Growing Bonsai TressThe term bonsai literally means plant in a pot or tray planting. Bonsai however is much more than simply a plant in a pot. The goal of bonsai is to create the appearance of great size and age. This is accomplished by creating a bonsai with strong roots that extend in all directions, creating a sense of stability, a large trunk which tapers as it goes upward, a clear apex, and well formed and well placed branches. These features all combine to create a careful blend of symmetry, balance and proportion. It also must be displayed in a pot which harmonizes well with the plant material.Bonsai is the art of growing trees in a confined space to simulate certain environmental conditions such as great age, extreme weathering, twisted or contorted form, landscape, or other factors. Bonsai trees are modeled on and take inspiration from nature. The idea of bonsai is to recreate some of nature's most stunning and beautiful effects on trees which are reduced in scale. When undertaking bonsai, you are beginning an experience that will expand your horizons in countless ways. You may find a new sense of appreciation for nature; you may start looking at trees, bushes and shrubs differently. You will certainly find yourself looking around all the "worst parts" of your local nurseries where they keep the plants that most people wouldn't look twice at. How the art of bonsai will change you is as unpredictable as nature itself, but be assured of one thing: Bonsai will change the way that you look at things. Contents Introduction 3 Bonsai History 5 Bonsai Styles 9 Formal Upright 10 Informal Upright 11 Slanting 12 Cascade 13 Semi-Cascade 15 Growing Indoors or Outdoors 15 Bonsai Tool Box 17 Grow From Seeds or Buy Trees? 19 Trees Best Suited For Bonsai 21 What to Look For In Your Tree 27 Planting the Bonsai 30 Pruning and Trimming 32 Wiring 35 When to Wire 39 Watering and Fertilizing 41 Repotting the Bonsai 42 Seasonal Care 45 Displaying Your Bonsai 49 General Tips 50 Conclusion 52