of the tree, scarring the branches permanently.  Depending on the type of bonsai tree and your climate, you may be able to keep some bonsai trees outside year round, while others will need to be kept inside for at least part of the year.  Moisture is also important, not only in the soil but in the branches and leaves of the bonsai.  They need to be misted occasionally for the bonsai to remain healthy.