Growing bonsai trees is a form of art originally started in China many centuries ago. The Japanese later took to heart this art form and did much to take it to a whole new level.

Caring for bonsai is as an art form is a method of growing tiny, miniature trees in pots or containers. Growing Japanese bonsai trees has become a very popular and profitable hobby for many all over the world.

Similar methods of planting are also found in other cultures such as the “penjing” from China and “hon non bo” which are tiny landscapes from Vietnam. Dating back for thousands of years, growing bonsai has evolved into having its own terminology and aesthetics.

The term “bonsai” is actually the way the Japanese pronounced “penzai” of China. Tray pots that are usually used in the culture of bonsai are called “bone.” Bonsai is thus a term that encompasses all tiny trees found in pots.

Traditionally, Japanese bonsai trees were created for viewers to contemplate and for the creators to go through the peaceful methods of growing. Unlike other species of plants grown for medicine, food or landscaping, bonsais are created purely for decorative and aesthetic purposes.

The first thing you need when creating a bonsai is to get a source specimen. This can be a seedling or a cutting of a species of tiny trees that are suited for developing into a bonsai plant.

Japanese bonsai trees can be made from almost any shrub species or any perennial woody-stem trees. Do a little research to find what species make the best trees or take with someone who grows or sales bonsai in your area and get some tips.

The specimen taken from the source is then pruned to keep it small and meet the standards of beauty that bonsais are known for. When the specimen is large enough it can be transferred to a ceramic pot made just for bonsai growers.

As soon as the plant is transferred to the pot, its growth becomes limited by the environment of the pot. Many times each year, Japanese bonsai trees need to be pinched and pruned to shape its foliage and encourage growth in areas that need it, meeting the planned design of the artist.

Many times growing bonsia is confused with another plant technique called “dwarfing.” Dwarfing is actually creating genetically dwarfed versions of original trees, rather than the growth of small trees from existing seed and stocks.

The techniques involved in bonsai growing include grafting in a such a manner that small trees mimick the style and shape of a full grown mature tree. This is accomplished by defoliation, potting, root reduction and pruning.

When caring for Japanese bonsai trees, specialized care is required. Typically, bonsais are less than twenty five centimeters tall and are between two to ten liters in volume. There must be regular watering for the bonsai’s soil to remain moist. There is regular repotting according to the age and root growth of the tree.

Tools need to be used for all the specialized maintenance requirements of your Japanese bonsai trees. Aside from this, fertilization and soil composition needs to meet all the specific needs of each bonsai species. Generally, soil is a fast draining, loose mix of varied components.

It is always a good idea to find and follow instructions of the particular species you are growing.