How to Grow a Bonsai Tree

Bonsai are small, ornamental trees that are grown in miniature containers. This art form dates back centuries and is enjoyed by people worldwide. In fact, a recent South African study found that Bonsai cultivation leads to feelings of peace and harmony.

Bonsai tree require a lot of attention and patience, but they are also very beginner friendly. Unlike other houseplants, Bonsai trees grow slower and are incredibly forgiving of mistakes. In addition, they can live for decades or even centuries. In some cases, the oldest Bonsai in existence have been displayed for hundreds of years.

The first step in growing a Bonsai tree is selecting a suitable species. Ideally, you should select a tree that is native to your area or a sub-tropical one that does well indoors. This way, the plant will be less likely to be damaged or killed by frost or a cold winter.

Next, you should prepare your Bonsai’s container and soil. The soil should be free-draining and contain a good mix of nutrients. Eric Schrader, a San Francisco-based expert, recommends a popular mix of one-third pumice, one-third scoria (lava rock) and one-third akadama (a claylike particle mined in Japan).

Finally, you will need to prune your Bonsai. This can be accomplished by pruning branches and removing flowers and leaves. When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools.

After pruning, you will need to create your Bonsai’s style. There are 15 different styles that trees can be trained into, but don’t feel constrained to fit your tree into a particular category. Some trees will naturally want to be something else, and it’s important to listen to them.